Lemon balm is a plant in the Lamiaceae family of plants. Other plants in this family include mint, basil, chia seeds, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme. It is commonly found in Europe and Asia, but can now be found all over the world. It is very closely related to mint, but with a light lemon scent and taste and is used in the same way in teas, pesto and other flavourings. It is the main flavouring of carmelite water, a drink made by infusing white wine and lemon balm.

Like mint, lemon balm contains lots of essential oils, the most allergenic are considered to be linalool and geraniol. Both of these essential oils can be linked with allergic contact dermatitis.

Lemon balm is high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.

You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.

An allergy to lemon balm is sometimes associated with allergic contact dermatitis.

As there are no identified food allergens in lemon balm, cross reactivity is linked to other aromatic herbs in the same family of plants inlcuding mint, marjoram, oregano, sage and thyme.

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