Herbal Reference Guide

Passion flower

Passionflora incarnata

Passionflower is traditionally used for its mild sedative and calming properties. It helps to quiet the mind and bring one back into the present by relaxing the central nervous system. Passionflower helps with anxiety, nervousness, stress management, insomnia, restlessness, and headaches.

Main Action
Aids in Sleep
Relaxant
Relieves Pain
Sedative

Parts Used
Leaves, Flower, Vine and Stem

Found In

Valerian root

Valeriana officinalis

Used wherever nervous tension, overactivity, or an inability to relax are present, Valerian's gently sedative action helps to soothe and slow a nervous system that is beginning to spin out of control. It is one of the first herbs to consider when a remedy is needed to ease anxiety and panic attack.

Main Action
Antispasmodic
Mild analgesic
Mild bitter
Tranquilizer

Parts Used
Root

Found In

Lavender

Lavendula officinalis

Lavender combines beauty and function, delicate aroma with great therapeutic use. It is considered a purifier of both body and mind. As a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system, Lavender has traditionally been used in the treatment of depression, insomnia and anxiety, tension headaches and more. 

Main Action
Sedative
Nervine Tonic
Analgesic
Antidepressant
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Relieves gas

Parts Used
Leaves and Flowers

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Considered a “food” for the nervous system, Skullcap is a key restorative and nerve tonic. It's often proven to help with conditions where nervous debility is a factor, whether as a result of long-term stress, insomnia, or chronic pain. Skullcap is often a standard natural remedy for anxiety, nervous exhaustion, disturbed sleep, lowered mood, and tension headaches. The herb’s antispasmodic action makes it useful in relieving the taut and tensed muscled that so often accompany anxiety and worry.

Main Action
Nervine tonie
Sedative
Mild Bitter
Antispasmodic 

Parts Used
Leaves

Licorice Root

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Known as the “peacemaker herb” (or “guiding herb” in TCM) Licorice root is said to balance and enhance the actions and flavours of herbs with which it is combined. This sweet root can provide valuable support in any situation where the adrenal glands have been subject to long term stress. It also makes an effective tonic in aiding recovery from illness and chronic exhaustion.Additionally, liquorice has an undeniably effective soothing demulcent action that can relieve inflammation or irritation of the throat, stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

Main Action
Anti-inflammatory
Antiviral
Demulcent
Expectorant
Tonic

Parts Used
Root

Peppermint

Mentha piperita

Peppermint has excellent antispasmodic actions, calming and soothing the entire length of the digestive tract. Peppermint has been found to relieve intestinal colic and flatulence by its relaxing effect on smooth muscle. Due to its antimicrobial activity, peppermint may also help fight off infections such as the common cold and influenza. The volatile oil in peppermint acts as a mild anaesthetic to the stomach wall which may help with feelings of nausea during travel.

Main Action
Antispasmodic 
Diaphoretic
Mild analgesic
Relieves gas
Mild bitter
Mild sedative
Antiseptic

Parts Used
Leaves

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Like many culinary herbs, basil has a pronounced effect on digestion, both stimulating and soothing stomach and intestinal activity at the same time. It is best taken for symptoms such as bad breath, stomach cramps, nausea, indigestion, gas, and bloating.

Main Action
Antibacterial
Mild Sedative
Relieves gas

Parts Used
Whole plant

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel is one of the most effective carminatives, which helps to relieve digestive cramps and spasms. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines which may relieve griping and flatulence. Fennel is also an effective anti-inflammatory herb, helping the function of the digestive system furthermore.

Main Action
Eases gas and cough
Improves appetite and digestion
Increases breast milk

Parts Used
Seeds

Chamomile

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Rose

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Hibiscus

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Nettle

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Lemon Balm

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Rosehip

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

St. John's Wort

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Damiana

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Ginger

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Calendula

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Rosemary

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Ginkgo

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Gotu Kola

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Yerba Mate

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Spearmint

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Cacao

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Oatstraw

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Ginkgo

PassionflowerIt all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.