How Hypnotics Work
Herbs that help you sleep have modes of action that vary from mild muscle relaxing properties, through volatile oils that ease psychological tensions, to remedies that contain strong alkaloids that work directly on the central nervous system and put you to sleep. Some of the most effective plant hypnotics are illegal for the very degree of their effectiveness. This includes the whole range of Opium Poppy derivatives. The remedies mentioned here are entirely safe and have no addictive properties.

Hypnotic herbs should always be used within the context of an approach to sleep problems involving relaxation, food, and lifestyle in general. For a detailed approach to their therapeutic use please refer to the section on the nervous system.

Hypnotics for Different Parts of the Body
Each system of the body has plants that are particularly suited to it, some of which are hypnotics of varying strength. It is safe to say, however, that all of the hypnotic remedies can help the whole body, in that sleep is such a vital health process.

Circulatory system: Here we can mention Motherwort, Linden, Balm. Notice that they are all in the milder group. European Mistletoe can help but must be used with care.

Respiratory system: All of the hypnotics can help as anti-spasmodics in conditions such as asthma, if used at the right dose. Wild Lettuce eases irritable coughs.

Digestive system: The relaxing nervines and carminatives are important, of which we can mention Chamomile, Vervain, Balm, Hops and Valerian. The anti-spasmodic herbs will help with intestinal colic, for example Hops, Jamaican Dogwood, Passion Flower and Valerian.

Urinary system: Hypnotics are important here when used as muscle relaxants.

Reproductive system: The same remarks hold good.

Muscles and Skeleton: All hypnotics will aid in reducing muscle tension and even the pain associated with problems in this system. They may be used internally or as lotions. Especially important are Jamaican Dogwood and Valerian.

Nervous system: All these remedies work on the nervous system.

Skin: Chamomile and Cowslip are healing, but otherwise the value of hypnotics here is to ensure that the body has a good recuperative rest each night.

Hypnotic Herbs

Californian Poppy	Eschscholzia californica
Chamomile	Matricaria recutita
Hops	Humulus lupulus
Jamaican Dogwood	Piscidia erythrina
Linden	Tilia spp.
Motherwort	Leonurus cardiaca
Mugwort	Artemisia vulgaris
Pasque Flower	Anenome pulsatilla
Passion Flower	Passiflora incarnata
Skullcap	Scutellaria laterifolia
Valerian	Valeriana officinalis
Vervain	Verbena officinalis
Wild Lettuce	Lactuca virosa
Wood betony	Betonica officinalis