Herb (calming)
Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm is chamomile's sweeter cousin. Studies show it reduces restlessness in kids when paired with valerian or used alone. The taste is mild, almost minty, and most kids accept it without a fight.
Typical pediatric dose
Tea: 1 tsp dried leaf in 8 oz hot water, steeped 5 min. 1 cup in the late afternoon for school-day decompression.
Safety notes
May lower thyroid hormone levels at high doses. Avoid before surgery. Generally very safe in food and tea amounts.