Melissa Romana vs Lemon Balm Toronjil

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Melissa Romana

Melissa officinalis var. altissima

Nervine

Lemon Balm Toronjil

Melissa officinalis (tropical)

Nervine

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Melissa Romana

✅ Generally safe in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Lemon Balm Toronjil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Taller southern European lemon balm variety with higher rosmarinic acid content used in folk medicine for thyroid and nervous conditions.

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, luteolin, apigenin, citronellal

rosmarinic acid, citral, geraniol, luteolin, apigenin

Traditional Uses

thyroid calming in European folk medicine, anxiety and insomnia treatment, antiviral cold sore remedy

Anxiety, Digestive complaints, Fever, Heart palpitations

Modern Uses

anxiolytic, antiviral, thyroid modulating

Anxiolytic activity, Antispasmodic effects, Antiviral properties, Sedative action

Adult Dosage

3-6g dried herb as tea or 3-5ml tincture

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

Contraindications

thyroid disorders - inhibits TSH, sedative medications

Hypothyroidism high doses, Sedative medications additive

Side Effects

mild drowsiness

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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