A vintage illustration of a man in a suit with a beard, holding or controlling swirling and wavy lines emanating from his hand, creating a surreal or fantastical scene.

Sleep Tonic Herbal Extracts Monograph

Tonicum Somniferum

I. Description
A compound tincture formulated to calm the nervous system, ease restlessness, and invite restorative sleep.
Uniting gentle hypnotics and aromatic nervines, this blend soothes mental agitation and guides the body toward night’s natural rhythm — quiet, steady, and composed.

II. Composition

Passiflora incarnata — 30% — Anxiolytic; hypnotic; antispasmodic; supports GABAergic modulation
Melissa officinalis — 30% — Mild sedative; carminative; cognitive relaxant; antiviral
Lavandula angustifolia — 20% — Aromatic anxiolytic; antidepressant; gentle hypnotic
Valeriana officinalis — 20% — Sedative; antispasmodic; nervous-system trophorestorative

III. Indications
Mild to moderate insomnia, nervous tension, restlessness, and anxiety-related sleep disturbance in adults and older children.
Beneficial where mental overactivity prevents sleep onset or where emotional strain disrupts night-time restoration.

IV. Materia Medica Notes

Passionflower — Introduced into 19th-century Eclectic medicine as a nerve trophorestorative; quiets circular thought and relieves anxious restlessness.
Lemon Balm — A monastic herb for melancholy and comfort of the heart; harmonises mind and digestion, easing transition into rest.
Lavender — Traditional European nervine; stills the senses, calms agitation, and restores gentle balance.
Valerian — Referenced by Dioscorides and Culpeper; grounds excitation and promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.

V. Administration
Adults: 5 mL in a little water 30–60 minutes before bed; may repeat if waking in the night.
Children (6–12 years): 0.5–2 mL 30 minutes before bed, diluted in warm water.
Course: Short- to medium-term (2–6 weeks). Safe for nightly use when monitored.

VI. Safety
Contains ethanol; avoid during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or when taking sedative medication.
Passionflower — Generally well tolerated; mild drowsiness possible.
Lemon Balm — Avoid in hypothyroidism (theoretical interference).
Lavender — Rare mild gastrointestinal upset or skin reaction.
Valerian — May cause morning grogginess or vivid dreams; taper gradually after long-term use.

Apothecary’s Summary
A quiet elixir for the restless mind — steadying nerves, uncoiling thought, and guiding the body toward the ease of sleep.
A nightly companion for those who meet the dark with wakeful care.

Seasonal Tonics | Autumn into Winter by Jo Browne
© Jo Browne 2025

Detailed illustration of a passion flower with intricate petals and reproductive structures.