Are Basil and Melissa Officinalis in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Basil for Melissa Officinalis?

They share the Lamiaceae family, so they can sometimes substitute in recipes — with notable differences in aroma.

Compare · per-herb profile

Basil vs Melissa Officinalis

Ocimum basilicum · Melissa officinalis

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Ocimum
Primary use: culinary

Basil, also called great basil, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae (mints). It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. In Western cuisine, the generic term "basil" refers to the variety also known as Genovese basil or sweet basil. Basil is native to tropical…

Melissa Officinalis

Melissa officinalis

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Melissa
Primary use: culinary

Lemon balm is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family. It has lemon-scented leaves, white or pale pink flowers, and contains essential oils and compounds like geranial and neral. It grows to a maximum height of 1 m. The species is native to south-central Europe, the Medit…

At a glance

· Both in Lamiaceae, but different genera (Ocimum vs Melissa).
· Both are primarily culinary.
· Evidence tiers — Basil: D; Melissa Officinalis: D.