sofi

Sofi

Atlas of plants

plant

Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng)

taxonomy

Withania somnifera

parts used

Root, fruit, leaf

application

Alleviate arthritis (anti-inflammatory), helps cope with stress and promote calm, improve endurance

mode of action

Rooted in Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is often used to reduce stress through impacting cortisol levels (stress hormone). A natural remedy for low energy levels, and helps promote alertness.
plant

Cardamom

taxonomy

Elettaria cardamomum

parts used

Seed

application

Anxiety + antidepressant properties

mode of action

Quercetin is a flavonoid compound within cardamom, believed to be responsible for its powerful therapeutic effect. Research into quercetin showed lowered anxiety and depression. Used in traditional remedies for depression by grinding seeds into powder and boiling in water with tea leaves.
plant

Chamomile

taxonomy

Matricaria chamomilla

parts used

Flower

application

Insomnia treatment

mode of action

Chamomile was found to improve on sleep latency, night time awakenings, and fatigue severity scores. Overall chamomile is a safe herb with minimal side effects.
plant

Cowslip flowers

taxonomy

Primula veris

parts used

Flower, leaf, root

application

Sedative tea (leaves), transient insomnia (constituent in Maria Treben Tea), general anxiety

mode of action

Contains triterpene saponins, flavonol glycosides, methoxy flavone, and other flavonoids. A remedy for insomnia, headaches, over-activity, and nerve pain (neuralgia). Contains saponins and salicylates which are the main ingredient of aspirin. The yellow flower is antispasmodic and sedative.
plant

Damiana

taxonomy

Turnera diffusa

parts used

Leaf, stem

application

Used to reduce anxiety (anxiolytic)

mode of action

Anxiolytic effects; apigenin may play a role in this activity, central nervous system (CNS) depressant activity. Hypoglycemic agent, sedative-hypnotic agent (used to reduce tension and anxiety and induce calm (sedative effect) or to induce sleep (hypnotic effect).
plant

Feverfew

taxonomy

Tanacetum parthenium

parts used

Leaf

application

Migraines, anti-inflammatory and pain relieving qualities

mode of action

Used to treat migraine headache in combinations with white willow, magnesium, vitamin B6, tanacetum parthenium, 5-HTP and ginger. Used to treat opiate withdrawal. Anti-inflammatory effects. May block prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting phospholipase, which prevents the release of arachidonic acid.
plant

Ginseng

taxonomy

Panax ginseng

parts used

Root

application

Traditionally used for the treatment of sleeplessness and energy levels

mode of action

Traditionally used for the treatment of insomnia. Strongest potentiation of GABA A receptors amongst plant-based remedies. Ginseng red potentiation on GABA A receptors was higher than that of using Ginseng white. Contains ginsenosides. Hypoglycemic agent, immunomodulators, immunostimulants, adaptogens.
plant

Grass of Parnassus

taxonomy

Parnassia palustris

parts used

Flowering aerial parts

application

A sedative for nervous disorders

mode of action

The whole plant is astringent, slightly diuretic, sedative, tonic and vulnerary. Used to treat wounds and as a sedative, for treating nervous disorders. It is used as a homeopathic tonic for anxiety, Very little is known about the chemistry of this plant.
plant

Guarana

taxonomy

Paullinia cupana

parts used

Seeds

application

Used as a stimulant, and to reduce mental and physical fatigue

mode of action

Stimulates central nervous system (CNS), heart, and muscles. Guaranine (aka caffeine) is found in guarana and is identical to caffeine derived from coffee or tea. Contains varying mixtures of xanthine alkaloids other than caffeine, including cardiac stimulants theophylline, theobromine and polyphenols.
plant

Hawthorn (Common)

taxonomy

Crataegus monogyna

parts used

Leaves, flowers, fruit

application

Nervous conditions related to the heart

mode of action

Increases force of contraction of the heart, whilst slowing the rate. Used as a traditional remedy for high blood pressure. Anxiety can produce overstimulation of the ‘fight or flight response’ causing an increase in heart rate. Major pharmacologically active components are believed to be flavonoids.
plant

Holy basil (tulsi)

taxonomy

Ocimum tenuiflorum

parts used

Aerial parts

application

Treatment of anxiety (adaptogen and anti-inflammatory)

mode of action

The seed oil of holy basil contains linoleic acid (52%), linolenic acid (17%), oleic acid (14%), palmitic acid (12%), and stearic acid. Antiplatelet agent, hypoglycemic agent, immunomodulators, adaptogens, stimulent (cognitive).
plant

