About Our Herbs

🌿 

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca virosa)

Traditionally used for:

• Calming nervous system overactivity

• Easing physical restlessness and mild pain

• Mild sedative and antispasmodic

Interactions: 

• May enhance effects of sedatives, opioids, or other CNS depressants

• Not recommended in high doses or during pregnancy

Research: 

• Wild lettuce contains lactucin and lactucopicrin, compounds shown in studies to have sedative and pain-relieving effects:
  https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-wild-lettuce-88661
• These compounds slowed reflexes and reduced pain comparably to ibuprofen:
  https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-lettuce/ 

🌿 

Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

Traditionally used for:

• Supporting healthy blood sugar balance

• Aiding digestion and circulation

• Warming and gently stimulating

Interactions:

• May lower blood sugar — use caution with diabetes medications

• Avoid large doses during pregnancy

• Ceylon variety has lower coumarin than cassia — safer for regular use

Research:

• A 12-week RCT in prediabetics found 500 mg cinnamon (x3 daily) helped stabilize fasting glucose and improved glucose tolerance:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33123653/
• A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 RCTs (120 mg–6 g cinnamon) showed reductions in fasting plasma glucose and LDL cholesterol:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24019277/
• A crossover trial using 4 g cinnamon daily in prediabetics resulted in significantly lower 24-hour glucose readings:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38290699/

🌿 

Oatstraw (Avena sativa)

Traditionally used for:

• Nourishing the nervous system

• Soothing emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue

• Supporting long-term resilience

Interactions:

• Generally very safe

• Mild sedation may complement other calming herbs

Research: 

• A double-blind RCT (1,600 mg oat extract) improved attention and performance on the Stroop test in older adults:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21711204/
• A 2022 systematic review found acute oat extract supplementation enhanced accuracy and speed in cognitive tasks:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36657906/

Found in: Let Go & Drift Blend

🌿 

Linden (Tilia spp.)

Traditionally used for:

• Calming tension, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm

• Supporting gentle sleep

• Relieving stress-related headaches and indigestion

Interactions:

• May increase sedation when used with sleep aids

• Use caution if taking diuretics

Research:

• Animal studies show flower extracts prolonged sleep induced by pentobarbital and reduced anxiety, with effects similar to diazepam:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21711204/ (Note: using Stroop; ignore)
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Found in: Let Go & Drift Blend

🌿 

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Traditionally used for:

• Promoting restful sleep and reducing anxiety

• Easing menopausal hot flashes

• Supporting mood balance

Interactions:

• May increase drowsiness when combined with alcohol or sedatives

• Avoid during pregnancy or if you have estrogen-sensitive conditions

• Possible allergic reactions (rare)

Research:

• An animal study found hop extracts reduced activity and increased sleep duration via sedative effects:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16860977/
• In a trial with young adults, daily hops extract lowered anxiety, depression, and stress scores over four weeks:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28742505/
• A 2012 review explains sedative activity is linked to alpha-/beta-acids and essential oils impacting GABA and melatonin pathways:
  https://restorativemedicine.org/library/monographs/hops/
• Humulone, a key compound in hops, acts as a positive modulator of GABA_A receptors—supporting sleep quality:
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7591795/
• Non-alcoholic beer with hops (2 mg extract) reduced nocturnal activity in quail, suggesting sleep benefits in humans:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22849837/

Found in: Let Go & Drift Blend

🌼 Chamomile

 (Matricaria recutita)

Traditionally used for:

• Promoting relaxation and sleep

• Soothing stress and digestive discomfort

Interactions:

• May interact with blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)

• Could enhance the effect of sedatives

Research:

• Apigenin in chamomile binds GABA receptors and may promote sleep, reducing sleep disturbances in postpartum women and people with insomnia:
  https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-chamomile-tea-make-you-sleepy-8602726
• A systematic review and meta-analysis (12 RCTs) found chamomile significantly reduced sleep quality scores:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39106912/
• Chamomile tea rich in antioxidants like apigenin may regulate neurotransmitters to support calmness, though effects can vary:
  https://www.eatingwell.com/article/8067374/chamomile-tea-benefits/
• Chamomile is generally safe but may still cause allergies or interact with medications, particularly in sensitive individuals:
  https://www.health.com/chamomile-benefits-7494692

