diagnosis of fatal familial insomnia

Lemon Balm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It occurs naturally in southern Europe and northern Africa where it grows along roadsides, in landfills and on disturbed land from sea level all the way up into the mountains.

It can be grown in any well-drained soil and is especially tolerant of poor, sandy soils. It can also withstand the full force of the sun.

Lemon Balm exhibits an effective sedative action and is normally made into a pleasant, lemony-tasting tea.

Try making a tea with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm to a cup of boiling water. Brew the tea for ten minutes, strain, and drink right before retiring.

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

It gets its name because it reminded the early pilgrims of the passion of Christ.

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

On top of having a profound 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 is why it has the ability to promote and ease digestion.

It is considered by some as the herb of choice for treating insomnia as it does not produce side effects and means a relaxing, restful sleep without grogginess the following morning.

As well, it is non-addictive and may be used in both the elderley and children without causing complications.

If used for its medicinal purposes, the whole plant can be used. It is generally collected after some of the berries have matured, then dried whole.

To brew an effective passion flower tea, pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it steep for 15 minutes. Drink a cup 30 minutes before you go to bed.

Lavender is a flowering bush indigenous to the mountains of the western Mediterranean which was first 'domesticated' by the Arabians before it was later spread across Europe by the Romans.

The Pilgrims brought Lavender to North America and it was seen as one of the very first garden plants in Australia in the 1800s. It is found abundantly in the wild in many areas of the world as well as being garden grown in sun drenched, well-drained areas, for preference in a somewhat alkaline soil. The smaller species can also be grown quite easily in well-drained pots.

The essential oil from this flowering herb depresses the central nervous system in a manner that is comparible to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is both useful and very effective when used as a sleep aid. In addition to the use of lavender flowers in a tea, it can also be used in the form of an essential oil distilled from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant.

Lavender oil can be applied topically as a muscle relaxant or its aroma can be inhaled for a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential oil on the feet is a most effective method of application, as anything put on the feet is absorbed quickly.

Extensively used in aromatherapy, Lavender oil can also be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply popped onto a tissue and breathed in. The essential oil from the flowers and leaves can also be employed in a sachet placed under your pillow.

It should be noted however that allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in some people applying lavender products externally. So that you can safely detect an allergic reaction it is advisable to do a spot test before administering a full application.

You should also note that not all varieties of lavender have a tranquilizing effect - some, like Spanish lavender, may have just the opposite effect.