Passionflower has many uses and comes in many different varieties. The herb is mainly used for supporting anxiety and sleep but has a long list of other applications as well.
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Cannabis (Cannabis sativa/indica)
Cannabis Overview
Cannabis is well known for its psychoactive effects, causing temporary changes in visual and auditory perception.
The cannabis plant is also a rich source of medicinal compounds. Cannabinoids related to THC exert medicinal action through the endocannabinoid system — a critical component of homeostasis.
Many of these cannabinoids aren't psychoactive, and wont produce the 'high' associated with the plant in their isolated forms.
Compounds like CBD, have become especially popular as a supplement recently for its broad medicinal benefits.
There are plenty of uses for cannabis — however, product selection, strain choice, and cannabinoid profiles make a big difference in the effects produced by the plant. It's important to use the right type of cannabis for the job.
What is Cannabis Used For?
Using cannabis as medicine poses challenges due to the large variety of effects each cannabinoid possesses. Different cannabinoid and terpene ratios can produce different effect profiles.
The plant has many claimed benefits, and though a lot of them can be validated, it's not a miracle plant.
Cannabis is especially reliable for a few key symptoms:
- Lowering various forms of inflammation
- Improving microbiome diversity (through CB2 receptor activity)
- Reducing nervous excitability
- Reducing convulsions
- Improving sleep onset and maintenance
- Lowering pain
Using cannabis as medicine should be attempted with caution due to the degree of variability the plant produces in terms of effect profile. What this means is that some cannabis extracts will make symptoms like anxiety worse, while others can dramatically improve it.
Choosing the right strain or extract is of the utmost importance when using cannabis as medicine.
The effects of cannabis can be contradictory:
- It's both a stimulant and a sedative
- It increases appetite, and suppresses it
- It increases immune activity, and suppresses inflamamtion
These effects all contradict themselves in most cases. The reason this happens is because the cannabinoids work through a regulatory pathway (endocannabinoid system) rather than on a particular organ function.
It's similar to how adaptogens like ginseng, ashwagandha, or reishi produce often contradictory or bidirectional results.
+ Indications
- Anorexia
- Cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Dystonia
- Epilepsy
- General anxiety disorder
- Glaucoma
- Gout
- Insomnia
- Menstrual cramping
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropathic pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Schizophrenia (Caution)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Substance abuse/addiction
- Ulcerative colitis
+ Contraindications
- Only use cannabis medicinally following the direction of a qualified medical practitioner.
- Caution with anxious or depression.
- May worsen symptoms of psychosis
- Avoid use alongside medications unless first discussing with your doctor.
+ Potential Side-Effects
- Apathy (long-term use)
- Bronchitis (smoking)
- Cough (smoking)
- Depression
- Dizziness
- Dry eyes
- Dry mouth
- Eye reddening
- Fatigue
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Heart palpitations
- Hypertension/Hypotension
- Increased appetite
- Lightheadedness
- Menstrual changes
- Nausea/vomiting
- Numbness
- Paranoia
- Tachycardia
Herb Details: Cannabis
Weekly Dose
- (CBD content in mg)
70–700 mg - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves, flowers, seeds
Family Name
- Cannabacea
Distribution
- Worldwide
Herbal Actions:
- Sedative/Stimulant
- Anti-emetic
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-convulsant
- Analgesic
- Antinflammatory
- Appetite Suppressant/Stimulant
- Adaptogen
- Anti-cancer
- Antioxidant
Common Names
- Cannabis
- Marijuana
- Hemp
- Mary Jane
- Herb
Pregnancy
- Avoid use while pregnant and nursing.
Duration of Use
- Long-term use acceptable. Recommended to take breaks periodically.
CYP450
- CYP2C9
- CYP3A4
Botanical Information
Cannabis plants are members of the Cannabacea family. This small family comprises only 11 different genuses, and about 170 species.
Some common members of the family are hops (Humulus spp.) and celtis (Celtis spp.). The celtis genus contains the largest collection of species by far, with over 100 different species. Cannabis and Humulus are the closest related genus' in the group by far.
There are three species of cannabis:
1. Cannabis sativa
Cannabis sativa is a tall, fibrous plant. It's high in cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals — giving it many uses medicinally.
