St. John’s wort flowers (Hypericum perforatum) *

Contain the red flavonoids Hypericin, Pseudohypericin and Hyperflorin which have antiviral activity against a broad spectrum of viruses including HIV (in vitro). This herb is used as an antidepressant and for anxiety. St. John’s wort is used locally and internally for nerve and spinal injuries, nerve pain, sciatica and shingles.

Lemon Balm fresh herb (Melissa officinalis) *

A mild, flavorful remedy appropriate for children's colds, stomachaches and headaches. Lemon balm is useful for mild depression, mild hypertension, herpes and hyperthyroidism.

Mimosa (Silk Tree) flower or bark (Albizia julibrissan) *

Used in Chinese Medicine for “disturbed shen” symptoms - depression, anxiety, bad dreams, insomnia, PMS irritability, and poor memory. It is also used for treating trauma injuries and hemoptysis.

Black Cohosh fresh root (Actaea racemosa) *

An emmenagogue, antispasmodic, oxytocic and partus preparator indicated for cases of dysmenorrhea with scanty flow, amenorrhea, muscular pain in the back, pelvis and thighs, post partum pain and pain from salpingitis. This herb is also indicated for rheumatic neuralgia, fibromyalgia and muscular pain especially in cases where the muscles feel bruised.

Night Blooming Cereus fresh stem (Selenicereus grandiflorus) *

Indicated for heart diseases of nervous or drug origin (coffee, tobacco, etc.), nervous tachycardia, palpitations, feeble and irregular pulse, and shortness of breath with mild exertion. Along with Black Cohosh, it benefits hormonal depression.

Holy Basil fresh herb (Ocimum sanctum) *

Has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic remedy for the mind and nervous system. It lifts the spirits while increasing clarity of thought and dispelling negativity. Traditionally it is also used for relieving cloudy thinking caused by drug use, menopause, and stress.

Lavender dried flowers (Lavendula angustifolia) *

A fragrant, aromatic herb that has antiviral, antibacterial, antidepressant, carminative and nervine activities. Lavender is useful for gas, nausea, dysbiosis, damp spleen, stagnant depression and anxiety. Studies using Lavender essential oil show it enhances sleep and reduces nocturnal waking in the elderly.

Bibliography:

Upton, R., American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium, St. Johnswort, 1997

Ellingwood, F.  American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, Ellingwood's Therapeutist.

Pizzorno, J. ND and Murray, M. ND.  A Textbook of Natural Medicine, 2 vol., 1987-1997, Bastyr College Publishing.

Kapoor, L.D. CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, 1990, CRC Press.

Pahlow, M.  Healing Plants, 1993, Barrons.

Chen, J., Chen, T., Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Art of Medicine Press, 2004

Winston, D., Herbal Therapeutics, Specific Indications For Herbs & Herbal Formulas, HTRL 8th ed., 2003