Passionflower

An outrageously beautiful plant, popular as a simple, gentle sedative and mild muscle relaxant. It does not have intense sedative or painkilling action, but has a combination of effects which increases respiration, but at the same time slows the heart rate, dilates the blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.

This makes it potentially useful as a long-term therapy for the physical side of chronic tension, rather than just sedating the patient. It can also be helpful in conditions of muscle spasm, from injury, menstrual problems, or even stomach cramps. It has a very balanced action in cases of insomnia, and most people are calmed enough by it to sleep deeply, yet still wake refreshed and alert.