Are Lemon Balm and Peppermint in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Lemon Balm for Peppermint?

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

Compare · per-herb profile

Lemon Balm vs Peppermint

Melissa officinalis · Mentha × piperita

Lemon Balm

Melissa officinalis

C Limited Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Melissa
Primary use: culinary & medicinal

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…

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

B Some Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Mentha
Primary use: culinary & medicinal

Peppermint is a hybrid species of mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. Indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now widely spread and cultivated in many regions of the world. It is occasionally found in the wild with its parent species.

At a glance

· Both in Lamiaceae, but different genera (Melissa vs Mentha).
· Both are primarily both.
· Evidence tiers — Lemon Balm: C; Peppermint: B.