Some herbs commonly used in the treatment of sleep disorders

With links to the Bristol Herbal

St John's Wort - Hypericum perforatum (Hypericeae)

Bristol Herbal

Hypericum is primarily known as a natural anti-depressant, and this has been borne out by recent meta analysis of clinical trials in a Cochrane Collaboration review (Linde, Berner, Kriston 2008), which concluded that St John's Wort is as effective as standard anti-deperessants in treating major depression, with fewer side-effects. In fact it has only been relatively recently that St John's Wort has been so widely used as an anti-depressant, largely as a result of the marketing efforts of a couple of german pharmaceutical companies. The herb has always traditionally been seen as a healing herb, for wounds and abrasions - particularly where there has been nerve damage. It's thymoleptic* properties were well known, and it was the herb of choice for melancholia, especially associated with the menopause. More recent research and usage have revealed many other properties for this incredible plant.

As a general nervine tonic herb it has few peers. It helps greatly with many types of insomnia, particularly when due to over-stimulation (although it can cause insomnia in people prone to manic states). It can facilitate lucid dreaming. It has antiviral properties, specifically against the herpes zoster virus, which is responsible for chicken pox and shingles. As a wound herb it is excellent for any inflammatory skin problems. This would be using the oil as a salve, which can also be mixed with other water based herbal extractions to make a cream. A mixture of calendula and hypericum oils is a great treatment for psoriasis, particularly on the scalp.

St John's Wort has been one of the most highly researched herbs by pharmacists, all of whom have been trying to isolate the magic compound that exerts its antidepressant effect, as the market for anti-depressants is worth billions of pounds worldwide. It is pleasing to note that no-one has yet succeeded. There are at least 10 different compounds that work in synergy* to account for St John's Wort's special qualities, which are variously water or fat soluble, and derived from different chemical pathways within the plant itself. The plant grows abundantly in the wild in Britain, but it is good to cultivate it to give you daily access during the flowering season (June - August). You can harvest the yellow flowers daily to mascerate in oil, in a clear glass jar in sunlight, to produce the deep red infused oil for topical use. The whole plant is best harvested when seed heads first begin to appear. Tinctures should be 45% alcohol (which you can just about do with vodka), and for this reason it is probably better to use the dried plant, as fresh will dilute the alcohol concentration. A tea made from the dried herb is pleasant enough but only weakly effective.

As a thymoleptic St John's Wort takes a while to have an effect. It needs to be taken regularly, 3 times a day, and a steady state of concentration in the blood stream generally happens after four or five days. It can take up to 3 weeks before its effects are fully felt. Withdrawal should be by gradually stepping down the dosage. The herb is known to interact with various detoxification enzymes that affect clearance of certain pharmaceutical drugs from the system, and can therefore interfere with conventional drug regimes. If you are already on medication it would be advisable to check this first by getting some professional advice.

Hypericum can cause a photosensitive reaction in some people, causing sunburn if you are exposed to the sun. This only tends to happen in people who are taking very doses, but it is wise to be cautious in the Summer.

*Thymoleptic

A herb that enhances general sense of well-being, particularly relating to mood disoders such as melancholia, seasonally affective disorder, mild to moderate depression.

*Synergy

Where the effects of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In herbal medicne it is recognised that most herbs are synergistic, containing compouinds that enhance the effects of other compounds though various means, such as improving absorption across the gut wall, or by stimulating processes of metabolism to increase the concentration of particular active compounds.

Valerian - Valeriana officinalis (Valerianceae)

Bristol Herbal

Valerian is generally regarded as a warming herb, and is well known as a herbal sedative. Taken over time it is also restorative to the nervous system, so dependency fades away, and this marks it out as being preferable to using pharmaceutical sleeping pills that can be addictive. It is particularly suited to anxious people, and is often used in conjunction with stimulants, such as sage, to treat anxiety with depression. It is also an exceptionally good gastro-intestinal antispasmodic.

Some people have the reverse effect with valerian, and can be unwittingly pushed into a manic state, being unable to sleep. Anecdotally it has been noted that people who are repulsed by the smell are more likely to respond in this way. Although the smell is very distinctive and strong, most people quite like it, or are indifferent. Therefore if you really object to it then it would be best to avoid using it. It has also been observed that people's perception of the smell differs from time to time, so you might find it really helpful one day and not so good the next.

Skullcap - Scutellaria lateriflora (Labiatae)

Bristol Herbal

Skullcap is a cooling nervine, better for restlessness than anxiety states, so good for insomnia with restlessness and irritability. It is a central nervous system relaxant and restorative, useful in treating nervous exhaustion and debility, and is thus useful in the early stages of treating chronic fatigue syndrome.

In grand mal skullcap combines well with mistletoe, reducing the severity and frequency of attacks, and can be used alongside anti-epilepsy drugs.

