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Sleeplessness is one of the common results of the stressful lives that we lead. It is sometimes an indication of sleep disorders such as insomnia or the inability to sleep. Sleeplessness can be due to tension, worries or anxiety. Herbs that help to promote good quality of sleep and reduce the sleep latency or the time taken to sleep are good remedies for sleeplessness.
Herbal remedies which can be used to counter this problem include Valerian, Kava, Passionflower, Skullcap, Chamomile, Nutmeg, California Poppy, Magnolia Bark, Lavender, Hops and Wild Lettuce. Herbal remedies can ease the tensions and worries and also relieve anxiety which may be causing the sleeplessness. If you are also taking any medication or suffering from an additional health problem, do consult your doctor before taking any of these herbal remedies suggested in this article.
Top Herbal Remedies For Sleeplessness
Chamomile
Matricaria Recutita is the botanical name given to this herb. Chamomile is a nervine herb which relaxes the body and calms the inner mind. It is also a natural sedative. It possesses substances like anthemic acid which activate anxiety relieving processes in the body. Chamomile is also an adaptogen which means that it lowers the body’s stress reactions to psychological, physiological and emotional stressors. Chamomile tea can be prepared using the leaves of this herb.
You can also use teabags purchased from health stores for making the tea. Drink Chamomile tea at least 2 to 3 times in a day to ease your anxiety and get good sleep in the night. Chamomile should not be used by pregnant or nursing women as well as persons allergic to Asters, Rag Weed and other flowers belonging to the Daisy variety.
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Piper Methysticum is the Latin name of this herb. Kava is also known as an ingredient for ceremonial drinks brewed in the South Pacific Islands. This herb is native to Fiji and it is also used in Indonesia as a raw ingredient for salads. You can brew refreshing Kava tea from the leaves of this herb and add natural sweeteners like honey or Stevia leaves to enhance the taste.
Kava is the best cure for sleeplessness because it relaxes the person without affecting his or her cognitive clarity. Kava is a natural sedative which can be safely taken without the worry of any side effects. This herb can also be added to salads and soups and consumed in this way to ensure a restful night.
Hops
The botanical name given to this herb is Humulus Lupulus. Hops is a natural sedative which is used to treat many sleep disorders as well as mental disorders such as hysteria, anxiety and panic. This herb can be taken to counter restless nights and enable the person suffering from sleeplessness to get a good night’s rest. This herb should be avoided for children below the age of 2 years.
There are even Hops pillows readily available for ensuring sound and restful sleep. This herb has been used since the eighteenth century as a cure for sleep related problems. You can also crush the leaves of this herb in a vaporizer containing hot water and inhale its steam for ensuring relief from sleepless nights.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is an ancient cure for sleeplessness and anxiety. This herb has been shown by researchers to be very effective in changing the neurochemical patterns of the brain to ensure blissful sleep at night. Nutmeg can be powdered and sprinkled onto desserts, cakes and muffins and taken in these ways to combat sleeplessness.
You can also add some freshly crushed Nutmeg to a glass of hot milk and drink it very night before going to sleep. Avoid using dried Nutmeg as this is not as potent as fresh Nutmeg. Researchers have also demonstrated that freshly ground Nutmeg has shown to lessen the number of breaks or interruptions in sleep during the night.
Passion Flower
Passiflora Incarnata is the Latin name given to this herb. Passionflower is very relaxing and it soothes the inner mind. When sleeplessness is caused due to high amounts of stress or anxiety, Passionflower is the ideal herbal remedy for the problem. Any sleep difficulties can be alleviated by using a tincture or extract of this herb. You can also brew Passionflower tea from the dried leaves of this herb.
Passionflower tea has a stabilizing and calming influence on the mind. It promotes good sleep because Passionflower contains flavones called chrysin which help to soothe the mind and ease tensions and worries. Passionflower has been shown to calm the brain by activating GABA ( Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) neurotransmitters which have a soothing impact on the person.
California Poppy
Eschscholzia Californica is the name bestowed by botanists on this herb. California Poppy is good for curing sleeplessness in young children, adults and elderly persons. This herb is safe to use for persons of all ages. California Poppy is a mild herb without any side effects. You can make a homemade solution containing the leaves and flowers of this herb soaked in hot water. The herb infused water can be placed in a dropper and used as a tincture by persons who are facing sleeplessness at night. California Poppy ensures timely sleep and good quality of sleep at night.
Magnolia Bark
Magnolia Officinalis is the botanical name given to this herb. Magnolia Bark is a good herbal cure for stress related sleep disturbances. This is because this herb has been found to lower the levels of cortisol in the human body. Cortisol is a hormone which is secreted in large quantities when the person is experiencing acute stress and anxiety.
This herb is available in the form of tablet or tincture. Experts generally recommend that you should not exceed 200 milligrams if you are taking this herb in capsule form. Do consult an herbalist to know the proper dosage for your age and gender. Magnolia Bark should not be taken by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Valerian
Valeriana Officinalis is the botanist’s name for this herb. Valerian is a natural sedative which is also an adaptogen. This herb reduces the time taken to sleep. It also improves the quality of sleep. Valerian root extract, tincture or capsules can be taken at night to ensure restful sleep.
Valerian influences the GABA neurotransmitters in the brain which play a vital role in promoting sound sleep. A pleasant and relaxed mind is essential to ensure a good night’s rest. Valerian root can also be used to infuse hot water which can then be consumed on a nightly basis for lowering stress levels and warding off sleeplessness.
