HEALTH... Herbs - Insomnia - How to get a good sleep

Insomnia and lack of good sleep is a common health issue in our society. Approx half of the population suffers from occasional insomnia and it is much more common in women than in men.

God has provided us with everything we need in life including natural sedative herbs. Here is a list and combination made from these for very good results.

• TEA herbs

Hops (Humulus Lupulus).
It is used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer. It has relaxing properties and it improves the quality of sleep.

Passiflora incarnata, commonly known as passionflower (Passiflora Incarnata).
This herb has calming, anxiolytic, sedative, and hypnotic prpoerties. Without causing addiction it is a wonderful sedative agent that helps us to have a refreshing sleep, even in the most difficult cases of insomnia. Calms nerves, relieves gently muscle tension, which makes it ideal to tackle every problem associated with anxiety, such as palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath and nervous spasms. It helps in panic attacks.

Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla).
Reduces muscle spasms, used for neurobehavioural disorders such as neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness, mild asthma attacks and migraines. Soothes the stomach.

Linden (Tilia Europaea).
Help you calm down, an hypnotic, anxiolytic, soothes headaches, soothes the stomach and lower the pressure and nerves.

Melissa or bee balm (Melissa Officinalis).
Stimulates the nervous system and is recommended in cases of insomnia, intense stress, tension and irritability, and may even help people with depression, soothing and relaxing properties.

Lavender (Lavandula Officinalis).
The scent of lavender has a relaxing effect. It has sedative, anxiolytic and antidepressant properties, both tea and essential oil. A drop of lavender oil on the pillow helps you fall asleep more easily.

All above herbs are combined very well in a tea mixture.
Drink 1-2 cups in the evening, and in case of anxiety 2-3 cups during the day.

• TINCTURE and SUPPLEMENTS

Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis).
Well known for its relaxing properties. It reduces anxiety, stress and hysteria. Boil 1 tsp. root of tea for 5 minutes in water and drink, this relieves headache, calms nerves and fights insomnia.

Sedge or St. John's Wort balm (Hypericum Officinalis).
A a very effective antidepressant and improves the quality of sleep. We take in the form of tincture (tincture is strongest) or as tea (boiled water + dry herb). It is therefore an antidepressant, sedative, antispasmodic and improves the quality of sleep.
You can combine it with other herbs like valerian and passionflower but avoid if you do any form of drug treatment. When taken as tincture, avoid sun exposure because it can cause freckles on the skin (photosensitivity) or even headaches.

Equally important is to get some vitamin supplements and minerals. Essential to good sleep are:

• Vitamin B complex (B3, B5, B6, B9 and B12) - The B vitamins found in whole grains, milk, nuts, fruits, fish, green leafy vegetables etc.

• Magnesium - Natural source of magnesium are dark vegetables, nuts, fish, bananas and cocoa.

• Calcium - Natural sources of calcium are milk, orange juice, almonds, spinach, rocket, sardines and white beans.

The lack of the above mentioned vitamins and minerals is a common cause of insomnia.

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Always take advise from your physician or herbalist, before taking herbs and supplements.

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Disclaimer .-

The information presented here is for informational and educational purposes only. It should not be interpreted as a substitute for diagnosis and treatment by a health care professional. We do not presume to give medical advice.

Anyone wishing to use this information should share it with their health care professional prior to starting any treatment, therapy, or drug program. It is your responsibility to discuss any remedy with your health care professional prior to using it as it may harm rather than benefit you.

Some medical doctors may not be acquainted with alternative remedies and natural healing methods. Share this information with them so they may learn, too, or find a practitioner who is familiar with them.

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