Nardus Indica vs Lemon Balm Toronjil

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Nardus Indica

Nardostachys grandiflora

Nervine

Lemon Balm Toronjil

Melissa officinalis (tropical)

Nervine

⚠️ Pregnancy & Nursing Warnings

Nardus Indica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Lemon Balm Toronjil

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

✅ Generally safe while nursing

Description

Himalayan herb closely related to jatamansi; used in Ayurveda, Unani, and historically as the biblical anointing oil spikenard.

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

nardosinone, nardostachone, jatamansone, atchewal, valeranone

rosmarinic acid, citral, geraniol, luteolin, apigenin

Traditional Uses

Perfumery and sacred anointing oil historically, Nervous system tonic, Heart conditions, Sedative for anxiety

Anxiety, Digestive complaints, Fever, Heart palpitations

Modern Uses

Anxiolytic, Sedative, Cardiac tonic, Antifungal

Anxiolytic activity, Antispasmodic effects, Antiviral properties, Sedative action

Adult Dosage

1–2 drops essential oil in aromatherapy; 250–500 mg powder

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

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Concurrent sedatives

Hypothyroidism high doses, Sedative medications additive

Side Effects

Sedation, GI upset, Critically endangered — overharvesting concern

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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