Cannabis sativa is the most commonly cultivated species. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different phenotypes of this species — the most important being hemp — which is a non-psychoactive, high fiber plant valued as both a health supplement and textile. It's also used for food (seeds), and to make biodeisel.
There are also Cannabis sativa strains high in the psychoactive component — THC — which make it popular as both medicine and recreational intoxicant.
2. Cannabis indica
Cannabis indica grows as s shorter, bushier plant. It's hgiher in THC, and there are few low-THC phenotypes available for this plant.
This species of cannabis is most often used recreationally.
3. Cannabis ruderalis
Cannabis ruderalis is a small, herbaceus plant more closely related to Cannabis sativa than Cannabis indica. It's low in cannabinoids, and terpenes, as well as fiber — limiting its value to humans.
This species has the unique ability to initiate flower production irrelevant to day length. Plant breeders have started mixing the plant with other species to gain these benefits. This makes cultivation easier in areas where day length is too short or too long for optimal cannabis cultivation.
Phytochemistry
There are 421 compounds in the cannabis plant [1], at least 66 of these are cannabinoids — some sources report as many as 112.
The top 6 cannabinoids in the plant (CBD, CBG, CNN, THC, THCV, and CBC), account for the vast majority of the cannabinoid profile.
The phenotype of the cannabis used is the primary determining factor for the cannabinoid profile of each plant.
Hemp plants for example, contain much higher levels of CBD, and lower levels of THC. Marijuana strains are the opposite, contianing high THC, and lower CBD.
Depending on the strain, this can vary dramatically — and you can find almost any combination of cannabinoid possible.
The Cannabinoids:
Cannabinoids are a class of phytochemical compounds resembling the structure of our naturally occurring ecosanoid endocannabinoids; anandamide, and 2-AG. There are roughly 66 of these compounds in the cannabis plant, and a few found in other species of plants as well — such as helichrysum and echinacea.
Although the cannabinoids are very similar, their binding activity varies a lot [14]. Some bind to CB1 receptors (located primarily in the central nervous system), others bind to CB2 receptors (found primarily in immune tissue). Some cannabinoids will even bind to both, or work by increasing the concentrations of naturally occurring endocannabinoids instead.
Due to the wide range of variability between each cannabinoid, it’s useful to go over them in greater detail individually.
1. CBC
Cannabichromene
CBC is the third most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.
It’s non-psychoactive.
CBC is far less studied than the two preceding cannabinoids CBD, and THC, though early research is starting to suggest it’s even better for treating conditions like anxiety than the famed CBD.
CBC content can be increased in the cannabis plant by inducing light-stress on the plant [5].
CBC Medicinal Actions
Antidepressant
Mild sedative
Receptors Affected
Vanilloid receptor agonist (TRPV3 and TRPV4) [4]
2. CBD
Cannabidiol
In many cases, CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid. Only selectively bred cannabis strains will have higher THC concentrations than CBD.
CBD is famed for many reasons. It offers a wide range of medicinal benefits, and has been well-studied and validated over the past two decades.
CBD oils, e-liquids, and edibles have become highly popular in recent years as more of this research is being released and translated for the general public.
CBD Medicinal Actions
Antinflammatory
Mild appetite suppressant
Lowers stress
Adaptogenic
Mild sedative
Anti-emetic
Receptors Affected
Adenosine (A2a) reuptake inhibitor [6]
Vanilloid pain receptors (TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3) [7]
5HT1A receptor agonist (serotonin receptor) [6]
FAAH (–) [6, 7]
PPARγ nuclear receptor (+) [48]
Mg2+‐ATPase (−) [11]
Arylalkylamine N‐acetyltransferase (−) [44]
Indoleamine‐2,3‐dioxygenase (−) [45]
15‐lipoxygenase (−) [46]
Phospholipase A2 (+) [11]
Glutathione peroxidase (+) [47]
Glutathione reductase (+) [47]
5‐lipoxygenase (−) [46]
Metabolism
CYP1A1 (−) [40]
CYP1A2 & CYP1B1 (−) [40]
CYP2B6 (−) [41]
CYP2D6 (−) [42]
CYP3A5 (−) [43]
Enter KATS15 for a 15% Discount
3. CBG
Cannabigerol
CBG is an early precursor for many of the other cannabinoids including THC.
