LEMON BALM - MELISSA OFFICINALIS

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This monograph is intended to serve as a guide to industry for the preparation of Product Licence Applications (PLAs) and labels for natural health product market authorization. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of the medicinal ingredient.

Notes

Date

July 1, 2019

Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source material(s)

Table 1. Proper name(s), Common name(s), Source material(s)
Proper name(s) Common name(s) Source material(s)
Proper name(s) Part(s) Preparation

Melissa officinalis

  • Balm
  • Bee balm
  • Lemon balm
  • Melissa

Melissa officinalis

Herb top

Dried

References: Proper name: USDA 2019; Common names: USDA 2019; Source material: EMA 2014.

Route of Administration

Oral

Dosage Form(s)

This monograph excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of Monographs Guidance Document.

Acceptable dosage forms for any age category listed in this monograph for the specified route of administration are listed in the Compendium of Monographs Guidance Document.

Use(s) or Purpose(s)

Note
Claims for traditional use must include the term "Herbal Medicine", "Traditional Chinese Medicine", or "Ayurveda".

Dose(s)

Subpopulation(s)

Adolescents 12 to 17 years and Adults 18 years and older (EMA 2014)

Quantity(ies)

Methods of preparation: Dry, Powder, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Infusion)

0.4 - 13.5 grams of dried herb top, per day (EMA 2014)

Direction(s) for use

No statement required.

Duration(s) of Use

No statement required.

Risk Information

Caution(s) and warning(s)

Sleep aid

Consult a health care practitioner/health care provider/health care professional/doctor/physician if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 4 weeks (chronic insomnia) (Berardi et al. 2002; Dipiro et al. 2002).

All uses

Contraindication(s)

No statement required.

Known adverse reaction(s)

Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness (EMA 2014).

Non-medicinal ingredients

Must be chosen from the current Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID) and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.

Storage conditions

No statement required.

Specifications

References Cited