Are Lemon Balm and Melissa Officinalis in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Lemon Balm for Melissa Officinalis?

They are close relatives in the genus Melissa, often substitutable with flavor adjustments.

Compare · per-herb profile

Lemon Balm vs Melissa Officinalis

Melissa officinalis · Melissa officinalis

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

C Limited Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Melissa
Primary use: culinary & medicinal

Lemon balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family. It has lemon-scented leaves, white or pale pink flowers, and contains essential oils and compounds like geranial and neral. It grows to a maximum height of 1 m. The species is native to south-central Europe, the Medit…

Melissa Officinalis

Melissa officinalis

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Melissa
Primary use: culinary

At a glance

· Same genus (Melissa) — close relatives, often substitutable.
· Primary use differs — Lemon Balm: both; Melissa Officinalis: culinary.
· Evidence tiers — Lemon Balm: C; Melissa Officinalis: D.