PEACEFUL SLEEP FORMULA

CHINAMED PEACEFUL SLEEP FORMULA AN SHEN NING YE FANG

This is a modern empirical formula that is based on a combination of several classical formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit, including Gan Mai Da zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction), which was originally recorded by Zhang Zhong-jing (circa 150 – 219 C.E.) in the Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber1 (jin gui yao lue fang lun). It is often used as a base formula in the treatment of psychological disorders that are characterised by uncontrollable emotions in the context of a deficiency syndrome, usually involving the Heart and Liver.

In order to enhance the action of tranquilisation through nourishing the Heart, the herbs Ziziphus seed (suan zao ren) and Biota seed (bai zi ren) have been included. In addition, this formula addresses the effects of prolonged stress or emotional strain, which commonly lead to insomnia (stagnant Liver Qi that develops into Fire). The following herbs address this pathodynamic: Paeonia root (bai shao), Green citrus pericarp (qing pi), Rosa flower (mei gui hua), Curcuma tuber (yu jin), Chrysanthemum flower (ju hua).

According to modern research, the following herbs have sedative actions: Ziziphus seed (suan zao ren) and Biota seed (bai zi ren), Schisandra fruit (wu wei zi), Paeonia root (bai shao), Curcuma tuber (yu jin), and Chrysanthemum flower (ju hua).

Recent Australian studies have shown that approximately 1.2 million people experience sleep disorders. In addition, sleep disorders underlie 9.1% of work-related injuries and sleep disorders contribute to 8.3% of depression problems. (Access Economics report for Sleep Health Australia, Oct. 2004).

Ingredients:
– Triticum aestivum, seed 浮小麥 210.6 mg
– Ziziphus jujuba, fruit 大棗 174.6 mg
– Albizia julibrissin, flower 合歡花 174.6 mg
– Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa, seed 酸棗仁 156.6 mg
– Biota orientalis, seed 柏子仁 156.6 mg
– Paeonia lactiflora, root 白芍 156.6 mg
– Curcuma longa, tuber 鬱金 156.6 mg
– Chrysanthemum sinense, flower 菊花 156.6 mg
– Schisandra chinensis, fruit 五味子 104.4 mg
– Citrus reticulata, fruit pericarp 陳皮 88.2 mg
– Citrus reticulata, fruit peel 陳皮 88.2 mg
– Rosa rugosa, flower 玫瑰花 88.2 mg
– Glycyrrhiza uralensis, root 甘草 88.2 mg

Signs & Symptoms
– Insomnia
– Irritability
– Forgetfulness
– Memory and concentration, poor

Dosage & Course of Treatment
– 6 – 10 capsules, twice daily. (best taken in the afternoon and early evening).
– In severe cases and in the early stages of treatment (first 1-2 weeks) the dosage may be increased by 50 – 100%.
– Taper off dosage once a normal sleeping pattern has been established.
– Safe to use long term.

Cautions & Contraindications
– Caution in patients already taking some form of sedative-hypnotic drug.
– Contains gluten. Not to be used in cases with allergy to gluten.
– Avoid caffeine containing beverages (i.e. coffee, tea, cola drinks, guarana), especially in the afternoon.
– Contains Glycyrrhiza, which potentiates prednisone and corticosteroids by prolonging steroid biological half-life; caution in patients with hypertension.
– This formula contains Triticum Aestivum, one of the two plants commonly used in
– Traditional Chinese Medicine may result in trace amounts of gluten appearing in formula regardless of the part used.
– Thus these formula should be avoided by people with sensitivity or caeliac disease

The two herbs are: Triticum Aestivum and Hordeum Vulgare