Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Lemon Balm wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
50-100mg for sleep; 150-300mg for mood
For sleep: 30-45 minutes before bed, For mood: 2-3 divided doses with meals
Capsules
300-600mg extract
As needed for anxiety, 30-60 minutes before bed for sleep
Standardized extract capsules
2-4 weeks
1-2 weeks
2-4 weeks
First 1-2 weeks
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
2-4 weeks
Efficacy of a postbiotic and its components in promoting colonic transit and alleviating chronic constipation in humans and mice
Cell reports. Medicine (2025) · Animal · n=110
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 110 adults with chronic constipation (Rome IV criteria) demonstrates that a 3-week Probio-Eco intervention significantly improves constipation symptoms, stool straining, and worry scores.
Early pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2022) · Systematic review · n=2023
This review provides uncertain evidence only regarding the use of hydrocortisone, propranolol, dexamethasone, omega-3 fatty acids, gabapentin, paroxetine, PulmoCare formula, Oxepa formula, or 5-hydroxytryptophan as universal PTSD prevention strategies.
Combination pharmacotherapy for the treatment of fibromyalgia in adults
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2018) · Systematic review · n=1474
Two studies only reported any primary outcomes of interest (patient-reported pain relief of 30%, or 50%, or greater).
Aromatherapy for dementia
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2020) · Meta analysis · n=708
We have not found any convincing evidence that aromatherapy (or exposure to fragrant plant oils) is beneficial for people with dementia although there are many limitations to the data.
Efficacy of Pharmacological Interventions in Milder Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Neuropsychopharmacology reports (2025) · Meta analysis · n=1049
A meta-analysis found no significant difference in response rates between the two treatments (risk ratio [RR] = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.78-1.18) or dropout rates (RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.62-1.88).
Interventions for postburn pruritus
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2024) · Meta analysis · n=49
Due to very low-certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether doxepin cream impacts the incidence of somnolence as an adverse event compared to oral antihistamine (risk ratio (RR) 0.64, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.25; 1 study, 24 participants).
Lemon Balm has a higher evidence score (8.5/10 vs 8.5/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce anxiety & stress, Lemon Balm has a higher relevance score (80 vs 60).
No known interactions between 5-HTP and Lemon Balm have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.