⚠️CautionCurated
Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm tea is used for its calming, anti-anxiety effects. It's generally considered safe in moderate amounts, but robust safety data for breastfeeding is lacking. Occasional cups are likely fine; regular therapeutic use warrants caution.
Occasional use generally considered low risk; avoid high-dose supplemental use while breastfeeding
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) has mild sedative and antiviral properties. It's a member of the mint family and is popular for anxiety and sleep. LactMed notes insufficient safety data for breastfeeding to make a firm recommendation. Animal studies haven't raised major red flags, and occasional use in culinary quantities is considered low risk. Daily therapeutic doses (as you might take in a supplement) have less evidence. A cup of lemon balm tea occasionally is different from taking it as a supplement — stick to tea-strength use.
Always confirm with your doctor or lactation consultant before making dietary changes while breastfeeding.
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