Anxiolytic 

1. Theanine – amino acid found in green tea and it produces a calming effect on the brain. It crosses the BBB and increased the production of GABA and dopamine.  
2. St. Johns wort (Hypericum perforatum) – works by increasing brain levels of serotonin. 
3. Ginkgo biloba – activates GABA pathways and acts as a Benzodiazepine and can thus reduce anxiety. 
4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – falls into a group of herbs called adaptogens which regulate a person’s stress response. Although it has an anxiolytic effect it also causes improved quality of sleep. It can be taken as a tablet or in a liquid tincture form. 
5. Galphima glauca – tranquilizer to reduce anxiety. 
6. Cannabidiol – one of the active ingredients of the cannabis plant which has been found to have calming effects on the central nervous system. 
7. Blue Skullcap (Scutellaria Laterifolia) – tasty flower in the mint family which helps to boost mood and reduce anxiety. 
8. Hops (Humulus lupulus) – one of the herbs commonly blended in teas or supplements to produce a calming effect. It is believed that the effect it achieved due to hops binding to serotonin and melatonin receptors. 

Insomnia 

1. Prunus serotina – moderate sedative effect. 
2. Lavender essential oil – lavender is a flowering plant belonging to the mint family. The oil contains chemicals known as terpenes (linalool & linalyl acetate) which have been found to have calming affects on chemical receptors in the brain. 
3. Passionflower (Passiflora Incarnata) – treating restlessness, nervousness and anxiety. It works by increasing GABA levels and naturally lowers brain activity. 
4. Chamomile – flowering herb which almost looks like a daisy. There are 2 types (Roman and German chamomile) which can be used medicinally. It can be used as a tea, extract, tablet or even skin cream. It should be noted that chamomile may react with some blood thinners (warfarin).
5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – is antiviral, stomach calming and helps to treat sleep disorders caused by nervousness and tension. 
6. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – the root has been used for many years to manage insomnia, anxiety and depression. It works against anxiety and is also sleep inducing. It helps with the onset of sleep and with sleep maintenance. It produces it's effects by naturally increasing GABA levels in the body and decreasing synaptic GABA re-uptake. It is available as a tea, tablet or tincture. Not safe in small children or during pregnancy!!
7. Spices including nutmeg, turmeric and garlic have been shown to promote sleep. 

BEFORE TAKING ANY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE, CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.