Plants harvested early will be high in this compound.
Many users report that strains high in CBG are less likely to cause anxiety, and are good for people experiencing acute stress.
This is likely due to its role in blocking the serotonergic effects of THC through the 5-HT1A serotonin receptors [9].
CBG Medicinal Actions
Anti-anxiety
Adaptogenic
Mild sedative
Receptors Affected
4. CBN
Cannabinol
CBN is made from THC. As THC content breaks down with time, or heat, CBN levels increase overall.
Older harvested plants that have gone past their window of ripeness will be much higher in CBN.
It’s mostly non-psychoactive but may have some mild psychoactivity in some people.
Products or strains high in CBN will produce more of a heavy feeling and are best used for treating conditions like insomnia or anxiety.
This cannabinoid is potentially the most sedative of the group.
CBN Medicinal Actions
Sedative
Anti-anxiety
Appetite stimulant
Receptors Affected
CB1 receptor agonist [10].
Metabolism
CYP2C9
5. THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC is the main psychoactive compound in the cannabis plant.
There are two main types:
Delta-8-THC — contained in very small amounts
Delta-9-THC — the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant
THC activates both CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors, causing changes in neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and most importantly, serotonin. It’s this change in neurotransmitter levels that produce the bulk of the high experienced by this compound.
Aside from its psychoactive effects, THC has medicinal benefits of its own.
It’s mentally stimulating and has some potent antidepressant effects through its euphoric effects.
THC Medicinal Actions
Appetite stimulant
Sedative (low doses)
Stimulant (high doses)
Receptors Affected
Metabolism
CYP2C9
6. THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin
THCV is the fraternal twin of THC.
It’s virtually identical except for one slight chemical difference — THCV is missing two carbon atoms.
This makes the effects of THCV very similar to THC — but is much weaker in its effects.
One study reported THCV as being 20-25% as strong as THC in its psychoactive effects [12].
There are others affected by this, including CBCV, and CBDV, though they are in far less concentrations.
THCV Medicinal Actions
Appetite suppressant
Euphoric
Antispasmodic
Paranoic
Receptors Affected
Vanilloid receptor agonist (TRPV3 and TRPV4) [13].
7. Other Cannabinoids
There are also a lot of cannabinoids that can be found in much lower concentrations.
These make up the bottom 5% of the cannabinoid profile.
Few of these cannabinoids have many studies on them aside from chemical mapping to identify their structure.
We may see more research on these cannabinoids in the near future.
Some Novel Cannabinoids Include:
CBCV (cannabichromevarin)
CBDV (cannabidivarin)
CBE (cannabielsoin)
CBGM (cannabigerol monomethyl ether)
CBGV (cannabigerovarin)
CBL (cannabicyclol)
CBT (cannabicitran)
CBV (cannabivarin)
A Note On Synthetic Cannabinoids
There are also synthetic cannabinoids. These are compounds that are similar in shape and function to cannabinoids produced in our bodies, or in the cannabis plant.
It’s recommended that you stay far away from the synthetic cannabinoids — not only do they lack many of the medicinal actions of cannabis, they have the potential to cause serious harm.
The street drug known as “spice” is a combination of various synthetic cannabinoids. They were designed as an attempt to circumvent the legal hurdles preventing the sale of cannabis products for recreational use — and have since become a major cause of addiction and abuse.
+ Side-Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoid Use
- Agitation and anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Death
- Hallucinations
- Heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Kidney failure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
- Racing heart
- Seizures
- Shortness of breath
+ List of Synthetic Cannabinoids
- JWH-018
- JWH-073
- JWH-200
- AM-2201
- UR-144
- XLR-11
- AKB4
- Cannabicyclohexanol
- AB-CHMINACA
- AB-PINACA
- AB-FUBINACA
Cannabis Terpenes
Terpenes are a class of compounds characterized by their volatile nature, and hydrocarbon-based structure. These are contained in high amounts in the essential oil of plants.
