Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Actions
Excellent gentle sedative, anti-spasmodic, carminative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, vulnerary, aromatic, bitter, diaphoretic, nervine, sedative, tonic, anti-microbial.
Uses
Peptic ulcers, Candida, anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, inflammations, PMS.
Contraindications: Rare contact skin allergy.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnate)
Actions
Hypnotic, vasodilator, anti-spasmodic, mild sedative and analgesic without leaving depression. Hypotensive. Tranquilliser. Central Nervous System relaxant. Strengthens the heart muscle.
Uses
Keynote: General relaxant.
Sleeplessness due to mental restlessness. Nervous excitability, over-active brain, hyperactive children, neuralgia, twitching of limbs, constrictive headache.
· Herb of choice for treating insomnia.
· Aids transition into restful sleep without any narcotic hangover.
· Used as an anti-spasmodic re Parkinson’s disease, seizures, hysteria.
· Very effective for nerve pain re neuralgia and viral infections such as shingles.
· Asthma – where much spasmodic activity especially when associated with tension.
Contraindications: Use low doses in pregnancy.

Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)
Actions
Nervine tonic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, analgesic, hypnotic, anti-convulsive, brain and central nervous system vasodilator, hydrophobic.
Uses
Keynote: Nerves; one of the most widely used of herbal medicines.
Pressure headache, migraine, PMS, disturbed sleep, nervous stress.
· Is perhaps the most widely relevant nervine available to us.
· Relaxes states of nervous tension whilst at the same time renewing and revivifying the central nervous system.
· Has specific use in the treatment of seizure, hysterical states and epilepsy.
· May be used in all exhausted or depressed conditions.
· Eases pre-menstrual tension.

Oat Straw (Avena sativa)
Actions
Nerve restorative, anti-depressant, tranquilliser, brain tonic, cardiac tonic, relaxant and stimulant, nutritive, demulcent, vulnerary.
Uses
· Nutrient with selective action of the brain and nerve cells.
· Source of minerals.
· Improves performance and stamina.
· One of the best remedies for feeding and strengthening the nervous system, especially when under stress; nervous debility and exhaustion when associated with depression; general debility.
· High content of silica which is helpful for skin conditions especially in external applications.

Plantain (Plantago major)
Actions
Expectorant, demulcent, astringent, diuretic, externally emollient and vulnerary; anti-histamine, anti-bacterial, anti-allergy, blood tonic, lymphatic, anti-haemorrhagic, antacid.
Uses
Chronic blood disorders, shingles, neuralgic remedy, diabetes, fever, kidney and bladder disorders, irritable bowel, diverticulosis, ulcers, internal/external bleeding – excess menstrual loss, hyperacidity, bronchitis, bruises, skin eruptions and disorders, wounds that refuse to heal, cystitis with blood.
· One of the most versatile herbs.
· Rich source of minerals.
· All body tissues feel its beneficial influence.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Actions
Anti-inflammatory, carminative, anti-spasmodic, expectorant, vasodilator, anti-cholesterol, anti-emetic, diaphoretic.
Uses
Keynote: Diffusive stimulant.
Travel sickness, flatulent colic, irritable bowel and diarrhea – where no inflammation exists, colds and flu – to promote perspiration and thus reduce body temperature; cold hand and feet, hypothermia, brain fatigue, general weakness, nausea and vomiting, morning sickness of pregnancy, sickness of chemotherapy and after surgical operation.
· Traditional ingredient in prescriptions to ensure absorption through the stomach to all parts of the body.
· Stimulant of the peripheral circulation.
Contraindications: In kidney disease. Best taken with food.

Lime Blossom (Tilia cordata)
Actions
Nervine, anti-spasmodic, sedative, diaphoretic, diuretic, mild astringent, tonic, hypotensive, anti-coagulant, immune enhancer.
Uses
Relaxing remedy for nervous tension, guards against development of arteriosclerosis and hypertension, treatment of some forms of migraine due to its relaxing action combined with a general effect upon the circulatory system, aids digestion, insomnia; relief of early stages of flu, colds and fevers of childhood.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Actions
Favorably influences the Central Nervous System, acting as a natural relaxant to the higher nerve centres. Antibiotic, sedative, hypotensive, hypnotic, carminative, mild anodyne for temporary relief of pain, expectorant, aromatic, anti-diuretic, relaxant, spasmolytic.
Uses
Nervous tension, excitability, convulsions in infants, sleeplessness, restlessness, palpitation, high blood pressure, mental confusion, tension headache, migraine, epilepsy, menstrual pain, muscle and intestinal cramp, bronchial spasm, smoker’s cough, insomnia.
· Has been used for its calming effect since Hippocratic times.
· One of nature’s gentlest, non-toxic, non-addictive tranquillisers.