Schizandra Dreams incorporates valerian extract into the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Valerian, a plant native to North America and Europe, is traditionally used for the relief of insomnia, anxiety, migraines and intestinal cramping. Clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness in improving sleep quality and relieving insomnia in tests with normal subjects and those suffering from sleep disorders. In comparison with barbiturates or benzodiazepines, valerian had reduced morning sleepiness. In a study of 11,168 patients in Germany, symptoms were eliminated in 70 percent of the subjects, improved in 24 percent and unchanged in 6 percent of the patients (Upton, Roy ed. Valerian Root, Santa Cruz, p. 15, ANP). California poppy (Eschascholtzia californica) has been traditionally used for its spasmolytic anxiolytic and sedative properties. One clinical trial was conducted to assess efficacy and safety of Eschascholtzia californica in combination with Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) and magnesium. It was an approved, multicentre (22 non-psychiatric investigating physicians) double-blind randomized trial with two matched groups of patients (study drug versus placebo) treated on an out-patient basis for a period of three months. 264 participants were enrolled. The dosage of Eschascholtzia californica was 20mg of dry aqueous extract per tablet. It was administered at the regimen of two tablets at a time twice a day, which equals a final dose of 80mg per day. Efficacy assessed by change in Hamilton anxiety scale total, somatic scores and change in patient self assessment (visual analogic scale). The percentage of patients responding positively to the treatment was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p<0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing adverse event was not significantly different between treatment and placebo group and 90% of the patients judge benefit to be greater than the risk (M. Hanus, J. Lafon, and M. Mathieu. 2004. double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschascholtzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Curr. Med. Res. Opin. 20:63-71.) Schizandra (wu wei zi) has been shown to normalize cerebral discharges and regulate the breathing center. The formula is helpful in cases of insomnia when patients waken frequently at night with difficulty breathing.
Valerian extract (Valeriana officinalis), Schizandra fruit (wu wei zi), California Poppy herb extract (eschascholtzia californica)