Terpenes have a very low molecular weight, and will evaporate under low temperatures. This, combined with their characteristic aromas is what gives many plants their scent. Conifer trees, fruits, and many flowers (including cannabis) all owe their aroma to their terpene profile.
Each plant can contains hundreds of different terpenes — many of which will even overlap into unrelated plant species. Cannabis shares terpenes with pine trees, many different flowers, citrus fruits, and nutmeg, among others.
Terpenes add flavor as well as additional medicinal benefits. Terpenes often have antibacterial, antiviral, antinflammatory, and anxiolytic effects.
+ List of Cannabis Terpenes
- A-humulene
- a-Terpenine
- Alpha Bisabolol
- alpha-Terpineol
- Alpha/Beta Pinene
- Beta-Caryophyllene
- Bisabolol
- Borneol
- Camphene
- Caryophyllene oxide
- D-Linalool
- Eucalyptol (1, 8 cineole)
- Geraniol
- Guaiol
- Isopulegol
- Limonene
- Myrecene
- Nerolidol
- p-Cymene
- Phytol
- Pulegone
- Terpineol-4-ol
- Terpinolene
- Trans Ocimene
- Valencene
- ∆-3-carene
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Cannabinoids work by mimicking the endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-AG.
Learn more about cannabinoid metabolism.
Clinical Applications of Cannabis
As an herb, cannabis is very useful. It works through a set of receptors most other plants don’t interact with — the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis. This gives cannabis an effect profile similar to adaptogens — but through different mechanisms.
Cannabis is similar to adaptogens in that it offers a bidirectional effect profile — which means it can both increase, and decrease tissue function according to its homeostatic baseline.
But cannabis isn’t quite an adaptogen because it can’t increase the bodies resistance to stress, and doesn’t appear to exert any action on the hypothalamus or adrenal glands directly.
Although cannabis has broad actions and therefore can provide benefit to a wide range of body systems — choosing the right product, strain, and phenotype for the job is critical.
An experienced herbalist or naturopath using cannabis will take into account the cannabinoid profile, terpene content, and anecdotal effects of each strain or CBD product being used.
Unlike other herbs, you have to be very particular about the type of cannabis being used for each condition.
What Constitutes “Medicinal” Cannabis?
There’s a big difference between using cannabis because “it’s healthy”, and using it as a therapeutic agent aimed at treating a specific disease process.
Although it can be used as both, daily supplementing cannabis or extracts like CBD don’t constitute medical cannabis.
However, you can use cannabis to address the symptoms, or underlying causes for some conditions.
Cautions:
Caution advised whenever using cannabis due to the potential for intoxicating side-effects. Without careful consideration of cannabinoid profile, some strains, or cannabis products may make symptoms for certain conditions worse — especially anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder, and insomnia.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
What is Rosemary?
Plants have ingenious ways of spreading their seeds around the world.
One of the most successful is the rosemary shrub.
The desirable flavor, and useful medicinal qualities of rosemary have enticed humans to carry its seeds along with them from Europe as they spread to all corners of the earth.
The majority of rosemary around the world is used for its desirable culinary quality, however, there are plenty of good medicinal uses of the plant as well.
It's used primarily as a nervine, circulatory stimulant, and digestive.
It stimulates blood flow to the body and the brain and has the benefits of promoting mental clarity, and moving other herbs deeper into the peripheral blood system.
The volatile oils contained in its leaves stimulate digestion and soothe upset stomachs.
Here's everything I know about rosemary.
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How Is Rosemary Used?
Rosemary is popular in cooking. It's used medicinally to increase blood flow to the brain, reduce nerve pain, and improve digestion. The essential oil is used topically to promote blood flow and stimulate the hair follicles involved with premature balding.
Herb Details: Rosemary
Herbal Actions:
- Antidepressant
- Antimicrobial
- Antispasmodic
- Emmenagogue
- Nervine Stimulant
- Nootropic
- Rubefacient
- Carminative
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15-30 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaf & twigs
Family Name
- Lamiaceae
Distribution
- Originally from Mediterranean, but has since spread all over the world.
