You've no doubt seen the ads for various sleeping aids. They are advertised constantly on TV and in magazines. However, if you don't like the idea of taking a prescribed chemical to fall asleep, there are some effective, natural alternatives.
Herbs are one of the most widespread and popular alternatives to prescription sleep medications. There are various natural herbal supplements that help you relax and get a better night's sleep. Many of these treatments have not been scientifically proven to help sleep, however most of them have been used for centuries by people around the world.
Here are five of the most effective natural herbal treatments for helping you to fall, and stay, asleep:
1. German Chamomile
This is one of the most popular natural herbal sleep remedies available. Simply brew a cup of chamomile tea drink before bedtime. Also, drink it during daytime to help relax - a benefit that few prescription medications can offer.
2. Catnip
This may sound kind of unusual, but the herb that makes cats hyper can actually help people relax. It has compounds similar to those found in valerian root, another popular and effective herbal remedy for sleep. It is often brewed in a tea or ingested as a liquid extract.
3. Valerian Root
One of the most well-established and widely-used herbal sleep remedies, valerian root has actually been the subject of a number of clinical trials that have suggested that it does help people sleep better. It is avaible in a variety of forms including pill, liquid or tea.
4. Lavendar
Lavendar has powerful calming effects. It has actually been shown to lower or even reverse the effects associated with taking caffeine in some people. Lavendar is available in the form of tea or an essential oil that can be dispersed in a bath, potpourri or used for massage oil.
5. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is popularly grown in gardens because of its pleasant lemon scent, but it can also be very effective at helping to calm the nerves. It comes as tea, in supplement capsules, and as liquid extract.
Articles, news, research, and views on treating insomnia and other sleeping problems.
Natural remedies and cures including herbs, nutrition, alternative therapies, and holistic approaches.
Showing posts with label chamomile. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chamomile. Show all posts
Herbs and Supplements to Treat Insomnia
Try the following herbs and supplements to treat insomnia. They can be used during the day, or you can try using them about half an hour before bed.
Chamomile is a long-used sedative herb which is safe to use for both children and adults. Chamomile tea is popular in Europe, South America, and Mexico for treating insomnia and sleeplessness along with irritability in children. Chamomile oil can be mixed in bath water (a few drops) to help calm nerves, diluted to 1 or 2 percent to make a soothing massage oil, or even inhaled.
Doses: Chamomile Tea, one cup 2 times daily; Tincture, 25 drops 3 time a day.
In the early 20th century, some physicians used hops specifically to treat insomnia caused by worrying or nervousness. Hops, a primary flavor component of beer, has long been used for sleeplessness and nervousness. Pillows stuffed with hops are even occassionally used to treat mild insomnia.
Doses: Tea, one cup 2 times daily; Tincture, 35 drops three times a day.
Lavender is a mild tonic used to help bolster the nervous system. A couple of drops of lavender oil mixed with a bath before going to bed is recommended for people suffering from sleep disorders. Also, lavender oil can be used as a compress, massage oil, and also inhaled to treat insomnia.
Doses: Tea, one cup two times daily; Essential oil (oil may be inhaled, massaged (use 8-12 drops of essential oil for each ounce of vegetable oil), or mixed with baths (4-12 drops)).
In the US, many herbalists prescribe valerian root extensively for its sedative properties. It is often used to treat insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is often recommended for persons who have a difficult time falling asleep, since it reduces sleep latency. It also helps to minimize waking at night. Valerian is an effective herbal sedative which doesn't have any of the negative side effects associated with Valium and other sedative drugs. It works very well in conjunction with other sedative herbs, including California poppy, hops, and passion flower.
Doses: Tea, one cup when needed; Tincture, 3-4 drops three times a day.
Melatonin is a hormone created by the human body which is quickly becoming a popular supplement to aid in getting a good night's sleep, particularly for people who travel between different time zones or who work unusual hours. People have reported varying amounts of success using this product - some people have found significant benefit and other people have felt nothing from using it. A small percentage of people have experienced side effects such as nervousness and an increase in insomnia.
Chamomile is a long-used sedative herb which is safe to use for both children and adults. Chamomile tea is popular in Europe, South America, and Mexico for treating insomnia and sleeplessness along with irritability in children. Chamomile oil can be mixed in bath water (a few drops) to help calm nerves, diluted to 1 or 2 percent to make a soothing massage oil, or even inhaled.
Doses: Chamomile Tea, one cup 2 times daily; Tincture, 25 drops 3 time a day.
In the early 20th century, some physicians used hops specifically to treat insomnia caused by worrying or nervousness. Hops, a primary flavor component of beer, has long been used for sleeplessness and nervousness. Pillows stuffed with hops are even occassionally used to treat mild insomnia.
Doses: Tea, one cup 2 times daily; Tincture, 35 drops three times a day.
Lavender is a mild tonic used to help bolster the nervous system. A couple of drops of lavender oil mixed with a bath before going to bed is recommended for people suffering from sleep disorders. Also, lavender oil can be used as a compress, massage oil, and also inhaled to treat insomnia.
Doses: Tea, one cup two times daily; Essential oil (oil may be inhaled, massaged (use 8-12 drops of essential oil for each ounce of vegetable oil), or mixed with baths (4-12 drops)).
In the US, many herbalists prescribe valerian root extensively for its sedative properties. It is often used to treat insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is often recommended for persons who have a difficult time falling asleep, since it reduces sleep latency. It also helps to minimize waking at night. Valerian is an effective herbal sedative which doesn't have any of the negative side effects associated with Valium and other sedative drugs. It works very well in conjunction with other sedative herbs, including California poppy, hops, and passion flower.
Doses: Tea, one cup when needed; Tincture, 3-4 drops three times a day.
Melatonin is a hormone created by the human body which is quickly becoming a popular supplement to aid in getting a good night's sleep, particularly for people who travel between different time zones or who work unusual hours. People have reported varying amounts of success using this product - some people have found significant benefit and other people have felt nothing from using it. A small percentage of people have experienced side effects such as nervousness and an increase in insomnia.
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