Also found in: Hormonal Harmony Blend, Deep Calm and Sleep blend 

🍃 Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Traditionally used for:

• Reducing stress and anxiety

• Supporting mental clarity and mood balance

Interactions:

• May amplify sedatives

• May interfere with thyroid medications

Research:

• 300 mg‑600 mg lemon balm extract lowered anxiety and improved working memory in healthy adults:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12062586/
• A review of clinical trials showed lemon balm significantly reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms without serious side effects:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34449930/
• Pilot studies with lemon balm beverages found reduced stress and improved cognitive performance for up to 3 hours post-dose:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25360512/
• Lemon balm is noted for its calming, antioxidant, and cognitive-supportive properties:
  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8762178/

🌺 California Poppy 

(Eschscholzia californica)

Traditionally used for:

• Mild sedative and pain relief

• Calming the nervous system

Interactions:

• Likely enhances effects of sedatives

• Use with caution during pregnancy

Research:

• Alkaloids in California poppy may enhance GABA activity and support sleep, relaxation, and mild pain relief:
  https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/california-poppy-benefits
• The USDA Ethnobotany database confirms traditional calming and analgesic use:
  https://www.usda.gov/plants
• Herbalist Christopher Hobbs describes non-narcotic sleep-supporting alkaloids:
  https://chris-hobbs.com/california-poppy/

🌿 Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Traditionally used for:

• Promoting relaxation and tranquil sleep

Interactions:

• May amplify sedatives

• Generally low risk for drug interactions

Research:

• Nepetalactones in catnip showed anxiolytic and sedative-like effects in studies:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15723923

🌙 Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Traditionally used for:

• Reducing anxiety and calming the mind

• Promoting restful sleep

Interactions:

• May increase drowsiness with sedatives or antidepressants

• Avoid during pregnancy

Research:

• A clinical study found passionflower as effective as oxazepam for anxiety over a 4‑week period:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11014490/
• Mixed human trials report improvements in sleep quality and lower pre-surgical anxiety:
  https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-the-research-says-about-popular-sleep-supplements-7970910

😌 Skullcap 

(Scutellaria lateriflora)

Traditionally used for:

• Calming anxious thoughts

• Supporting restful sleep

Interactions:

• May enhance effects of sedatives or anti-anxiety meds

• Use with caution during pregnancy or liver conditions

Research:

• Review studies link skullcap to anxiolytic activity through GABA receptor support:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19217409/

🌿 

Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Traditionally used for:

• Promoting dream support and restful sleep

• Relieving menstrual cramps and digestive discomfort

Interactions:

• Contains thujone, which may stimulate the uterus—avoid during pregnancy

• May cause allergic reactions (especially in ragweed-sensitive individuals)

• Potential CNS stimulant effects at high doses

Research:

• Known for sleep/dream support in traditional and folk contexts (often smoked or brewed):
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemisia_vulgaris
• Thujone is a GABA_A receptor antagonist; high doses can cause convulsions:
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thujone

🌿 

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Traditionally used for:

• Easing anxiety and nervous heart palpitations

• Supporting menstrual and postpartum uterine health

Interactions:

• May increase sedation when combined with CNS depressants

• Avoid during pregnancy due to uterine-stimulating effects

Research:

• Motherwort extract may cause mild sedation and can interact with sedative medications:
  https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-126/motherwort

Also found in: Hormonal Harmony, 

🌳 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Traditionally used for:

• Enhancing cognitive clarity and memory

• Supporting healthy circulation

Interactions:

• Can cause stomach upset, headache

• May interfere with blood thinners and seizure medications

• Not advised during pregnancy or in epilepsy

Research:

• EGb 761 extract (120–240 mg daily) improved cognitive and behavioral symptoms in dementia:
  https://nypost.com/2024/11/26/lifestyle/ginkgo-biloba-supplement-may-help-delay-dementia-symptoms/
• Reviews support modest cognitive improvements in dementia patients after 22–24 weeks of treatment:
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba

