Melissa officinalis var. citrina vs Lemon Balm Toronjil

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Melissa officinalis var. citrina

Melissa citrina

Nervine

Lemon Balm Toronjil

Melissa officinalis (tropical)

Nervine

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Melissa officinalis var. citrina

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lemon Balm Toronjil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Citrus-scented variety of lemon balm with stronger citral content, particularly used in aromatherapy.

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

citral, linalool, rosmarinic acid, flavonoids, nerol

rosmarinic acid, citral, geraniol, luteolin, apigenin

Traditional Uses

Traditional Mediterranean calming herb, Used in aromatherapy for anxiety and cognitive support

Anxiety, Digestive complaints, Fever, Heart palpitations

Modern Uses

Aromatherapy relaxation, Anti-anxiety action, Antiviral properties, Cognitive support

Anxiolytic activity, Antispasmodic effects, Antiviral properties, Sedative action

Adult Dosage

Tea: 1-2 tsp per cup 3x/day; Essential oil diluted for aromatherapy

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

Contraindications

Hypothyroidism, Concurrent sedatives

Hypothyroidism high doses, Sedative medications additive

Side Effects

Thyroid suppression, Mild sedation

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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