Plants in their raw, unprocessed form have certainly been used for medicinal purposes since the first intelligent animals discovered that certain food plants influenced certain bodily functions. Traditional/herbal medicine refers to health practices or traditions that include the use of plant, animal, and mineral-based medications, as well as manual procedures and exercises, to treat, diagnose, and prevent diseases or preserve good health.

alternative medications for axiety:

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis)

Lavender has an interaction with the neurotransmitter GABA to reduce the activity of the central nervous system which thus decreases the effects of anxiety and restlesness.

Valerian root

This has been discovered to naturally increase the amount of GABA in the brain, which aids in nerve cell regulation and anxiety reduction.

Alternative medication for insomnia:

Melatonin

Melatonin has been observed in the treatment of insomnia and delayed sleep-phase syndrome, among other sleep disorders. When given to healthy volunteers, it has been shown to enhance sleep onset, duration, and efficiency, implying a pharmacologic hypnotic effect.  Melatonin has also been shown to improve rapid eye movement sleep patterns.

Magnesium can help to calm the mind and body, making falling asleep easier.