Un-Wine'd: Scientific Profile

Un-Wine’d

Nervine & Relaxation Support

Part of the Briar & Bloom Herbal Research Series

Overview

Un-Wine’d is a tranquil botanical blend formulated to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote restorative sleep. It combines classic nervines and anxiolytics used in Western herbalism with adaptogenic elements for emotional balance. Floral and mint undertones create a soothing sensory close to the day.

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Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Contains rosmarinic acid and citral, compounds shown to inhibit GABA-transaminase and increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity¹. Clinical studies confirm anxiolytic and cognitive-calming effects². Traditionally used for restlessness and insomnia.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Rich in linalool and linalyl acetate, which modulate serotonin and GABAergic signaling³. Inhalation and oral forms both reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality⁴. Acts synergistically with lemon balm and chamomile.

Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

An adaptogen containing eugenol and ursolic acid that modulates cortisol response⁵. Randomized trials demonstrate improved stress tolerance and reduced depressive symptoms⁶.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

Contains alkaloids such as protopine and allocryptopine, which bind to benzodiazepine receptors to induce gentle sedation⁷. Clinical combinations with valerian enhance sleep onset without dependency⁸.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

Apigenin and acacetin derivatives support serotonergic tone and relaxation⁹. Preliminary research notes reduced mild anxiety and mood enhancement¹⁰.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

Contains hypericin and hyperforin, which modulate monoamine neurotransmitters¹¹. Meta-analyses show comparable efficacy to SSRIs in mild-to-moderate depression with fewer adverse effects¹². Should be used with awareness of potential drug interactions.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)

Rich in flavonoids and harmala alkaloids that act on GABA receptors¹³. Clinical studies demonstrate decreased anxiety during medical procedures and improved sleep quality¹⁴.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Apigenin binds to benzodiazepine receptors to produce mild sedation¹⁵. Randomized controlled trials confirm efficacy for generalized anxiety and insomnia¹⁶.

Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata)

Contains iridoid glycosides such as verbenalin with nervine and spasmolytic activity¹⁷. Used traditionally for nervous exhaustion and tension headaches¹⁸.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa)

Avenanthramides and β-glucans reduce oxidative stress and support the central nervous system¹⁹. Demonstrated cognitive and mood benefits in healthy adults²⁰.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerenic acid and valerenol interact with GABA-A receptors to promote relaxation²¹. Numerous RCTs confirm reduced sleep latency and improved quality without morning grogginess²².

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)

Provides menthol and menthone, cooling agents that relieve muscle tension and promote respiratory ease²³. Its refreshing aroma complements heavier nervines and clears mental fatigue.

Blue Lotus (Nymphaea caerulea)

Contains nuciferine and aporphine alkaloids that act as serotonin and dopamine receptor modulators²⁴. Emerging evidence suggests mild anxiolytic and euphoric effects²⁵, though more research is warranted.

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Preparation & Ritual

Steep 1½–2 tsp per cup in 205 °F water for 10–12 minutes, covered to retain volatile oils. Best enjoyed in the evening to transition body and mind into calm. Optional honey enhances the floral profile.

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References

1. Cases J et al. Eur J Med Res. 2011;16(12):557–564.

2. Kennedy DO et al. Nutrients. 2016;8(11):690.

3. Woelk H et al. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(2):94–99.

4. Kasper S et al. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2010;13(6):773–782.

5. Cohen MM. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014;5(4):251–259.

6. Saxena RC et al. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2011;55(4):365–372.

7. Rolland A et al. Planta Med. 2001;67(1):68–70.

8. Dimpfel W et al. Adv Ther. 2014;31(9):915–924.

9. Arletti R et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 1998;64(1):87–92.

10. Estrada-Reyes R et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013;145(2):476–482.

11. Ng QX et al. Syst Rev. 2017;6(1):30.

12. Linde K et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(4):CD000448.

13. Dhawan K et al. Phytother Res. 2004;18(10):871–876.

14. Appel K et al. Phytother Res. 2011;25(6):812–818.

15. Srivastava JK et al. Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895–901.

16. Amsterdam JD et al. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009;29(4):378–382.

17. Abdel-Salam OM et al. Pharm Biol. 2006;44(8):660–666.

18. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. 1991.

19. Hussain SA et al. Phytother Res. 2014;28(5):692–698.

20. Kennedy DO et al. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(7):556–562.

21. Bent S et al. Am J Med. 2006;119(12):1005–1012.

22. Fernández-San-Martín MI et al. Sleep Med. 2010;11(6):505–511.

23. McKay DL & Blumberg JB. Phytother Res. 2006;20(8):619–633.

24. Jäger AK et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;120(3):379–382.

25. Ratnayake R et al. Nat Prod Res. 2021;35(23):5462–5468.

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Briar & Bloom Teas | Handcrafted in Idaho | www.briarbloom.com

This document is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.