Suggested Use: Infuse teabag in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes. To be taken half an hour before bed time.
Damiana is a small shrub that has been traditionally used as a tonic for relaxation and sleep in Central and South America. Spanish missionaries first reported that the Mexican Indians made a drink from damiana leaves for relaxation. The British Herbal Pharmacopeia cites indications for the use of damiana for "anxiety neurosis and depression".
Contraindications - Damiana has mild hypoglycemic effects in animals. People with diabetes and hypoglycemia should monitor their blood sugar levels.
Drug Interactions - None reported.
Graviola is a small rainforest tree that has been traditionally used in the Amazon basin as an anti depressive remedy and as a sedative. Although this plant has been primarily studied for its anti tumor properties one study with rats has been done on stress related function and did show an increase in dopamine as well as an inhibition of serotonin release in stress-induced rats. 1
Contraindications- Graviola has demonstrated blood pressure lowering effects in animal studies and therefore should not be used by persons with dangerously low blood pressure. Those taking high blood pressure medications should consult with their doctors and monitor their blood pressure as it may be necessary to reduce your medication.
In an animal study graviola demonstrated uterine stimulant activity and therefore it should not be used during pregnancy.
Graviola has shown significant in vitro antimicrobial properties and therefore long-term use may reduce friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. It is advised to supplement your diet with probiotics if this plant is used long-term.
Drug Interactions- None reported, taking graviola along with Coenzyme Q10 may reduce the effects of graviola.
Mulungu is a medium-sized tree that grows in Peru and Brazil. Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have for centuries used the bark of mulungu as a natural sedative, to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep. The traditional use of mulungu for anxiety and stress was confirmed by researchers in a 2002 study. The researchers stated that mulungu extract had an effect similar to the commonly-prescribed anti-anxiety drug diazepam. 1
Contraindications - Clinical research with animals has documented hypotensive actions. It is recommended that those with low blood pressure or on medication to lower blood pressure use mulungu with caution and monitor their blood pressure.
Drug Interactions- None reported; however mulungu may potentiate anti-anxiety and antihypertensive drugs.
References:
1. Onusic, G. M., et al. “Effect of acute treatment with a water-alcohol extract of Erythrina mulungu on anxiety-related responses in rats.” Braz. J. Med. Biol. Res. 2002; 35(4): 473-477.
Passionflower is a woody vine that grows in Peru and Brazil. Indigenous people of the Amazon rainforest have for centuries used passionflower leaves as a nerve tonic and to reduce stress associated with “hot” personalities also prone to high blood pressure. The blood pressure lowering effects of passionflower has been scientifically validated in a study in the early 1980’s.1
Contraindications- None reported
Drug Interactions- None reported
References:
1. Lueung. A., Foster, S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: Wiley & Sons, 1966.
Toronjil is a herb that is cultivated in Peru. Toronjil extracts have been found to produce a sedative effect in mice.1 Toronjil has also shown sedative and anti-anxiety effects in two studies of healthy people.2-6
Contraindications - None reported.
Drug Interactions - None reported.
References:
1. Soulimani R, Fleurentin J, Mortier, et al. Neurotropic action of the hydroalcoholic extract of Melissa officinalis in the mouse. Planta Med. 1991; 57:105-109.
2. Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2002; 72:953-964.
3. Ballard CG, O’Brien JT, Reichelt K, et al. Aromatherapy as a safe and effective treatment for the management of agitation in severe dementia: the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with Melissa. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002; 63:553-558.
4. Akhondzadeh S, Noroozian M, Mohammadi M, et al. Melissa officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease: a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003: 74:863-6.
5. Snow LA. Hovanec L, Brandt J. A Controlled trial of aromatherapy for agitation in nursing home patients with dementia. J Altern Complement Med. 2004; 10:431-437.
6. Kennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB. Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis. Psychosom Med. 2004; 66:607-13.
