Sedatives for sleepless souls

Hypericum is worst.
Valerian is best.
This herb you will prefer
For ever-pleasant rest. 

(Though lavender might work
With passion flower too, 
The evidence is weak.
We need more studied proof.)

_____

Thank you to vjmarvel for your editing feedback. I've added an extra parenthesised stanza to make the poem feel more complete :) 

Hypericum perforatum is the scientific name for St. John's wort, a herbal sedative and antidepressant. This wort "is worst" as it can severely interfere with the metabolism of other medicines in the body. Always seek professional advice before using herbal medicines, as they all have side-effects — including valerian. 

Also, this poem was more of a mnemonic for myself than actual pharmacy advice. I still follow the 4-8-8 rule to beat my insomnia — inhale through the nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 8 seconds, exhale through the nose for 8 seconds. Repeat as required. Your body should become looser and limper with each exhalation. 

Banner image: from Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz by Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé