Sleep

Sleep regained

Lemon balm is an herbal medicine traditionally used for over 2000 years to calm nerves and relieve pain. Recent clinical trials have confirmed the anxiolytic effects of lemon balm extract as well as its ability to reduce pain sensitivity via the modulation of certain central nervous system receptors. Studies have demonstrated its analgesic properties and the associated decrease in sensitivity to external stimuli. These properties are linked to the presence of terpenes in its essential oil as well as its high content of phenolic compounds (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid), citral, flavonoids (luteolin) and tannins.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a climbing plant that grows wild in the woods and hedgerows of Europe. Since it was used to make beer, its cultivation has spread to all the countries where this drink is made. In the spring, young shoots of hops are sometimes eaten like asparagus. A study evaluating a hop-valerian mixture showed a positive effect of this combination of plants against minor sleep disorders.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a plant native to Mexico and South America. Its sedative properties were known to the Aztecs. Passionflower is grown today in North America and Europe. We use its leaves and sometimes its flowers and fruits. Harvesting takes place at the end of summer; the leaves are dried, to be used in infusion. They are also found in the form of a fluid or powder extract. Passionflower is traditionally used as a sedativein insomnia, anxious states, palpitationsand whenever a physical manifestation of anxiety is suspected. It is often associated with hawthorn, which also has sedative properties.

Valerian is traditionally used in case of nervousness, especially when accompanied by sleep disorders. It is also proposed in case of palpitations, in adults, in combination with other sedative plants. Its use in sleep disorders has also earned it the nickname “vegetable Valium”. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is native to Europe and temperate regions of Asia. It has been part of medicinal plants since Antiquity: several Greek doctors (Hippocrates, Dioscorides, Galen) already mention its interest against sleep disorders. Ayurvedic (India) and Chinese traditional medicines use plants of the same family for a similar purpose.

Melatonin is a natural hormone produced at night by the pineal gland in response to darkness. It helps the brain differentiate between day and night to regulate sleep cycles and circadian rhythm. It has a remarkable antioxidant power: it promotes the body’s production of natural antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase, and also releases an activity that results in a decrease in the production of inflammatory inducers such as nitric oxide synthase or lipoxygenase.