Herb comparison
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) vs Licorice
Both plants are listed as traditional remedies for 1 of the same condition, which is why they are easy to confuse. Their descriptions and full safety notes are below, free.
- About
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a sweetly scented, perennial herb growing up to about 5 ft (1.5 m), with small white flowers and toothed leaves that release a distinct lemon aroma. Traditionally used as a calming herb for stress, insomnia, and mild depression, lemon balm also exhibits notable antiviral properties - especially against herpes simplex.Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a tall, woody-stemmed perennial reaching about 6½ ft (2 m), with dark green leaves and cream-to-mauve pea-like flowers. Its root, sweetened by glycyrrhizic acid (up to 50 times sweeter than sugar), has a powerful anti-inflammatory action, offering relief in respiratory, digestive, and even arthritic conditions. Licorice is widely used in Chinese, European, and Western herbal medicine.
- Safety & precautions
- Essential Oil (Internal Use): Avoid unless under professional supervision. No Major Warnings: Generally gentle, though it can reduce thyroid function and should be used cautiously in hypothyroidism.Overuse & High Blood Pressure: Licorice can cause fluid retention, sodium retention, and potassium depletion, leading to edema, increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, or a slower heartbeat. Long-Term Use: Monitor for dizziness or headaches, early signs of overuse. Digestion & Medication Interactions: Avoid large doses if taking digitalis or having hypertension; consult a healthcare professional if pregnant. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL): Lacks glycyrrhizin and is safer for extended use.
Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.