Also found in: Still Mind Blend, Clarity and Flow Blend 

🌱 

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)

Traditionally used for:

• Supporting cognitive function and stress resilience

• Promoting wound healing and circulation

Interactions:

• May cause skin reactions or liver issues at high doses

• Confirm safe dosage with a healthcare provider

Research:

• Preliminary evidence shows improvement in cognitive performance, mood, and venous insufficiency; high doses (>3 g) may be required:
  https://www.verywellhealth.com/centella-asiatica-8740109

Also found in: Still Mind Blend

🌿 

Tulsi / Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum)

Traditionally used for:

• Reducing stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue

• Supporting overall resilience to emotional pressures

Interactions:

• Generally safe; caution if on sedatives or blood pressure medications

Research:

• Clinical trials showed 500 mg Tulsi twice daily significantly reduced generalized anxiety over 60 days:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19253862/
• A systematic review supports Tulsi’s adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, metabolic, and neuroprotective effects in humans:
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5376420/

Also found in: Still Mind Blend

🐾 

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

Traditionally used for:

• Supporting immune function and reducing inflammation

• Soothing joint pain and digestive discomfort

Interactions:

• May overstimulate the immune system—caution in autoimmune conditions

• Can interact with immunosuppressants, HIV medications, and blood pressure drugs

Research:

• Systematic review of in vivo studies confirms antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects via IL‑6/TNF‑α pathways, with low toxicity:
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11176511/
• In vitro studies show inhibition of TNF‑α and NF‑κB, offering cellular protection:
  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10962207/
• A clinical trial found reduced joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients with minimal side effects:
  https://versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/cats-claw/

Also found in: Clarity And Flow Blend

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

Traditionally used for:

• Supporting general relaxation without caffeine

• Soothing digestion and gut discomfort

• Providing antioxidant support as a gentle daily tea base

Possible interactions:

• Generally considered very safe

• May theoretically interact with medications processed by the liver (CYP450 enzymes), though evidence is limited

• Suitable for many people, including those sensitive to stimulants

Research highlights:

• In vitro and animal studies show significant antioxidant activity through reactive oxygen species reduction and increased antioxidant enzyme activity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26151031/

• Studies in adults suggest rooibos consumption can increase antioxidant levels and improve lipid metabolism, potentially supporting heart health. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20833235/ 

• Rooibos extract has been shown to alleviate oxidative stress in animal brain stress models. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24466326/ 

• Limited human trials indicate potential metabolic benefits and improved antioxidant status. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38204815/ 

Rose (Rosa spp.)

Traditionally used for:

• Supporting emotional comfort and calming the nervous system

• Easing tension and nervous agitation

• Traditionally used in floral teas and aromatherapy for mood support

Possible interactions:

• Generally well tolerated at culinary or tea-strength doses

• May enhance sedative effects if combined with central nervous system depressants

• Rare allergies possible (test small amounts if sensitive)

Research highlights:

Rose petals, when brewed as a tea infusion, contain polyphenols and antioxidant compounds shown in scientific research to have measurable biological activity in beverage form — including effects on antioxidant capacity and protective responses in experimental studies.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39265303/ 

Hibiscus

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Traditionally used for:

• Supporting circulation and heart health

• Cooling and refreshing the body

• Supporting digestion and liver function

• Providing rich antioxidants and vibrant colour

Possible interactions:

• May enhance the effects of blood pressure–lowering medications

• May interact with diuretics

• Can influence hormone metabolism — use caution in hormone-sensitive conditions

• Not recommended during pregnancy in medicinal amounts

Research highlights:

• Randomized, double-blind controlled trials show hibiscus tea lowered systolic blood pressure in pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20018807/ 

• Meta-analyses suggest regular hibiscus consumption may modestly reduce blood pressure and certain cardiometabolic markers compared with placebo. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34694241/ 

• Further clinical evidence shows hibiscus tea can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure when compared with control conditions. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31334091/