Hops

taxonomy

Humulus lupulus

parts used

Leaf, resin

application

Sleeplessness treatment

mode of action

Hops main sedative activity lies mostly in the alpha bitter acid constituents, the main conclusions from the review were using hops in conjunction with valerian for sleep disturbances can be beneficial as it modulates the GABAergic system and melatonin receptors.
plant

Black Horehound

taxonomy

Ballota nigra

parts used

Aerial parts

application

Used to treat nervous disorders (sedative + anti-inflammatory properties)

mode of action

Shown to decrease anxiety in people suffering from sleeping disorders. Chemicals isolated include flavonoids, diterpenoids and phenylpropanoids. Traditionally, consumed as a dried herb, as a tea, and a tincture prepared as a dilution on a daily basis.
plant

Japanese thistle

taxonomy

Cirsium japonicum

parts used

Aerial parts and roots

application

Antihemorrhagic (used to stop bleeding) and anti-diabetic activity

mode of action

Anti-inflammatory, diuretic and haemostatic. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Japanese thistle are plants that are “Cool” in nature. This means that Japanese thistle tend to help people who have too much "heat" in their body. The balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM.
plant

Lavender

taxonomy

Lavandula angustifolia

parts used

Flower

application

Anxiety (and sleeplessness) treatment

mode of action

Sedative-hypnotic with anti-inflammatory properties. Induces relaxation and sedation. Decreases EEG and alertness. Used in capsules/tinctures to address anxiety. Reduces time to fall asleep, improves sleep, and reduces sleepiness at awakening (due to increased melatonin following inhalation).
plant

Lemon Balm

taxonomy

Melissa officinalis

parts used

Leaves

application

Treatment of insomnia

mode of action

Cholinergic modulation impacts memory and alertness. When given with valerian, passionflower, and butterbur can lower anxiety. Contains citronellal, neral, flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, monoterpene glycosides, and triterpenoids. Hypoglycemic, immunostimulants, and sedative-hypnotic agent.
plant

Lime Flowers (blossom)

taxonomy

Tilia x europaea

parts used

Flower

application

Treatment of transient insomnia (sleep drops), and general anxiety and depression (aloysia)

mode of action

Central nervous system (CNS) effects: The sedative effects of linden may be attributed to the volatile oils, including citral, citronellal, citronellol, eugenol, and limonene. Diuretics, Sedative-Hypnotic Agents.
plant

Magnolia vine

taxonomy

Magnolia officinalis

parts used

Bark

application

Anxiety and sleeplessness treatment

mode of action

GABA A potentiator. Magnolol and honokiol are bioactive compounds with sedative + hypnotic effects. Magnolol acts via the GABA A receptor increasing NREM and REM sleep. Honokiol and magnolol have a great future having demonstrated great efficacy in treating insomnia and approved for this use.
plant

Mondo grass / lily turf

taxonomy

Ophiopogon japonicus

parts used

Tuber

application

Soothing (anxiety) + sedative (insomnia) properties in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

mode of action

Anti-inflammatory properties found in early studies though more trials and work needed to fully understand the modes of action of the plant.
plant

Motherwort

taxonomy

Leonurus cardiaca

parts used

Aerial parts

application

Used in sleep drops and for treatment of general anxiety (tea)

mode of action

The exact effect on insomnia unknown. Sedative-hypnotic agent, diuretic. Used for heart conditions (inc heart failure, irregular heartbeat, fast heartbeat, and heart symptoms due to anxiety). Well tolerated. Motherwort, valerian, hops, and lemon balm taken before bed can improve sleep quality.
plant

Myrrh

taxonomy

Commiphora myrrha

parts used

Bark resin

application

Used to address pain

mode of action

Pain: A standardized myrrh extract (MyrLiq, Biosfered S.r.l.) 200-400 mg once daily for 20 days has been used
plant

Oats

taxonomy

Avena sativa

parts used

Seeds, straw and bran

application

Sleep (drops) and anxiety (tinctures)

mode of action

A multi-functional grain. Dose of vitamin B, magnesium and fibre helps neutralise stress hormone cortisol. Restorative impact on the nervous system. Historic use to address stress, anxiety, fatigue, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, sexual lacklustre, grief and trauma.
plant

Passionflower (passiflora)

taxonomy

Passiflora incarnata

parts used

Leaves, flowers.

