But there are a number of natural, herbal remedies that are non-addictive and provide a safe, gentle alternative to prescription drugs.

Given an alternative, most would rather not turn to prescription medication since the horrors of substance dependence and the side effects of sleeping pills are so well documented. Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) has long been used as a folk remedy in the treatment of anxiety disorders. The extract of this flower has a relaxing, mild sedative action and does not cause excessive sedation or mental or physical dysfunction. Passion flower is believed to work by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). One of these remedies is the passion flower.

And yes, an added bonus (if you can call it that) is that it is also used as an aphrodisiac. Sleep Supplements - The Calming Effects of Passion Flower Extract A lot of people suffer from stress and having trouble falling sleeping due to anxiety.

The plant grows in the Midwest and Southeast regions of North America and extracts have been shown to have anti-anxiety properties.