Constituents of Interest
- Volatile oil (borneol, camphene, camphor, linalool)
- Apigenin
- Rosmarinic acid
- Carnosol & Carnosolic acid
- Rosmaricine
Common Names
- Rosemary
- Roosmaryn (Afrikaans)
- Rozmarinë (Albania)
- Ikleel al-Jabal (Arabic)
- Rozmarin (Bulgaria)
- Romarin (France/Germany)
- Mannenro (Japan)
- Alecrim (Portugal)
- Mi Die Xiang (China)
CYP450
- CYP1A2
- CYP3A4
- CYP2C9
- Also P-gp
Quality
- Warm, Acrid
Pregnancy
- Caution advised during pregnancy.
Taste
- Sweet, Acrid, Slightly Bitter
Duration of Use
- Long term use is acceptable.
Botanical Info:
Rosemary is a member of the mint family, which is one of the largest plant families. It contains roughly 236 different genera, and 6900-7200 different species.
The Rosmarinus genus contains 4 different species, the one most commonly used as medicine is Rosmarinus officinalis, though the other species also have some use in the regions in which it grows.
It's hardy to colder climates, but grows primarily in the Mediterranean. It's also highly drought-resistant, and can survive without water for very long periods of time.
Clinical Applications of Rosemary
Rosemary is most useful as a circulatory stimulant, nervine stimulant, carminative and digestive.
It's used to treat cognitive conditions involving poor blood flow like Alzheimer's disease, syncope, and headaches. it's also used as a nootropic and for increasing blood flow to the follicles of the hair to support hair growth. The essential oil is especially useful here for addressing symptoms of premature balding. It's also an excellent nervine used for conditions like neuralgia, sciatica, and depression when associated with debility or concussion.
Its digestive properties make it useful for addressing flatulence, indigestion, dyspepsia, and recovery from intestinal tract infection.
Cautions:
Avoid using therapeutic doses of rosemary while pregnant. This doesn’t include small doses of rosemary used in cooking.
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Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
What is Manuka?
In New Zealand, where manuka trees grow, the Maori consider male tea tree plants "Kanuka" and the female plants "Manuka". The plant is regarded very highly in this culture as a medicinal species.
The most well-known form of manuka is in manuka honey. This is a honey made by bees feasting primarily on manuka bushes. The honey has an impressive antibacterial profile when made from these plants. This is also reflected in the herb itself, which has been shown to have potent antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral activity.
Most of the medicinal benefits of the plant come from its essential oil content, which can vary a lot depending on the region the plant was grown in.
What is Manuka Used For?
Internally, manuka is used to treat gastrointestinal conditions like diarrhea, colic, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and dysentery. It's also used for urinary tract infection, anxiety, and cold/flu infections.
Manuka is used topically for its antibacterial, and vulnerary actions. It's used to treat slow healing skin and bone injuries, bacterial infections, candida, and eczema. It can be gargled for gingivitis, or for general oral hygiene.
Manuka honey is another common form of the plant. It's become so popular worldwide, it's been standardised by the phenol content. This is expressed as a unique manuka factor (UMF) value set by the Active Manuka Honey Association (AMHA). Anything over UMF 5 is considered strong enough to kill MRSA.
Herb Details: Manuka
Herbal Actions:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antispasmodic
- Anxiolytic
- Diaphoretic
- Diuretic
- Febrifuge
- Sedative
- Astringent
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
20-65 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves, Flowers, Bark
Family Name
- Myrtaceae
Distribution
- New Zealand
Constituents of Interest
- Leptospermone
- Sesquiterpenes
- Tannins
- Citronellal
Common Names
- Manuka
- Tea Tree
- New Zealand Tea Tree
Quality
- Neutral-Warm
Pregnancy
- Unknown
Taste
- Spicy
Duration of Use
- Long term use is acceptable, but should be taken away from food.
Botanical Information
Manuka is a member of the Myrtaceae family of plants. This family contains as many as 133 different genera, and around 3800 different species, many of which are medicinally relevant.
Clinical Applications Of Manuka:
Manuka is useful both internally and topically. It's been shown to be an effective antibacterial agent for various forms of bacteria (including Staphylococcus). It's also an effective anti-fungal and antiviral (including HSV). The antibacterial effects were the most notable, with only some chemotypes of Manuka showing potent anti-fungal benefits.
