If you're having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, herbal medicine may be the best medicine for you. Herbal medicines for better sleep are generally mild and non-addictive, making them perfect for intermittent episodes of sleeplessness or restless sleep. Herbalists and homoeopaths recommend different herbal sleep remedies for different conditions, but natural herbs for better sleep generally fall under two categories; those that help you relax and those that are more directly able to help induce sleep.
Relaxing Herbal Medicines for a Better Sleep
Sometimes we can't sleep simply because we have trouble winding down after a long day at work or a stressful incident. There are a number of herbal medicines that are perfect for helping us relax, unwind and enjoy better sleep:
- Chamomile is one of the best known and loved herbs for relaxation. Traditionally, it has been used as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety. More recently, studies suggest there may be a scientific basis for chamomile's reported effectiveness. If you believe anxiety is the cause of your sleeplessness, try drinking a cup of chamomile tea three times a day. Make sure to also enjoy the aroma of chamomile tea, too. It is often used by aromatherapists to help patients relax.
- Hops, best known as a flavouring agent in beer, is also a traditional treatment for stomach upsets, muscle spasms and anxiety. It has a mildly sedative affect and is often recommended for mild insomnia, especially if the insomnia is caused by an upset stomach. It can be taken internally as a tea and a pillow stuffed with hops is also believed to help induce a good night's sleep.
- Passionflower has been used to treat restlessness and intestinal spasms since at least the 19th century. It is believed to act directly on the central nervous system and is recommended by many herbalists for sleeplessness due to overwork or stress.
Herbal Medicines to Induce Sleep
The two most widely used herbal medicines to induce sleep are melatonin and valerian:
- Melatonin is a natural hormone. Its primary function is to help regulate our circadian rhythms (biological clock). As we age, our bodies tend to produce less melatonin. This is believed to be why so many elderly persons have difficulty sleeping. Melatonin is oftened prescribed by doctors as a supplement for patients over the age of 50, but may not be advisable for younger persons. Like any hormone replacement therapy or supplement, it should be taken under supervision.
- Valerian root is widely recognised as the most potent herbal medicine for a better sleep. Studies have shown it to be as effective as oxazepam (a prescription sleeping pill), without the attendant sleeping pill "hangover". Valerian root is also the main ingredient in many herbal sleep formulas. Taken together with lemon balm, chamomile, passion flower, hops or other relaxing herbs, it has been shown to be even more effective.
If insomnia persists, it is important to consult a medical specialist. Insomnia can be one of the symptoms of a serious disease. Heart disease, depression, diabetes and sleep apnoea are some of the conditions associated with insomnia that may require specialist treatment. If you are taking other medications, ask your health care provider before taking herbal medicines.
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