Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a traditional herb known for its gentle, calming properties that has been used for centuries to support the nervous and digestive systems. Parents often seek it out for children experiencing mild restlessness, sleep issues, or occasional digestive upset. The primary concern is understanding whether this herb is appropriate for pediatric use and under what conditions it can be safely administered. While lemon balm has a long history of traditional use, scientific data regarding its safety and dosing in children is more limited than for adults. This article explores lemon balm’s safety profile, practical guidance on preparation and dosing, and signs of adverse reactions or interactions parents should monitor.
General Safety Profile for Pediatric Use
Lemon balm is generally considered safe for consumption in amounts typically found in food, holding a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States for use in baked goods up to a maximum level of 0.5%. This status suggests a low risk when consumed in moderate, food-like quantities.
The herb’s traditional use in pediatric medicine spans back centuries, with historical applications for conditions like infantile colic, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Research has specifically investigated its use in children, sometimes in combination with other herbs like valerian root, demonstrating positive results for restlessness and improved sleep quality in children under 12.
Despite this history and some positive clinical findings, organizations like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) do not recommend its medicinal use in children younger than 12 due to a lack of comprehensive, standardized data. Lemon balm is possibly safe when taken orally by children for a short duration, such as about one month.
Forms, Preparation, and Age-Appropriate Dosing
The form in which lemon balm is given is a significant consideration for pediatric use, with teas and glycerite-based extracts being the most common and safest options. A mild tea, prepared by steeping dried lemon balm leaves in hot water, is a gentle delivery method often recommended for children. For teas, a common guideline is to steep about one tablespoon of dried herb in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes, and a child may be given a quarter to a full cup as often as needed.
Alcohol-based tinctures should generally be avoided for young children due to the presence of ethanol, leading many parents and herbalists to prefer glycerite tinctures, which use vegetable glycerin as a solvent. These glycerite extracts are often formulated specifically for children and are more palatable due to their sweet taste.
Dosing for any concentrated extract must be approached conservatively and is typically weight-dependent, being significantly lower than adult doses. For commercially prepared children’s glycerites, a manufacturer’s suggested dose might range from 5 to 10 drops for children under 25 pounds, increasing to 15 to 20 drops for children between 50 and 75 pounds, administered up to three times daily. Standardized pediatric dosing is not established, meaning professional advice is necessary. Consulting a qualified healthcare provider, such as a pediatrician or a certified herbalist, is the only way to determine a safe and appropriate dose for an individual child.
Identifying Adverse Reactions and Interactions
Though lemon balm is generally well-tolerated, parents should be aware of potential adverse reactions, which are usually mild and related to digestive upset. Common side effects reported in adults and theoretically possible in children include nausea, dizziness, increased appetite, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating or gas. Topical application, such as using a diluted oil or cream for cold sores, may also cause localized skin irritation or a rash, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin or a known allergy to the mint family (Lamiaceae).
A more serious concern involves potential interactions with certain medications. Lemon balm may interact with sedative medications, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter sleep aids, by potentially increasing drowsiness and slowing breathing. The herb might also interfere with thyroid function, as it appears to decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone replacement therapy.
If a child is scheduled for surgery, lemon balm use should be discontinued at least two weeks prior, as it can increase the sedative effects of anesthesia. Parents should immediately discontinue use and seek medical attention if a child experiences signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or widespread hives.