application

Anxiety + insomnia treatment

mode of action

Sedative-hypnotic agent inhibits uptake of GABA (mediation of the GABAergic system) and has an affinity for GABA A + B receptors. Dried extracts often used in combination with a range of plants targeting additional anxiety and sleeplessness pathways (i.e. valerian, hawthorn, horehound and saffron).
plant

Pasque flower (Pulsatilla)

taxonomy

Pulsatilla vulgaris

parts used

Aerial parts.

application

Used to address headache, sedative, fever reducing qualities + ease nervous tension

mode of action

There is no recent evidence to support specific doses of pasque flower. The fresh plant is toxic; classical doses of the dried herb were from 0.1 to 0.4 g daily.
plant

Chinese (Garden) Peony

taxonomy

Paeonia lactiflora

parts used

Roots

application

Used to address headache and relieve pain (modulate muscle spasm)

mode of action

Muscle cramps; a specific combination of peony and liquorice (shakuyaku-kanzo-to). There is no limited standardisation. One common preparation, total glucosides of peony, is a water or alcohol extract of the root. Commonly used in combination with other herbs in traditional Chinese medicine.
plant

Rosemary

taxonomy

Rosmarinus officinalis

parts used

Leaves

application

Mild pain reliever and nervous tension, can treat low mood, depression and sleeplessness

mode of action

Anxiolytic and sedative properties, a GABA-A potentiator, similar effect on GABA-benzodiazepine receptors and useful in treatment for insomnia. May inhibit cholinesterase and have a protective effect on dopaminergic neurons. Antiplatelet agents, salicylate-containing herb & supplement.
plant

Saffron

taxonomy

Crocus sativus

parts used

Flower stamen

application

Used to reduce anxiety (anxiolytic) and depression

mode of action

Used in the treatment of anxiety; clinical research shows mitigation of moderate anxiety. Also used in the treatment of depression, and shown benefit in clinical research. May modulate brain serotonin by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, and altering dopamine and norepinephrine.
plant

Skullcap

taxonomy

Scutellaria baicalensis

parts used

Root

application

Lead pain reliever and headaches, transient insomnia, can improve mood and general anxiety

mode of action

Modulation of GABA receptor. 5-HT(7) receptor effects: constituents bind the serotonin receptor 5-HT(7). Activity on the 5-HT(7) receptor is due to flavonoids. Effects serotonin receptor causing sedation. Anxiolytic: flavonoids may act as GABA agonists causing a sedating and anxiolytic effect.
plant

St John's Wort

taxonomy

Hypericum perforatum

parts used

Whole plant

application

Antidepressant and aid in sleeplessness

mode of action

Used for treating many disorders including sleep disturbances. Active compounds are hyperforin and hypericin; hypericin exerts its effects via monoamine oxidase inhibition, whereas hyperforin acts via the inhibition of GABA, serotonin, dopamine, L-glutamate, and norepinephrine reuptake.
plant

Valerian

taxonomy

Valeriana officinalis

parts used

Roots

application

Insomnia (stress/anxiety induced) treatment

mode of action

Used for treatment of insomnia. May work as well as benzodiazepines in promoting natural sleep over time. Herbal hypnotic and sedative. May also have follow-on soporific effects (in stress-induced insomnia) due to shared pathways via down-regulation of neurological stimulatory activity (therefore useful for anxiety).
plant

Verbena (Vervain)

taxonomy

Verbena officinalis

parts used

Aerial parts

application

As a tonic may help headaches (sedative), insomnia from nerves, remedy for melancholia

mode of action

Clinical research remains nascent. Traditional dosage of decoction taken several times per day has been described. Interaction rating moderate; must be cautious in combination. Polyphenolic compounds can inhibit iron absorption. Drinking as tea decreased iron absorption from a meal by 59%.
plant

Wild Celery

taxonomy

Apium graveolens

parts used

Whole Plant

application

Used to treat nervous conditions and sleeplessness

mode of action

Neurologic/central nervous system (CNS), sedative (hypnotic agents) and antispasmodic. Effects may be due to phthalide constituents (d-limonene, selinene). Antiplatelet agents, Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) Inhibitors, photosensitizers. Capsules containing 250 mg extract have been used daily.
plant

Wood Betony

taxonomy

Stachys officinalis

parts used

Flower, leaf

application

Used to treat headaches (neuralgia), insomnia and relieve anxiety (reputed to affect CNS)

mode of action

Anxiolytic effects, but currently no high-quality studies on the medicinal applications of betony. Most dosing information based on traditional use. Used as an infusion, dried herb in boiling water, as a liquid extract or tincture. Consumed multiple times per day.