Manuka can be used for nearly any form of bacterial infections both topically and internally, as well as wounds, ulcers, and gastrointestinal inflammation or infection. It's also useful for skin inflammation like eczema or psoriasis. The muscle relaxant effects make it useful for injuries, muscle tension, colic, and insomnia.
Cautions:
Manuka is widely considered safe and there are no common side effects of the herb.
+ Contraindications
Avoid long-term use alongside food. Tannins may impede mineral absorption.
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Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis)
What is Magnolia?
Magnolia is one of the oldest flowering plants in existence, dating back as far as 95 million years ago. The first angiosperm is thought to have originated 130 million years ago. this is long before bees first appeared. To no surprise then, magnolia have evolved to be pollinated by beetles instead, which have been around for much longer.
Magnolia is a common herb in traditional Chinese medicine for treating Qi stagnation and removing obstructions.
It remains popular for reducing sinus infection and congestion, sinus headaches, asthma, coughs, and catarrh as well as anxiety and heightened cortisol levels.
+ Indications
- Abdominal pain
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Amoebic dysentery
- Anxiety
- Asthma
- Bloating
- Catarrh
- Coughs
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Gastroenteritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Nausea/vomiting
- Poor appetite
- Poor digestion
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rhinitis
- Sinus infection
- Stress
- Typhoid
- Ulcers
+ Contraindications
Avoid use during convalescence.
How Is Magnolia Used?
Magnolia is used for its anxiolytic and digestive effects.It's often combined with Phellodendron for treating both acute and chronic stress.
Magnolia is also commonly used for upper respiratory tract infection, sinus congestion, and catarrh.
Herb Details: Magnolia
Herbal Actions:
- Antioxidant
- Antiallergic
- Antiasthmatic
- Anxiolytic
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antispasmodic
- Aphrodisiac
- Emmenagogue
- Expectorant
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15-100 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Bark
Family Name
- Magnoliaceae
Distribution
- Eastern Asia, North America, Central America
Constituents of Interest
- Honokiol
- Magnolol
Common Names
- Magnolia
- Ch'Uan Pu (China)
- Chinese Magnolia
- Choon Pok
- Hou Pu
Quality
- Warm
Pregnancy
- Unknown
Taste
- Bitter
Duration of Use
- Long term use acceptable, but should be monitored by a professional.
Botanical Information
Magnolia officinalis is a medium sized tree, ranging from 5 to 15 m in height. It's deciduous, with purple brown bark.
Magnolia is a member of the Magnoliaceae family of plants. There are 2 subfamilies in this family, including Magnollioideae and Liriodendroideae. The latter of which only includes Liriodendron (Tulip trees). In The Magnoliaceae family there are approximately 219 species, distributed into 17 genera. The vast majority are included in the Magnolia genus, which has about 210 different species.
One interesting note is that it appears magnolia appeared before bees did. The flowers are instead evolved to be pollinated by beetles, due to the extremely tough carpels on the flower. There have also been fossils discovered with plants contained in the Magnoliaceae family as far back as 95 million years ago, making Magnolia one of the oldest remaining angiosperms.
Clinical Applications Of Magnolia:
Magnolia increases the activity of GABA receptors, as well as the muscarinic receptors. This is why Magnolia is useful for both its sedative effect, as well as some mild stimulating effects. While most anxiolytic herbs have a particular effect on the parasympathetic nervous system (through GABAergic effects), Magnolia also increases the activity of the sympathetic nervous system through the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in a similar way to GABA.
Magnolia is especially useful for eliminating nasal congestion, sinus infections, coughs, and catarrh. It's used to improve indigestion and dysentery, though it is not commonly used for bacterial or fungal infections alone.
Magnolia is also used for reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. It can reduce cortisol levels in stressed individuals, especially in combination with Phellodendron. Its primary actions for this involves GABAergic activities, and have been shown to lower salivary cortisol levels in stressed individuals.
Magnolia should be avoided in those who are chronically fatigued, or who are suffering from convalescence. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that magnolia should be avoided with any condition involving yin deficiency.
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California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
California Poppy Summary
California poppy is a relative of the opium poppy that gives us morphine. This particular member contains a different set of alkaloids with similar, but milder effects.
