Herbs For Insomnia – Does It Really Work?
With all the horrible publicity issued about sleeping pills like “Stilnox (Ambien) more and more people are turning to herbs for insomnia. But do these herbal remedies really work?
Of course! herbalists claim. Insomnia herbs have always worked and will continue to work for those interested in a comprehensive response to your sleep problems.
Which ones work best? There are many herbs available that insomnia is a good idea to test one or two, either on its own or in a mixture, to see which ones work best for you.
The following are some insomnia herbs recommended, some better known than others. All are effective for a wide range of sleep-related problems.
~ Chamomile Anthemis nobilis
Probably the best known of all herbs for insomnia, chamomile has stood the test of time and has the added advantage of being very safe. Manzanilla is available as a tea, or some people prefer chamomile essential oil can be massaged into the skin or used in a bathroom.
Chamomile is used for insomnia, restlessness and irritability. It is safe for children.
Suggested Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 times daily. The oil should be diluted in a carrier oil for massage.
~ Lavender Lavandula officinalis
Lavender essential oil is one of the most useful and oils can be used to enhance nervous system. Add a few drops of lavender oil to a bath before bedtime to avoid insomnia. Lavender oil can be used as a massage oil or simply inhaled.
~ Hops Humulus lupulus
Not just to make beer! Hops have been used as a sedative for over 100 years. The hops are mild sedative action and are also useful for anxiety, stress and nervousness. Hops are sold in combination with other herbs such as valerian herbal sedative.
Hops pillows are sometimes used for mild insomnia.
~ Valerian Valeriana officinalis
Normally drunk as a tea, valerian is a popular herbal sedative. It is mainly used for insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, and especially for those who have trouble falling asleep. It also reduces night-time wakefulness. Valerian is one of the best known herbs for insomnia that is similar in action to Valium without the side effects. Valerian is often combined with other herbs insomnia, such as passionflower, skullcap, hops, and California poppy.
Valerian can be used as a tea or supplement their health food store.
Passiflora incarnata Passion Flower ~
Passion flower works by depressing the nervous system so that it will be useful as a herbal anti-anxiety and insomnia medication.
Passion flower is an important herb for insomnia, especially when caused by worry, nervous exhaustion or work wear. Passion flower seems to have no side effects and is suitable for children.
St Johns Wort hypericum perforatum ~
New scientific studies show that St John’s Wort can help relieve chronic insomnia and even mild depression when these disorders are related to imbalances in brain chemistry. Avoid skin exposure to direct bright sunlight when taking St John’s Wort, which can increase their sensitivity to UV rays.
Allow a couple of weeks at least for all the benefits to be felt.
~ Piper methysticum Kava kava
Kava is used as a pain reliever and a mild sedative. Kava is the national drink of Fiji and is popular throughout the Pacific region. It has a mild narcotic action, relaxes the body and is said to improve sleep and dream. Kava is thought to be as effective as Valium when used to treat anxiety.
Do not drink before driving Kava.
Herbs for insomnia work by correcting imbalances in the body instead of adding ingredients to cross the blood / brain barrier. They may not be as “instant” as chemical drugs to sleep, but have the advantage of not losing their long-term effect.
Herbal medicines are not completely addictive “You never develop a chemical dependency to any herb of insomnia.