Last update: Oct. 15, 2014

Lemon Balm

Very Low Risk for breastfeeding


Safe. Compatible.
Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

At latest update, relevant information on excretion into breast milk was not found.

Herb which is widely used by many cultures even to treat infant's colicky pain. Since it is non toxic at appropriate dose, a moderate and occasional consumption is believed to be compatible while breastfeeding.

Topical use is compatible while breastfeeding. Do not use on the breast, otherwise, do it after feeding the baby and cleanse thoroughly the surface before the next one.

Leaves of plant are used. It contains essential oils (Citronella, Geraniol), flavonoids and tannins.

Properties traditionally attributed but unproven are: antispasmodic, sedative, carminative and antiviral effects. It is used for relief of anxiety, insomnia, flatulence, abdominal spasms and topically to treat Herpes simplex.

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Lemon Balm since it is relatively safe.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

Your contribution is essential for this service to continue to exist. We need the generosity of people like you who believe in the benefits of breastfeeding.

Thank you for helping to protect and promote breastfeeding.

José María Paricio, founder of e-lactancia.
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Other names

Lemon Balm is also known as


Groups

Lemon Balm belongs to these groups or families:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Lemon Balm in its composition:

List of 11 tradenames

References

  1. Astani A, Heidary Navid M, Schnitzler P. Attachment and Penetration of Acyclovir-resistant Herpes Simplex Virus are Inhibited by Melissa officinalis Extract. Phytother Res. 2014 Abstract
  2. Kennedy DA, Lupattelli A, Koren G, Nordeng H. Herbal medicine use in pregnancy: results of a multinational study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products. Community herbal monograph on Melissa officinalis L., folium. EMA 2013 Full text (in our servers)
  4. Vargas Corrales, Verónica. Elaboración de té aromático a base de plantas cedrón (aloysia citrodora) y toronjil (mellisa officinalis) procesado con stevia (stevia rebaudiana bertoni) endulzante natural, utilizando el método de deshidratación. Tesis doctoral. Universidad Técnica de Cotopaxi. 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Hassanzadeh G, Pasbakhsh P, Akbari M, Shokri S, Ghahremani M, Amin G, Kashani I, Azami Tameh A. Neuroprotective properties of melissa officinalis L. Extract against ecstasy-induced neurotoxicity. Cell J. 2011 Abstract
  6. WHO. World Health Organization. WHO monographs on medicinal plants commonly used in the Newly Independent States (NIS). WHO monographs. 2010 Full text (in our servers)
  7. [No authors listed] Management of insomnia: a place for traditional herbal remedies. Prescrire Int. 2005 Abstract
  8. Savino F, Cresi F, Castagno E, Silvestro L, Oggero R. A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a standardized extract of Matricariae recutita, Foeniculum vulgare and Melissa officinalis (ColiMil) in the treatment of breastfed colicky infants. Phytother Res. 2005 Abstract
  9. WHO. World Health Organization. Geneva. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 2. WHO monographs. 1999 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)

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