It combines well with hops and passion flower for hyperctivity, and with valerian for hysteria and drug addiction.

The best preparation is a tincture made from the fresh plant. This should be a rich red colour when you press it out. It can also be drunk as a tea, and some traditional American herbalists also use it in smoking mixtures.

Very large doses are said to cause stupor, giddiness, and confusion.

Vervain - Verbena officinale (Zingiberaceae)

Bristol Herbal

Vervain is a bitter herb with a multitude of uses. The key word for this herb is exhaustion. It is particulary good for people who are over-striving, tense, with tension in the upper body. As an adjunct for treating depression, vervain will stop excessive dreaming, promoting a deeper level of healing sleep.

Also useful in treating post viral exhaustion, fevers with headaches, neurological symptoms and deep aches. As a bitter it is a useful detox herb, and has been classed as a kidney restorative.

It is a galactagogue - promoting the flow of breast milk, and particularly good for new mothers who worry a lot. Also an excellent wound herb for slow healing wounds, and eye inflammations.

It is in the same family as Vitex agnus castus, and has some similar properties. In this respect it is useful in treating pre-menstrual tension.

Chamomile - Matricaria recutita (Compositae)

Bristol Herbal

Both German chamomile and Roman chamomile (Chamamelum nobile) can be used fairly interchangeably. German chamomile contains a thick volatile oil, chamazulene, that is blue in colour. If you leave a few chamomile flower heads in the bottom of a teapot for 24 hours or so you will find that the last few drops of tea in the bottom of the pot turn blue. The oil is anti-inflammatory and vulnerary (stops bleeding), and is a useful addition to external preparations for treating inflammatory skin conditions. As a nervine chamomile is a gentle sedative, good for restlessness and irritability. Also useful for tension headaches and as an adjunct for treating migraines.

Chamomile tea makes a very pleasant relaxing drink, and is much better made from s few freshly picked flowers. If you cultivate chamomile, or are lucky enough to have some growing nearby, pick flowers daily when they are there to encourage further growth. If you are storing them, dry them well, as they can go off quite quickly. Well dried flowers will last the year, at least, and are much more rewarding than using commercially available teabags.

If making a tincture do a 1:3 @ 45%. The tincture is quite powerful, and you don't need much either on its own or in a mix. The tincture is much better than the tea for direct therapeutic applications, for treating inflammatory digestive problems and so on.

Pasion Flower - Passiflora incarnata ()

Bristol Herbal

Passiflora is an American vine, where it has a history with Native Americans as a poultice to treat bruises, and as a tea for sedative / anxiolytic affects. It can be grown in this country and, like a vine, its effects spread right through the body. It is a gentle nerve tonic for all nervous diseases, and also works well on the peripheral nervous system. It is used for treating anxiety, insomnia with restlessness, convulsions and fever in children (small doses, often repeated). It is useful in treating hysteria from psychactive drug use, and helps with involuntary twitching. For treating drug addiction, passiflora combines well with oats and hops.

It is useful in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome, to relax nervous tone and assist with energy conservation. It also help in tachycardia, to slow the racing heart.

Should be used with caution in pregnancy as it contains an alkaloid, harmaline, which is an emmenagogue.

Hops - Humulus lupulus (Cannabinaceae)

Bristol Herbal Hops is a cooling, relaxing nerve restorative and central nervous system relaxant. It is mildly oestrogenic, and anaphrodisiac to men (eg. "brewer's droop"). It can bring on melancholia, so is not recommended for use with depressed people. As a bitter it stimulates the production of digestive juices, and also has a mildly antispasmodic effect. Not really recommended for cold and underactive people.

Some Other Herbs that may help with Sleep Disorders

It would be best to check doses, common contraindications and possible drug interactions with a practitioner or a good book before use.

Betony - Stachys betonica (Labiatae)

Used for liverish headaches, migraine, hearing voices, nightmares with fearful visions and dark shapes (often with skullcap), any type of head pain, particularly psychogenic headpain.

Black Cohosh - Cimicifuga racemosa (Ranunculaceae)

Relaxant nervine for anxiety with apathy or despair with dark moods and neuralgic pains or pelvic pains, hypochondria, hysteria, depression with spacey feelings, depression from abuse. Note; moves energy up the spinal chord may cause headaches in large doses.

Borage - Borago officinalis (Boraginaceae)

damp, cooling and supportive. Used for general dryness (liver cirrhosis, scanty urine), Melancholy affects of the Heart (palpitations, tachycardia), depression of spirits, fear with exhaustion & adrenal exhaustion, grief, burnt out. Strengthens the Vital Spirits. The remedy for courage. Taken when going into battle or to difficult meetings. Fresh tincture best. The combination Borage, Motherwort & Lemon Balm is considered especially useful for melancholy arising from prolonged studies.

