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.
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