Chamomile or lemon balm? Choosing an evening tea
Chamomile and lemon balm are the best-known calming teas drunk in the evening. Both are accepted in Europe for traditional use in mild complaints.
Side by side
| Chamomile | Lemon balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Latin name | Matricaria chamomilla | Melissa officinalis |
| Family | Asteraceae | Lamiaceae |
| Region | Anatolia and the Mediterranean, Andes | Anatolia and the Mediterranean |
| Part used | Flower heads | Leaves |
| Use | Healing | Healing |
| Scientific evidence | Limited | Limited |
| Safety | Generally safe | Generally safe |
| Legal status in Türkiye | No specific restriction | No specific restriction |
Key differences
- Chamomile is recognised for mild digestive complaints, mouth and throat inflammation and skin irritation; lemon balm for mild stress and sleep problems.
- Small studies on anxiety are positive for both, but the evidence is limited.
- People allergic to the daisy family should avoid chamomile. Lemon balm needs care in people taking thyroid medication.
Which one, when?
For restlessness that comes with an upset stomach, chamomile; for the evening after a stressful day, lemon balm. They can also be steeped together.
Details
The full evidence, safety notes, drug interactions and sources are on each plant’s own page: