Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima vs Lemon Balm Toronjil

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima

Melissa altissima

Nervine

Lemon Balm Toronjil

Melissa officinalis (tropical)

Nervine

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Melissa officinalis subsp. altissima

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lemon Balm Toronjil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Tall subspecies of lemon balm from the Mediterranean, similar properties to common lemon balm but larger.

Tropical variety of lemon balm naturalized in Latin America and used in Mexican and Caribbean folk medicine for anxiety, digestive complaints, and fever.

Active Compounds

rosmarinic acid, luteolins, apigenin, citral, linalool

rosmarinic acid, citral, geraniol, luteolin, apigenin

Traditional Uses

Traditional Mediterranean sedative and digestive herb, Used for anxiety and insomnia in Southern European folk medicine

Anxiety, Digestive complaints, Fever, Heart palpitations

Modern Uses

Anxiety relief, Insomnia aid, Digestive support, Antiviral activity

Anxiolytic activity, Antispasmodic effects, Antiviral properties, Sedative action

Adult Dosage

Tea: 1-2 tsp per cup 3x/day

Herb tea: 2-3 cups daily; 1-2ml tincture 3x daily

Contraindications

Hypothyroidism, Pregnancy in high doses

Hypothyroidism high doses, Sedative medications additive

Side Effects

Mild sedation, Thyroid suppression

Drowsiness, Mild GI effects, Thyroid effects with very high doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E

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