Studies of Valerian have shown a marked increase of concentration abilities and energy levels. It is a primary sedative and will help when sleep disorders are the result of anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion, headache or hysteria. In addition, it has been especially effective in treating tachycardia that immediately precedes going to sleep. Hops are most commonly used for their calming effect on the nervous system and are recommended for nervous diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness. A recent study showed that Hops are truly a sedative, as opposed to merely muscle relaxing.
Hops are also fast acting.
Skullcap has a history of pain relief but has been used more widely for pain associated with nervous disorders. It may best be considered a minor neural sedative, whose main purpose is to induce sleep, a necessary part of all healing. Wild Lettuce has been used to relieve pain by lessening the excitability of the nerves and nerve centers. It has proven useful as a sleep inducer as far back as any record can be found.