Lemon Balm for Kids: A Natural Solution for Restlessness and Sleep Issues

As parents, one of the biggest challenges we face is helping our children get the sleep they need to grow and thrive. When kids are restless, struggle to settle down at night, or wake up frequently, it can affect their development, mood, and overall well-being. That’s where Melissa officinalis—more commonly known as lemon balm—comes into play.

Lemon balm, with its gentle calming properties, has been used for centuries in natural medicine to help alleviate restlessness, improve sleep quality, and even ease anxiety. For parents seeking a safe, natural remedy to soothe their children’s restlessness, lemon balm offers a plant-based, non-invasive solution.

The History and Science Behind Lemon Balm

Lemon balm’s use in traditional medicine dates back over 2,000 years, with records from ancient Greek and Roman cultures detailing its use for a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, wounds, and even as a way to calm nerves. While its sweet, lemony fragrance is enough to draw us in, what makes this herb particularly valuable in pediatric care is its bioactive compounds.

Studies show that lemon balm contains terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, such as rosmarinic acid, that contribute to its sedative and anxiolytic effects. These compounds help modulate the GABA system, the body’s primary calming neurotransmitter, helping to ease nervous tension, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.

One study involving 918 children under the age of 12 demonstrated that a combination of valerian root and lemon balm provided a significant improvement in symptoms like restlessness and insomnia. The children in the study experienced an 80% improvement in sleep-related symptoms and a 70% improvement in restlessness. Parents and clinicians rated the treatment highly, with minimal to no adverse effects reported1.

How Lemon Balm Can Help Your Child Sleep Better

Lemon balm's mild sedative properties make it a gentle, effective choice for children struggling with sleep issues. Unlike stronger medications, which may have unpleasant side effects, lemon balm works by encouraging the body’s natural ability to wind down. It relaxes both the nervous system and the muscles, helping your child feel more at ease and comfortable, promoting a good night’s sleep.

For parents who are hesitant to use sleep medications for their children, herbal remedies like lemon balm are a wonderful option. You can find lemon balm in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and gummies, making it easy to include in your child’s routine.

Here are some common uses of lemon balm for sleep:

• Teas: A warm cup of lemon balm tea can soothe the nervous system before bedtime, helping children wind down naturally.

• Tinctures: Lemon balm tinctures are easily added to a small amount of water or juice and taken before bed to support a restful night.

• Gummies or Syrups: For younger children, gummies or syrups are often more palatable and can provide the same benefits.

It’s important to note that lemon balm is generally safe for children, but as with any herbal remedy, consulting with your healthcare provider before use ensures that it’s the right choice for your child.

Curious to learn more about how lemon balm and other natural remedies can support your child’s health?

You can explore more detailed research and clinical applications in this full clinician-focused article here.

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About the Author

This article was written by Dr. Andy Turner, a naturopathic physician dedicated to promoting holistic health and wellness. Dr. Turner specializes in naturopathic medicine, herbal remedies, and family medicine, with a particular focus on integrative approaches to pediatric and family care. To learn more about Dr. Turner’s practice and her approach to natural, patient-centered care, visit her full bio here.

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References:

1. Müller SF, Klement S. A combination of valerian and lemon balm is effective in the treatment of restlessness and dyssomnia in children. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(6):383-387. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2006.01.013. ↩

2. Chen SG, Leu YL, Cheng ML, et al. Anti-enterovirus 71 activities of Melissa officinalis extract and its biologically active constituent rosmarinic acid. Sci Rep. 2017;7(1):12264. doi:10.1038/s41598-017-12388-2. ↩

3. Allahverdiyev A, Duran N, Ozguven M, Koltas S. Antiviral activity of the volatile oils of Melissa officinalis L. against Herpes simplex virus type-2. Phytomedicine. 2004;11(7):657-661. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2003.07.014. ↩

4. Nolkemper S, Reichling J, Stintzing FC, Carle R, Schnitzler P. Antiviral Effect of Aqueous Extracts from Species of the Lamiaceae Family against Herpes simplex Virus Type 1 and Type 2 in vitro. Planta Med. 2006;72(15):1378-1382. doi:10.1055/s-2006-951719. ↩

5. Martinelli M, Ummarino D, Giugliano FP, et al. Efficacy of a standardized extract of Matricariae chamomilla L., Melissa officinalis L. and tyndallized Lactobacillus acidophilus (HA122) in infantile colic: An open randomized controlled trial. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2017;29(12). doi:10.1111/nmo.13145. ↩ ↩2