Herbal Remedies for Insomnia
Insomnia is a lack of sleep that occurs on a regular basis. Not getting enough sleep can become debilitating and interfere with normal your daily activities, in some cases making it dangerous to carry out even normal activities like driving. Getting a good night's sleep is important, there are plenty of good herbal remedies for this common ailment
Symptoms
This problem can cause you to have problems falling asleep, cause you to wake up in the middle of the night or wake too early in the morning.
Causes
It can be caused by tension, anxiety or depression. It can be a side effect of a serious or chronic disease or merely the result of too much caffeine.
Cautions
Chronic insomnia can be a symptom of other more serious conditions like sleep apnea, lung disease, depression, heart disease or diabetes. If your sleeplessness becomes chronic, seek medical attention.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Passionflower – this sedative herb helps calm and induce sleep. It also relieves pain and muscle spasms. It is often also used for hysteria, cramps and nerve pain. Take 30-60 drops of tincture forty-five minutes before you go to bed.
- Valerian – another sedative herb, this one will help you relax and fall asleep. It has long been used for insomnia, even when it is accompanied by cramps, pain, tension and anxiety. Valerian promotes a restful sleep without being sleepy in the morning or other side effects. Take valerian as an herbal tea forty-five minutes before bedtime or take 20 drops of tincture added to water at bedtime. Do not use valerian every night.
- Hops – this relaxing herb helps to induce sleep and is a good remedy, especially if it is accompanies with anxiety or tension. This herb can be used with chamomile. Take this herb orally in a tea. Do not take this herb if you are pregnant or depressed.
- Lavender - drink an infusion of lavender at bedtime to reduce stress and aid sleep.
- California poppy – this herb helps induce sleep and quiets disturbed feelings. It is helpful for sleepless children, anxiety, and sleeplessness as a result of menopause. You can take a cup or two of infusion, 2 to 4 ml of tincture or two capsules before going to bed.
- Oats - useful to treat stress, exhaustion and insomnia - take as liquid extract, tablet or infusion.
- Lime Flower - drink an infusion at bedtime to reduce stress and aid sleep.
- Chamomile – this relaxing herb can be a gentle remedy and is safe enough for children. It can be taken with hops. Take the tea an hour before going to bed.
- Wild lettuce – this herb helps induce sleep and aids relaxation. It is most useful for insomnia that is accompanied by restlessness and excitability. Take orally or add to your bath.
- Scullcap – this relaxing herb is also a nerve tonic. It is useful for insomnia with depression, hysteria, stress or nervous tension. Take the tincture or add to your bath.
- Lemon balm – drink a tea made of this herb just before retiring at night. This herb helps you relax and fall asleep.
External Applications
- Hops – this herb can also be added to your bath to help relax before bed.
- Chamomile – add the tea to your evening bath to help induce sleep.
- St John's wort – this herb is mildly sedative and improves the quality of your sleep. It is also useful for depression, tension and hypersomnia. Add an infusion to your bath to help relax before bedtime. It can also be taken internally as a supplement. This herb may cause photosensitivity, so be careful about being in the sun.
Essential Oil
Use the following essential oils in head and neck massage or in bath before bed or in an infuser - chamomile, lavender, marjoram and neroli.