moon milk

In traditional Chinese medicine, magnolia bark was used for deep emotional rest, tension release, and “midnight calm.” It was the herb for those who woke in the night with a racing mind or tight chest.

Modern findings show magnolia reduces cortisol spikes, boosts GABA activity, and improves sleep continuity. It helps prevent middle-of-the-night awakenings and stabilises the whole sleep cycle.

Active Compounds

Honokiol & magnolol - potent anxiolytic compounds that reduce neural excitation.

Lignans - stabilise stress hormones.

Aromatics - deepen nighttime relaxation.

Tea ceremonies relied on theanine-rich leaves (chi) to induce a state of calm clarity - relaxed yet aware, the kind of peace that allows sleep to unfold naturally. Monks valued it for quiet-focus during long night practice.

Modern research shows L-theanine increases alpha brain waves, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality. It creates a calm, drift-ready mental state, helping the mind drift off.

Active Compounds

L-theanine – increases alpha waves; supports relaxation and dream clarity.

GABA/glutamate modulation – balances neural activity.

Neurotransmitter support – stabilises mood.

Traditionally absent but essential in a modern formula, CBD quiets the nervous system and reduces the mental noise that blocks deep sleep and vivid dreaming. It helps relax the body without flattening the mind.

Human data shows CBD reduces anxiety, inflammation, tension, and overactive neural firing, leading to better sleep quality. In this dream formula, it stabilises the sleep architecture so the dream-enhancing herbs can do their job.

Active Compounds

Cannabidiol - modulates serotonin, GABA, and endocannabinoid tone.

Anti-inflammatory pathways - reduce discomfort that interrupts sleep.

Anxiolytic actions - calm the mind without sedation.

Traditionally used as a nervine for those with restless, overactive minds, skullcap created mental quiet before sleep. It was taken to ease anxiety, soften tension, and bring the body into a dream-ready state.

Human studies show skullcap reduces anxiety and improves mood without sedation. For lucid dreaming, it acts as the grounding herb; calming the body so the mind can explore more vivid dream states without disturbance.

Active Compounds

Baicalin & baicalein - anxiolytic flavones that increase GABA.

Scutellarin - stabilises mood and reduces neural overstimulation.

Aromatic terpenes - deepen relaxation.

Traditionally, nettle was the “strengthener” – taken by women with heavy cycles, fatigue, or low iron. Folk healers used it to rebuild vitality after blood loss and ease the weakness that followed difficult periods.

Modern evidence supports this old wisdom. Nettle is rich in absorbable minerals and vitamin K, helping normalise heavy flow, restore iron, reduce period-related fatigue, and support stable energy across the cycle. Its mild diuretic effect also eases bloating and fluid retention.

Active Compounds

Iron & vitamin K – support healthy bleeding patterns; restore energy.

Rosmarinic acid - supports relaxation by modulating stress pathways and calming neural activity.

Volatile oils (citral, citronellal) - mild anxiolytic effects; help quiet nervous tension and promote ease before sleep.

Flavonoids - antioxidant and neuroprotective; support overall nervous system balance.

Polyphenols - help reduce stress-related inflammation and support calm cognitive function.

For centuries, lavender was burned or infused at night to ward off nightmares and calm the heart. A herb of peace, clarity, and emotional settling, it set the tone for gentle, comforting sleep.

Modern evidence shows lavender reduces anxiety, steadies the nervous system, and improves sleep quality through linalool - a compound that shifts the body into parasympathetic rest mode. It softens emotional edges and promotes pleasant dreams.

Active Compounds

Linalool & linalyl acetate - calm CNS activity; reduce anxiety.

Terpenes - influence sleep depth and emotional dream tone.

Aromatics - support positive, serene dreaming.

Historically, passionflower was used for “overwhelm of the spirit.” Herbalists gave it to calm emotional flare-ups, irritability, and restless sleep around the menstrual cycle.

Modern studies show passionflower boosts GABA and reduces anxiety with efficacy comparable to mild anti-anxiety medication – without sedation. It smooths PMS irritability, emotional spikes, tension headaches, and pre-period insomnia.

Active Compounds

Harmala alkaloids – increase GABA; reduce anxiety and agitation.

Flavonoids (chrysin, vitexin) – anxiolytic; ease nervous tension.

GABA-modulating compounds – support relaxation and sleep stability.

Aromatics – soothe overstimulated nerves.