Is Lemon Balm compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Lemon Balm?

Lemon Balm

October 15, 2014 (Very Low Risk)

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.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Balm
  • Balm Mint
  • Honeyplant
  • Melissa officinalis-toronjil-balsamita
  • Мелисса Лекарственная

Drug trade names

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. 2014Abstract
  2. Kennedy DA, Lupattelli A, Koren G, Nordeng H. Herbal medicine use in pregnancy: results of a multinational study. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013Abstract 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. 2011Abstract
  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. 2005Abstract
  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. 2005Abstract
  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)