 |
|
| Category: Health Care |
Date published: July 17, 2007 |
Insomnia Herbs - The Natural Cure for Insomnia
by Michael Lee
Worries have plagued mankind since ancient times, inducing sleepless nights. Insomnia herbs have used as a cure for just as long. When modern medicine came into the picture, however, came an proliferation of chemicals and sleep aids to help give digital-age humans their needed sleep--as well as other not so desirable side effects. This search takes us back to the insomnia herbs of the old days, and have realized that nature's cures are often still the best treatments.
Caffeine is an addictive drug. While it helps you perked up during otherwise drowsy mornings, it will also keep you from being able to have some wanted sleep at night. Because of a restless night in bed, you'll be lethargic again the next day, and also nervous and grumpy and you'll make a run for the neighborhood Starbucks the first opportunity you get.
It's a vicious cycle, and it must be stopped. If you can't cut your dependency from caffeine totally, at least try to lessen your intake. Doing this includes cutting off the consumption of colas, chocolate, and yes, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Have some insomnia herbs instead.
Valerian root is the primary cure. It is "the safest and most effective sleep aid with no side effects," according to British scientist turned herbalist Dr. Malcolm Stuart, who says the best time to drink it would be around 8 PM. Thirty minutes before taking to bed, use one to two teaspoons of the dried root to make a sleep-promoting tea. Unlike pharmacy cures, valerian causes no hangovers. And as opposed to its counterpart pills, which may cause an addiction, you will not develop a dependency on this herb.
Just like valerian root in terms of its sleep-inducing effects is catnip. This herb is also used as a cure for insomnia, but it is also thought to relieve nervousness, anxiety, and even migraines. Dosage for catnip is again almost like valerian--one to two teaspoons of the dried herb for one cup of boiled water and set aside to soak for about ten minutes. Do not boil the herb along with the water as this may reduce the potency of some of its active ingredients.
Chamomile is less potent and is recommended for children to consume, more so when the young ones are hyper. The usual dosage is two teaspoons of dried chamomile flower for a cup of tea.
Lavender is also a very soothing brew at bedtime (three flower heads to one cup of boiling water, soaked like catnip), and sniffing a few drops of its oil or mixing it with your bath water has a similar soothing effect. It can also be rubbed onto your body during a massage and its flowers and seeds stuffed into your pillows.
In Chinese medicine, the longan fruit and sour jujube seed are also known to relax the spirit. The former is used to help insomnia, while the latter complements stronger herbs.
While the insomnia herbs mentioned above may be taken on their own, you may also mix an herbal cocktail if you wish. Try mixing valerian with chamomile, catnip, or some other mild herbs like hops and passionflower. Add a bit of the natural sweetener stevia if you like if you feel the taste slightly too strong to your taste. Don't consume too much to spare yourself from sleep-interrupting trips to the bathroom.
While there is nothing fundamentally wrong with depending on insomnia herbs, homeopathy, and aromatherapy to fall asleep, it is still best to keep things as they are and permit your body to fall asleep alone, the way it's wired for. To make your body perform optimally, a lifestyle realignment should be undertaken.
To be free from sleep disorders, engaging in exercise, proper stress management, and sticking to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables is the a better way, aside from taking your favorite mixture of insomnia herbs. In the meantime, let's have a cup of Chamomile and rose hip brew. Cheers!
Get the amazing FREE course that reveals secret tips to cure insomnia and fall into energizing deep sleep at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/sleep-secret.htm courtesy of self-help expert, Michael Lee.
|
[All work by author is copyright protected. If you would like to use this article, please contact the author for permission.]
Disclaimer: The Views and Information expressed on this webpage are that of the Author and do not necessarily reflect the views, data, policies, endorsement or support of HolisticJunction.com's Administration or its standards.
|
|
|
Articles
