Are Melissa Officinalis and Oregano in the same botanical family?

Yes — both belong to Lamiaceae.

Can you substitute Melissa Officinalis for Oregano?

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

Compare · per-herb profile

Melissa Officinalis vs Oregano

Melissa officinalis · Origanum vulgare

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…

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

D No Clinical Evidence

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Origanum
Primary use: culinary

Oregano is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It was native to the Mediterranean region, but widely naturalised elsewhere in the temperate Northern Hemisphere.

At a glance

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