AKA passionflower, is most commonly used for anxiety and sleep issues due to its ability to increase GABA levels in the brain

It is also used for reducing pain and muscle spasms, which makes it a helpful remedy for menstrual cramps

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic and antidepressant properties

Studies show that passionflower may reduce effects of menopause, specifically hot flashes, insomnia, depression and headaches

TCM applications:

• Targets heart, lung and liver meridians

• Clears heat

• Dispels wind 

Borage seeds contain high amounts of GLA (gamma-linoleic acid), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps lower inflammation and supports the immune system 

Classified as a nervine, a type of herb that supports and nourishes the central nervous system 

Anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, demulcent (meaning it contains mucilage that helps soothe irritated and/or inflamed internal tissue), diuretic, expectorant and sedative properties

TCM applications

• Targets liver and lung meridians

• Cools damp and liver heat in the lower jiao

• Cools liver heat and lungs

• Clears dampness

Don’t let this little herb fool you–despite its size and delicate appearance, chamomile is a powerhouse in the herb world; it has been used for almost 5,000 years to address a wide range of health issues and has no known side effects 

Most commonly used to treat digestive issues, anxiety, insomnia and skin irritations

Also used to relieve pain, soothe the body and mind, relieve depression 

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anti-allergenic, sedative and digestive relaxant properties

TCM applications

• Targets lung, heart, stomach and liver meridians

• Relieves qi stagnation

• Strengthens the stomach

• Clears heat

• Moves blood

• Calms Shen, the emotional and spirit layer of our being, which is associated with the nervous system

Used in beer due to its high antioxidants which prevent spoilage, this herb has also been used medicinally to promote sleep 

Relaxant, sedative, anti-anxiety and digestive properties

Fun fact: an old folk remedy claims using a pillow filled with hops helps improve sleep and research has shown it to be true!

TCM applications

• Targets the heart, liver and stomach meridians

• Clears heat

• Calms Shen

• Reduces inflammation

• Clears toxins

Most commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia and depression

Has been used for thousands of years by Pacific Islanders during social gatherings, rituals and ceremonies to promote feelings of ease and joy

Anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety and immunostimulating properties

Recent studies have shown there is promise for using kava to prevent and treat cancer

TCM applications

• Targets lung, kidney and heart meridians

• Calms Shen, the emotional and spirit layer of our being, which is associated with the nervous system 

• Nourishes the heart

• Treats insomnia, colds, urinary tract infections and heart palpitations

Has been used as a natural remedy for insomnia, anxiety and digestive issues since the Middle Ages

Antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, antidepressant, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties

Calms nerves and lifts the spirit

Also used as a natural pain reliever

TCM applications

• Moves qi, or life force

• Calms Shen, the emotional and spirit layer of our being, which is associated with the nervous system 

• Restores Jing, the deep foundational energy of the body (Jing works with qi to protect the body from external harm)

• Cooling and drying

• Targets stomach and heart meridians

Traditionally used to balance hormones and treat symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats

Also commonly used to prevent and treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis and the common cold 

Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diuretic, antioxidant and anticancer properties

TCM applications

• Targets lung, kidney and bladder meridians 

• Cleanses and nourishes blood

• Clears heat

• Reduces inflammation

AKA St. John’s Wort, is most often used to treat depression, anxiety, fatigue, appetite loss and insomnia

Records date the use of St. John’s Wort back to the ancient Greeks, mostly for mood and nervous system disorders

A 2017 study showed that St. John’s Wort works as well as SSRIs, which are commonly prescribed antidepressant medications

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, anticancer, analgesic (pain-relieving) properties

TCM applications

• Targets spleen, heart and lung meridians

• Clears heat and toxins

• Calms Shen

• Regulates liver qi

More commonly known as barbated skullcap root, which has been used for centuries in TCM and Native American medicine 

Skullcap is widely used for its mood-boosting and anxiety-reducing benefits, which also makes it a wonderful sleep aid 

Anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune building properties

TCM applications

• Targets liver, lung, large intestine and stomach meridians

• Used to clear the “superficial evils”: cold, heat, wind, damp and damp Heat

• Clear heat and toxins

• Promote blood circulation

• Reduce blood stasis and swelling (ie. edema)

In TCM, herbs that are used to clear heat also help calm the spirit

Ancient Egyptians referred to valerian as “all heal”; the Latin verb “valere,” which is where the name of the herb is derived, means “to be strong and healthy”

Has been used since the second century A.D. to ease anxiety, insomnia and restlessness

Widely used and respected among herbalists and physicians alike for its anti-anxiety and sedative properties

TCM applications

• Targets heart and liver meridians

• Moves blood and stops bleeding

• Alleviates pain

• Calms Shen

• Eases anxiety and insomnia