Lemon Balm vs Lemongrass: What’s the Difference and Which One Should You Take?

 

Lemon balm and lemongrass may sound similar, but they’re entirely different herbs. Learn how they compare in flavor, uses, and wellness benefits.

Disclaimer: This content is intended solely for informational and educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Table of Contents

• Meet the Herbs: Lemon Balm & Lemongrass

• Key Differences in Flavor and Aroma

• Wellness Benefits Compared

• Best Ways to Use Each Herb

• Conclusion

• References and Resources

Meet the Herbs: Lemon Balm & Lemongrass

They both smell citrusy. They both show up in teas. But lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) are botanically and functionally distinct.

• Lemon balm is a leafy herb from the mint family

• Lemongrass is a tall grass popular in Thai and South Asian cuisine

They share a similar fragrance but offer very different experiences in the kitchen and the supplement cabinet.

Key Differences in Flavor and Aroma

• Lemon Balm: Sweet, mild, and minty with a gentle lemony twist

• Lemongrass: Sharp, citrusy, and slightly peppery—adds zing to food and drinks

If you're sipping herbal tea to relax, lemon balm is the softer choice. If you're cooking up a stir-fry or curry, lemongrass brings that bold citrus punch.

Wellness Benefits Compared

Lemon Balm:

• Traditionally used for calming nerves and promoting sleep

• May support digestion and mood balance

• Often found in stress and sleep blends

Lemongrass:

• Popular in detox and digestion-support teas

• May have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties

• Often used in aromatherapy for clarity and refreshment

Quick Tip: Lemon balm is more soothing and sedative, while lemongrass leans energizing and cleansing.

Best Ways to Use Each Herb

• Lemon Balm:

• Evening teas

• Bedtime tinctures

• Aromatherapy for calm

• Lemongrass:

• Cooking (soups, curries, marinades)

• Iced teas and detox drinks

• Herbal steam blends

The good news? You don’t have to pick just one. Many blends use both to balance flavor and benefits.

Conclusion

Lemon balm and lemongrass may share a citrusy scent, but they play very different roles. Whether you want to relax and unwind, or refresh and energize, knowing the difference helps you choose the right herb for the right moment.

Want to explore more calming or energizing herbs? Browse our herbal wellness collection to discover your perfect match.

Check out vorstcanada.com for more blogs on health and wellness.

References

• Yaman, C. (2020). Lemon balm and sage herbal teas: Quantity and infusion time on the benefit of the content. Ciência E Agrotecnologia, 44. https://doi.org/10.1590/1413-7054202044023220

• Tabassum, K. N. (2020). Therapeutic benefits of lemongrass and tea tree. Annals of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 4(1), 027–029. https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.acee.1001022