Evidence supporting the use of: Orchid
For the health condition: Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Orchids, particularly species like Dendrobium and Gastrodia elata, have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda to support restful sleep and alleviate symptoms of insomnia or disturbed sleep. In TCM, Gastrodia elata ("Tian Ma") is often prescribed in herbal formulas to calm the spirit, relieve headaches, and address sleep disturbances attributed to internal wind or agitation. Similarly, certain Dendrobium species are thought to nourish yin and have mild sedative properties. However, while the traditional use is well-documented, robust scientific evidence is relatively limited. A few animal studies have suggested potential sedative or anxiolytic effects for extracts of some orchid species, but high-quality clinical trials in humans are lacking. As a result, the current support for orchids in treating restless or disturbed sleep is based primarily on historical and traditional practice rather than scientific validation. Anyone considering orchid-based remedies for sleep should be aware of the limited clinical evidence and consult with a healthcare provider.
Other ingredients used for Sleep (restless and disturbed)
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)5-Methoxytryptamine
Albizia
ashwagandha
Baikal Skullcap
calcium
Calea zacatechichi
cannabinol
Capitate Valerian
catnip
chamomile
Codonopsis
cowslip
Doxylamine succinate
Ficus religiosa
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
Gardenia jasminoides
Griffonia simplicifolia
hops
iron
kiwi
L-ornithine
L-tryptophan
Lactucarium
Lactucopicrin
Large-leaved linden
lemon balm
lily
linden
lotus seed
magnesium
mandrake
Melatonin
Mistletoe
Night jessamine
ophiopogon root
orchid
Pentatropis capensis
poppy
Premna
Semecarpus anacardium
Swertia
Takuna
Tarragon
vitamin B6
Wood betony
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by orchid
Appetite (deficient)Asthma
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
