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.
150-300mg kavalactones daily
Evening for relaxation, 30-60 minutes before stressful events, Before bed for sleep
Water-extracted root powder or capsules
300-600mg extract
As needed for anxiety, 30-60 minutes before bed for sleep
Standardized extract capsules
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
1-2 hours
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
2-4 weeks
Azapirones for generalized anxiety disorder
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews (2006) · Meta analysis · n=5908
The calculated number needed to treat for azapirones using the Clinical Global Impression scale was 4.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16 to 15.4).
Herbal medicines in the treatment of psychiatric disorders: 10-year updated review
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
Other encouraging herbal medicines with preliminary evidence include Curcuma longa (turmeric) in depression, Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) in affective disorders, and Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) as an adjunctive treatment in Schizophrenia.
GABA-modulating phytomedicines for anxiety: A systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2018) · Systematic review
An open-ended search to 5 July 2017 was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library online databases and performed in a stepped format from preclinical to clinical investigations.
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 9/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For reduce anxiety & stress, Kava has a higher relevance score (90 vs 80).
No known interactions between Kava and Lemon Balm have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.