Posted on January 17, 2008 in Insomnia Remedies
Insomnia is a condition in which a person is deprived of sound sleep. According to a statistical report 20-30% of American adults suffer from Insomnia. It is one of the most common sleeping disorders in USA. An imbalance in the serotonin neurotransmitter causes insomnia. Herbs can cure insomnia without any side-effects by restoring serotonin balance.
Insomnia can be explained as a disorder where the person finds difficulty in sleeping or to maintain sound sleep throughout night. According to a research study an imbalance in the neurotransmitter are the main culprits for insomnia. Neurotransmitters can be defined as chemicals present in the brain which helps in transporting nerve impulse from one neuron to another.
An imbalance in the serotonin neurotransmitter is the main cause for insomnia. Tryptophan amino acid is responsible for the production and management of serotonin neurotransmitter. Herbs which are rich in tryptophan can be helpful in restoring serotonin balance. Hence certain herbs can be beneficial in treating insomnia.
Herbs which are useful in treating chronic insomnia are as follows:
- Lavender (Lavandula officinalis): Lavender is considered as a strengthening tonic for your nervous system. It is recommended for insomniacs to take bath with few drops of lavender oil before going to bed. To alleviate the condition you can even use lavender oil in your massage oil or compress. Dosage: You can even drink lavender tea before going to bed as it will induce restful sleep. 1 cup 2-3 times daily.
- Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata): Insomnia caused due to nervous exhaustion, mental worry and overwork passion flower is highly beneficial for them. Basically Passion flower is used for treating small sleeping problems in both adults and children. Passion flower acts as a superb sedative without any side effects even in large doses. Dosage: It can be used as herbal tea or tincture. As tea 1 cup 3 times daily and as tincture 30-50 drops 3-4 times daily.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Valerian is extensively used as sedative agent especially for insomnia, restlessness and nervousness. Generally it is advisable for people with short sleep latency and who face problem in falling asleep. It acts as an excellent sedative and it also decreases night-time waking. Dosage: As herbal tea 1 cup when needed and as tincture 2-5 drops 2-3 times daily.
- California poppy (Escholtzschia californica): California poppy is one of the popular sleep promoting and sedative herbs. This herb is highly beneficial in inducing sleep, relaxing and easing anxiety. It is known for its mild analgesic and sedative properties hence can be used for children also. It improves the sleep quality as well as sleep latency. Dosage: Tincture 30-40 drops 2-3 times daily and as herbal tea 1 cup 2-3 times daily.
- Kava kava (Piper methysticum): Kava is known to induce tranquil feeling and relaxes stressed out body. Sometimes it also increases dreaming and communication process while sleeping. This natural sedative is used in cases of fatigue and sleeplessness. Dosage: As tincture 3-4 drops 2-3 times in day and as tea 1 cup 2-3 times daily.
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): This herb is commonly found in Europe and is an important herb of modern herbal treatments. According to a latest study this herb is highly beneficial in relieving symptoms of chronic insomnia and depression. This herb has the potential to sensitize your skin hence avoid bright sunlight exposure till you complete your dosage. Dosage: As powdered extract 1-2 tablets 2-3 times daily and as tincture 1-1/2 teaspoon 2-3 times daily.
- Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis): It is one of the most popular sedative with negligible side effects hence can be safely used by adults and children. This herb is basically taken as Chamomile tea. It is mainly used to treat insomnia, irritability and restlessness. Dosage: To de-stress your tired nerves you can use add Chamomile oil in your bath water. If you want to use Chamomile as tincture then 30 drops 3 times daily or as tea then 1 cup 2-3 times daily.
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November 20th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
[...] Curd is valuable in the treatment of insomnia. The patient should take plenty of curd and massage it on the head. This will induce sleep. [...]
November 24th, 2008 at 6:34 am
[...] Treats Insomnia: It is believed that the alkaloids and flavonoids present in passionflower can help in treating insomnia by inducing restful sleep. This can particularly help in treating insomnia arising out of nervousness or stress. [...]