California Poppy is the official state flower for California but grows throughout the Southern parts of the United States.
Its primary uses — both in modern herbal medicine and traditional herbal medicine — is for treating anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. It's one of the most potent herbal sedatives available.
How Is California Poppy Used?
California poppy is used for its sedative and analgesic effects. It contains a set of alkaloids similar to morphine, though not as strong. It can be used both internally for anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, as well as topically for skin irritations and ulcers.
Herb Details
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
20-40 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Aerial parts
Family Name
- Papaveraceae
Distribution
- Southern parts of The United States of America
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic
- Antispasmodic
- Anxiolytic
- Nervine
Constituents of Interest
- Eschscholtzine
- Californidine
- Sanguinarine
- Chelerythrine
Common Names
- California Poppy
- Kaliforniese papawer (Afrikaans)
- Pavot de Californie (France)
CYP450
- CYP3A4
- CYP2C9
- CYP2C19
- CYP2D6
- CYP1A2
Pregnancy
- No adverse effects expected.
Taste
- Bitter
Duration of Use
- May be used long term.
Botanical Information
California poppy is a member of the Papaveraceae family. This family contains roughly 42 genera and about 775 different species. The Eschscholzia genus itself contains about 12 different species.
The species, Eschscholzia californica, is very diverse, as it has been extensively bred commercially and by hobbyists as an ornamental garden flower.
Clinical Applications Of California Poppy
California poppy extract enhances GABA binding and is an opioid receptor agonist. It's been shown to displace fluorazepam from the benzodiazepam receptor. This is likely the main mechanism of action for California Poppy's sedative, and analgesic effects.
Caution
- May possess additive interaction with benzodiazepines.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
What is Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most famous herbs known to man. It's cultivated on a massive scale throughout Europe and North America and is a popular flavoring and aromatic agent for household products.
Medicinally lavender is best known for its ability to promote sleep. It's often sold as aromatherapy, in salves and creams, and incense for this purpose. Lavender is also great for internal use, where it interacts with the GABA system to produce relaxation and sleep.
Lavender essential oil can be used as a topical agent for insect bites, rashes, and infection.
What is Lavender Used For?
Lavender is mainly used in topical applications for rashes, skin irritations, mild infections, sunburn, and insect bites. Internally it's mainly used for anxiety-related conditions, GIT inflammation and discomfort, and insomnia.
Herb Details: Lavender
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic (mild)
- Antibacterial
- Anti-cancer
- Anticonvulsant
- Antidepressant
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Antiparasitic
- Carminative
- Nervine Relaxant
- Neuroprotective
- Antispasmodic
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15–30 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves and flowers
Family Name
- Lamiaceae
Distribution
- Mediterranean and Southern Europe
Northern and Eastern Africa
Constituents of Interest
- Monoterpene Alcohols
- Athocyanins
Common Names
- Lavender
- Laventelit (Finland)
- English Lavender
Pregnancy
No adverse reactions expected.
Duration of Use
- This herb is generally regarded as safe for long term use.
Botanical Information
Lavender is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). In the genus Lavandula, there are approximately 47 species — most of which are perennials, or small shrubs.
There are a number of lavenders used medicinally
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender)
Lavendula dentata (Spanish Lavender)
This list is disputed by many taxonomists, suggesting that French lavender may be Lavandula stoechas or Lavandula dentata, and that Spanish lavender could be either Lavandula dentata, or Lavandula lanata, or Lavandula dentata.
Clinical Applications Of Lavender:
Lavender is useful topically for female conditions including dysmenorrhoea and PMS due to its antispasmodic and analgesic effects. It's also useful topically for its anti-fungal and antibacterial effects. Internally lavender can be used for gastrointestinal complaints, including bloating, flatulence, and colic.
Lavender is a reliable nervine for its GABAergic activity. Additionally it has been shown to reverse the stimulating effects induced by caffeine, and inhibits acetylcholine release.
Cautions:
Lavender has been proven to be a very safe herb with a low incidence of adverse effects.
Avoid use with pharmaceutical sedatives due to the possibility of agonistic synergy.
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