Peaceful Sleep

We will present the main beneficial properties of the ingredients:

Linden Flowers (Tilia cordata), also known as Red Linden, Forest Linden, Hill Linden, or Butterfly Linden, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to Europe, which can reach heights of 20-30 meters, with a well-developed root system and a lifespan of up to 200 years. Due to the pleasant fragrance of its flowers and its decorative, cosmetic, and phytotherapeutic properties, Linden is often cultivated and found in gardens and parks. It is also highly valued for its wood, which, although not particularly hard, has been historically used for carving various household objects. Moreover, Linden is prized for the honey produced from its flowers, known for its exceptional organoleptic, nutritional, and therapeutic properties.

Like many species used in phytotherapy, Linden has been known since antiquity. Its flowers were used to produce a light yellow dye, while Linden charcoal was used for making black paint. The species was used for both human and veterinary purposes, especially for respiratory ailments. Traditionally, due to its pleasant aroma, Linden flower tea has been used to calm agitation and induce sleep in young children, highlighting its safety and tolerability in Linden-based products.

In modern phytotherapy, Linden flowers are recommended for a wide range of issues. Most commonly used in infusions, Linden is particularly effective in calming spasms and mental agitation. This relaxing effect is due to the essential oil in the flowers, rich in the active compound farnesol, which is also responsible for the flowers’ pleasant fragrance. The relaxing properties of Linden can also improve sleep quality and help alleviate digestive issues, as products made from Linden flowers can stimulate the secretion of bile by the liver. Due to their mucilage content, Linden flower preparations also have a soothing and emollient effect on the respiratory tract, making them an excellent adjuvant in treating colds, coughs, stomatitis, and respiratory inflammation, with anti-inflammatory and decongestant properties. Additionally, they ease expectoration, inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses, and help reduce fever.

Regular consumption of Linden-based products aids in detoxifying the body through their diaphoretic and diuretic properties, thanks to their flavonoid content. They also help maintain cardiovascular health by acting as a vasodilatorand hypotensive agent, making them particularly useful for individuals with high blood pressure of neurovegetative origin, whose symptoms worsen during periods of agitation and nervousness. Containing phytoestrogenic substances, Linden flowers also benefit the female reproductive system, helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce headaches and abdominal pain associated with menstruation. Furthermore, modern scientific research suggests that Linden derivatives may be useful in addressing cell division issues, due to the presence of antioxidant and antimutagenic compounds such as phenols.

Valerian (I), also known as Odolean, Catnip, Cat’s Herb, or Navalnic, is a perennial herbaceous plant, either wild or cultivated, belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family (which also includes Honeysuckle). Spread across the Eurasian region, Valerian can be found growing naturally from lowlands to mountainous areas, preferring shaded, moist soils, marshes, and riverbanks. In phytotherapy, the roots, stolons, and rhizomes of Valerian are used. After drying, these parts develop a distinctive and unpleasant smell, which intensifies over time. The main compound responsible for the odor, as well as the plant’s sedative properties, is valerenic acid. The roots have a sweet tasteinitially, which becomes bitter and slightly camphor-like.

Known since antiquity and first mentioned as a medicinal plant in the 6th century AD, Valerian has been used in both human and veterinary medicine. They used the plant to treat cardiovascular problems. By the 18th century AD, Valerian was widely recognized for its sedative properties, which are still highly valued today. In the past, Valerian was also used to relieve pain or numbness in the upper and lower limbs.

In modern phytotherapy, Valerian-based products are recommended for inducing sleep and improving sleep quality. Most commonly used in infusions and decoctions, Valerian is particularly useful in calming spasms and mental agitation. It helps relieve gastrointestinal discomfort and regulates accelerated transit caused by nervous hyperexcitability. Similarly, Valerian derivatives can reduce an elevated pulse and normalize heart rhythm disturbances caused by nervous tension. Additionally, Valerian supports cardiovascular health through its vasodilator and hypotensive effects, making it especially beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure of neurovegetative origin, whose symptoms worsen during periods of emotional stress.

The sedative-hypnotic effect of Valerian helps improve rest quality by inducing sleep and facilitating entry into its deep phases, which have detoxifying and regenerative effects on the brain. This action is made possible by the synergy of the numerous active compounds found in Valerian roots and rhizomes, such as valerenic acids, which enhance the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Importantly, Valerian is non-toxic, non-addictive, and does not impair reflexes. Additionally, Valerian extract benefits the female reproductive system, as its muscle-relaxing and pain-relieving effects help reduce headaches and abdominal pain associated with menstruation. However, it is worth noting that Valerian may also have libido-reducing effects due to its relaxing properties. Externally, Valerian is useful in treating circulatory problems.

Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland (epiphysis), synthesized from L-tryptophan. In smaller quantities, melatonin is also produced in the bone marrow, epithelial cells, and leukocytes. Through a series of hydroxylation and decarboxylation processes, tryptophan is transformed into 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), then into serotonin, and ultimately into melatonin. This connection between the “happiness hormone” (serotonin) and the “hormone of darkness” (melatonin) may explain the sleep issues that individuals with low serotonin levels can experience.

The most well-known role of melatonin is its regulation of the circadian rhythm. Secreted by the pineal gland when ambient light is sufficiently reduced, shifting toward the red spectrum, melatonin has complex effects on body temperature, hormonal balance, and blood circulation during sleep. Specifically, it helps reduce core body temperature, inhibits the synthesis of wake-promoting hormones like cortisol, and limits peripheral circulation, inducing drowsiness and preparing the body for rest and overnight detoxification.

In addition to helping with falling asleep, melatonin also aids in adapting to time zone changes and recovering after periods of irregular sleep. Studies have shown that administering melatonin to patients who have undergone general anesthesia helps alleviate postoperative confusion. Furthermore, melatonin plays a significant role in regulating endocrine function, supporting reproductive hormone secretion, menstrual onset, and even ovulation inhibition, potentially influencing the timing of menopause.

Another major role of melatonin is as a potent antioxidant, with some sources indicating that its antioxidant capacityis twice that of vitamin E. Alongside compounds like glutathione, uric acid, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and lipoic acid, melatonin combats oxidative stress and limits cellular damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, melatonin has a complex role in the immune system, with a visible anti-inflammatory effect and a stimulatory effect on cytokine production. Many ongoing studies are investigating the potential protective effects of melatonin against bacterial or viral infections and even cancerous cells.

Unfortunately, with age, the body’s melatonin production decreases, which is one reason older individuals experience shorter sleep durations or sleep issues. For this reason, melatonin supplementation is recommended to improve sleep quality and maintain normal brain function. Recommended doses are generally low, ranging from 0.5 to 5 mg, as there is no direct relationship between the amount of melatonin administered and the speed at which sleep onset occurs.

To enhance the calming effect and hasten sleep onset, melatonin can be combined with Valerian extracts, a powerful natural neurosedative, or other calming herbs like Linden, Lavender, Chamomile, or Passionflower. Additionally, foods and supplements rich in 5-HTP or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synergize well with melatonin.

It is important to note that exposure to blue light (emitted by devices such as TVs, computers, tablets, and phones) effectively blocks melatonin synthesis. Therefore, using these devices before bed can strongly inhibit the body’s melatonin production, disrupting the finely tuned mechanisms of the human biorhythm. After taking melatonin, it is essential to avoid light exposure and stimulating substances (such as black tea, coffee, and chocolate). The ideal time to take melatonin is 30 minutes before bedtime. For healthy individuals, melatonin supplementation in the recommended doses is safe both in the short and long term and does not cause dependence.