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Valerian, a hardy perennial flowering plant with sweetly smelling pink or white flowers, grows in large parts of Europe and Asia and now also grows naturally in areas of the US. Other names commonly used for valerian include: garden valerian, and garden heliotrope (no relation to Heliotrope - Heliotropum).

Valerian is also known by various folk names: Cat's Valerian, St. George's Herb, Amantilla, Sets Wale, All-Heal, English Valerian, Set Well, Bloody Butcher, Vandal Root, Phu, Caopn's Trailer, Fragrant Valerian, and Red Valerian.

The main components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Ordinarily harvested in September, the dried roots can be used to prepare teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials usually find their way into capsules or tablets.

Reference is made to the use of valerian as a medicinal herb as far back as the time of rome and ancient Greece. Hippocrates documented its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. The 16th century saw it used to treat nervousness, heart palpitations, headaches, and trembling. In the mid-19th century, many considered valerian a stimulant that caused some of the same complaints it is thought to treat and held it in low esteem as a medicinal herb. During World War II the British used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

Unlike a variety of other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of valerian you need to use it on a regular basis, with the full effects heightening over time.

Results should appear after about a month and regular use promotes deep relaxation and sleep. A variety of studies suggest valerian as far and away the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness.

Typically prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian can also play a useful role in the treatment of anxiety-related sleep problems.

Unlike other frequently prescribed sleep medications, valerian is not toxic, doesn't impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and doesn't heighten the effects of alcohol.

Passion flower is a flowering plant that is native to an area from the Argentina to southeast US and Brazil.

The passion flower gets its name from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the suffering (or passion) of Christ.

Passion flower is occasionally referred to as Granadilla, Maypops, Maracoc, Apricot Vine and Passion Vine. It has been used historically as a tobacco substitute and tranquilizer (as well as other things).

On top of having a strong effect on the central nervous system, passion flower also acts as an anti-spasmodic on the smooth muscles of the body, including the entirety of the digestion system, which accounts for its ability to ease and promote digestion.

Some people consider it to be the herb of choice for dealing with insomnia as it doesn't produce any side effects and means a restful, relaxing sleep with no grogginess the next morning.

Further, it is non-addictive and can be used in both children and the elderly without creating complications.

When used for its medicinal purposes, the entire plant may be used. It is normally collected after some of the berries have matured, then dried whole.

To make a passion flower tea, pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it steep for fifteen minutes. Drink a cup a half hour before getting into bed.

Honey is thought to possess sleep inducing properties. Dark honey carries more antioxidants than light colored honey. It can be used either in herbal teas or mixed into warm milk.