Chamomile vs Valerian vs Lemon Balm for Relaxation and Sleep
Chamomile, valerian and lemon balm are used for relaxation and sleep. What NIH and the EU herbal committee say about each, the cautions that differ, and why there is no head-to-head winner.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Sedatives, allergy and liver points first. NIH says valerian should not be taken with alcohol or sedatives, and that in very rare cases liver injury was reported, most often with other herbals. [1] Chamomile can cause allergic reactions, including severe ones, and people allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds or daisies are more likely to react. [2] If sleep trouble is lasting, see sleep safety and when to get help.
The question
Which calming herb is best for relaxing or sleeping? We looked for head-to-head trials and found none we could read (a PubMed title search for chamomile and valerian trials returned no results). A search with lemon balm and valerian found only trials of a combination product in hospital settings, such as a comparison of a lemon balm and valerian combination with clonidine in knee replacement surgery. [3] That compares a combination with a medicine, not the herbs with each other. Proper evidence not found.What each plant is
| Chamomile | Valerian | Lemon balm | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Matricaria chamomilla (German chamomile; synonyms M. recutita) [2][4] | Valeriana officinalis [1][4] | Melissa officinalis [5][4] |
| Part used | Not stated in the sources we read | Roots and rhizomes [1] | The leaf [5] |
| Look-alike trap | Roman chamomile is a different type; NIH's fact sheet covers German chamomile [2] | Not described in the sources we read | Not described in the sources we read |
Traditional use versus research
Traditional use (not proof): chamomile was an important medicinal herb in ancient China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. [2] Valerian was historically used for insomnia, migraine, fatigue and stomach cramps. [1] For lemon balm, the EU committee accepts "traditional use": it says effectiveness is plausible although clinical-trial evidence is insufficient. [5]| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Chamomile for anxiety | Some preliminary studies suggest a supplement might help generalized anxiety disorder and related depression [2] | Promising but limited |
| Chamomile for insomnia | A 2019 review found one study, with no benefit [2] | Insufficient |
| Valerian for sleep | Evidence is inconsistent; the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against it for chronic insomnia in adults in 2017 [1] | Mixed |
| Lemon balm for stress and sleep | EU committee (HMPC, 2014): leaf can be used for mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep, based on long-standing use [5] | Traditional use only |
No universal winner
Choice depends on your medicines, allergies and health, which is a question for a pharmacist or clinician. See the profiles for chamomile, valerian and lemon balm, or natural sleep aids compared.Frequently asked questions
Which is best for sleep?
No source we read ranks them. NIH calls valerian's sleep evidence inconsistent and found one chamomile insomnia study with no benefit. [1][2]
Can I mix them?
Proper evidence not found in the sources we read. Ask a pharmacist, especially if you take sedatives. [2]
Is chamomile safe with ragweed allergy?
Allergic reactions are more likely if you are allergic to related plants such as ragweed or daisies. [2]
Can valerian harm the liver?
In very rare cases liver injury was reported, most often with other herbals. [1]
Is lemon balm proven?
The EU committee says there is insufficient clinical-trial evidence but effectiveness is plausible from long use. [5]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety differences
- Medicines: chamomile has reported interactions with warfarin and some drugs metabolized by the liver, plus theoretical ones with sedatives; preliminary studies suggest it might lessen birth control pills. [2] Valerian: not with alcohol or sedatives. [1] For lemon balm the EU summary says to see a doctor if symptoms persist after 2 weeks, and our sources do not describe medicine interactions. [5] See how interactions work.
- Valerian withdrawal: some may have anxiety, irritability or insomnia if stopped abruptly after chronic use. [1]
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: little is known for chamomile and valerian. [2][1] The EU lemon balm summary we read did not address it.
- Age: the EU says lemon balm preparations are only for adults and children over 12. [5]
- Tell the surgical team about any of these before an operation.
References
- NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health), Valerian, last updated May 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- NCCIH (US National Institutes of Health), Chamomile, last updated November 2024. Read 2026-10-23.
- Comparison of the Effects of a Melissa officinalis L. and Valerian Combination With Clonidine on Anxiety, Hemodynamic Changes, and Shivering in Knee Replacement Surgery, PubMed record, 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
- GBIF Secretariat, GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match, used for accepted plant names. Read 2026-10-23.
- European Medicines Agency (EU), Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, Melissae folium (melissa leaf) public summary, published 2014. Read 2026-10-23.