Celery seed - Apium graveolens (Umbeliferae)

warming and cleansing an excellent remedy for Depression in people of a Melancholic temperament (Weary, suspicious, somewhat obsessive, brooding, judgemental, easily offended but suffers in silence, epigastric heaviness or burning feeling, liverish headaches, aches and pains in joints, grey pallor). Tea or fresh plant tincture freely.

Hawthorn - Crataegus Laevegata (Rosaceae)

depression that affects the heart or from the heart, gloomy forebodings. Will often dramatically lift the spirits in such cases. Fearfulness and confusion after heart problems or orthodox medical treatment.

Lemon Balm - Melissa officinalis (Labiatae)

Soothing, reassuring and somewhat cooling. Lifts the spirits. Very good for balancing spirits and emotions. A remedy for those who live by extremes. A good tea to sip in the evening. Fresh leaves make a very pleasant tea in the Summer months.

Motherwort - Leonurus cardiaca (Labiatae)

Supports the heart, clears melancholy from the heart (heavy heart, irregular rhythm) and blood (aches and pains, irregular menstruation). Protects the heart from excess heat (fever, thyroidtoxicosis). Inward tremors, faintings and hysteria. Supports women at times of change (birth, menopause etc). Add a little to the prescription for people who are out of touch with chid within - to mother themselves (in a solid, supportive manner, to encourage trust in the earth herself).

Mugwort - Artemesia vulgaris (Compositae)

Mild stimulant. Mugwort taken before bed or fresh herb under your pillow will help you remember dreams. It also clarifies dreams and helps you to find your future path. Aids digestion (physical & mental). Old remedy for epilepsy, tics, tremor and hysteria. Mugwort (and other Artemesia spp) can be used to make smudge sticks for ritual cleansing.

Wormwood - Artemesia absinthum (Compositae)

Is a deal stronger. Small amounts (5ml per week of tincture) can be added to prescriptions to clear heat or excess water from the body. Good for depression with dull brain and dim wits. Will often lift people suddenly out of depression but they will fall back if the groundwork has not been dome. Can also be used to treat obsession and break love spells.

Nutmeg - Myristica fragrans (Myristicaceae)

Comforting & slightly stimulating both physically and mentally. Hildegard von Bingen’s soup for ‘amentia’ (loss of mind); grated Nutmeg 3 parts, Galangal (Alpinia officinarum) 6 parts, Orris root (Iris florentina) powder 1 part and Plantain root (Plantago major) powder 1 part. Boiled in thin Spelt soup. Take twice daily. Nutmeg is slightly toxic (stimulant in high doses) the recommended dose is 1 - 3 gm daily, or equivalent.

Oats - Avena sativa (Gramineae)

Insomnia with early waking. Gentle but solid restorative action. Nourishes the nerves and so does not deplete the vital force. For chronic fatigue syndrome, weakness, feebleness, adrenal exhaustion. Use fresh plant tincture of whole oats picked just as the seeds start to ripen. Small doses often repeated are best.

Pasque Flower - Pulsatilla vulgaris (Ranunculaceae)

For fear of organic disease. Dragging headaches with weakness. Eye and ear pain, most types of pelvic pain. Not, strictly speaking, a sleep remedy, but useful in combinations. For fear and apprehension with a rambling mind, feelings of uncleanliness, obsessions, childhood abuse.

Rose - Rosa spp. (Rosaceae)

Comforts the heart; low self esteem - raises the spirits, useful to give to patients in need of a bit of love. Gentle and suitable for everyone. Cooling; suitable for insomnia or disturbing dreams from anger or repressed anger. Cools the head (hot looking rashes on the face from anger). Regular use of Rose tincture alters the whole feeling of and about the body for the better.

Rosemary - Rosmarinus officinalis (Labiatae)

Warms the heart and mind, lifts the spirits. Useful for; PMS with depression & painful periods, Depression with cold, mental stupor, shyness & complacency, low self esteem, fearfulness. Headaches, fainting, poor memory, paralysis and premature ageing. Low blood pressure, poor digestion, wind, loose stools, gallstones, general debility and a weakened immune system. Rosemary and Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) tea is a traditional treatment for depression with despondency. It works pretty well.

Violets - Viola odorata and spp. (Violaceae)

Are an excellent remedy for excess of heat, including heat in the liver (anger, irritability, especially from excess alcohol) and heat in the blood (especially hot skin conditions) but they work by cooling the heat rather than by clearing it. Adding a little Rhubarb root and/ or Gentian helps. Combination of Rehmannia, Rhubarb & Violets to prevent mania or excess anger. Fresh plant tincture best.

Wild Lettuce - Lactuca virosa (Compositae)

Not just a sedative, this herb (known to the ancients as 'the eunuch's herb') robs the system of excitement and so was recommended for those who wanted an easy path to chastity. Thomas Bartram recommends it as a remedy for nymphomania (!). For insomnia with restlessness and excitability. Combines well with passion flower and valerian for chronic insomnia.