Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and is important in the regulation of many hormones in the body. Studies suggest that melatonin supplements help induce sleep in people with disrupted circadian rhythms (such as those suffering from jet lag or poor vision or those who work the night shift) and those with low melatonin levels (such as some elderly and individuals with schizophrenia). In fact, a recent review of scientific studies found that melatonin supplements help prevent jet lag, particularly in people who cross five or more time zones. Melatonin also has strong antioxidant properties and preliminary evidence suggests that it may help strengthen the immune system.
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (flower) has the ability to reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, reduce muscle spasms, and to serve as a mild sedative to help with sleep. Laboratory studies have also shown some antimicrobial properties, meaning that it may fight against a variety of infections. In Europe, chamomile is commonly used as a digestive aid, to treat mild skin conditions, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and as a tension reliever.
Wild Jujube Seed Extract is classified as a nutritive sedative, and it calms the mind, relaxes and nourishes muscles, nourishes the blood, spleen and liver, helps to conserve energy, and is analgesic. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wild Jujube seed is the most popular sedative herb, calming the heart and spirit, and reinforcing liver yin. That is, it actually enhances liver function in the process of reducing anxiety.
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) Valerian (root) is used for insomnia and as an anxiolytic for restlessness and sleeping disorders associated with anxiety. It has also been used for mood disorders such as depression, mild tremors, epilepsy, and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used for muscle and joint pain, and conditions associated with anxiety and psychological stress including nervous asthma, excitability, headaches, migraine, and stomach upset. Valerian may also be used for menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and anxiety.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) (fruit) has a long and proven history of herbal use, where they are employed mainly for their soothing, sedative, tonic and calming effect on the body and the mind. Their strongly bitter flavor largely accounts for their ability to strengthen and stimulate the digestion, increasing gastric and other secretions.
Scullcap (Scutellaria sp.) (herb) is a commonly used herbal medicine, virginian skullcap is a very effective nervine that has traditionally been used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions. Its tonic and restorative properties help to support and nourish the nervous system, calming and relieving stress and anxiety.
Passion Flower (Passifloa incarnate) (flower and leaf) is widely used as a component of herbal sedatives. Many pharmacological investigations confirm the sedative effects of passion flower. Based on pharmacological data, the experiences of traditional use and the use in combinations of passion flower extracts are an important factor in the phytotherapy of tenseness, restlessness and irritability with difficulty in falling asleep.
Calcium (Calcium Carbonate) The mineral calcium not only builds and strengthens bones and teeth, but it also helps the brain use tryptophan (amino acid) which the body uses to make serotonin (the neurotransmitter that slows down nerve traffic so your brain isn't so busy) and melatonin. Making more tryptophan available, either by eating foods that contain this substance or by seeing to it that more tryptophan gets to the brain, will help to make you sleepy.
Magnesium (Oxide) in doses of approximately 250 milligrams, can help induce sleep. Magnesium deficiency is responsible for nervousness that prevents sleep. Magnesium is also considered the "antistress" mineral. It is a natural tranquilizer, as it functions to relax skeletal muscles as well as the smooth muscles of blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract.