Insomnia Herbs - A Guide to the Most Popular Herbs
Natural cures for insomnia include the use of insomnia herbs including chamomile, hops, lavender, passion flower, lettuce and valerian. All of these have been used for many years to help able to achieve deep, good quality sleep. If you suffer from insomnia please consult your doctor first before you try any home remedies as there may be an underlying physical or mental causes that can be dealt with. For mild, or intermittent insomnia these herbs can be very useful. They can be used during the day but are specially effective if used about 30 minutes before you go to bed.
St. John’s Wort - Hypericum perforatum
St. John’s wort has been used for very many years going back as far as ancient Greece. You can help in the treatment of chronic insomnia and also has proved useful in cases of mild depression. A high dose can increase sensitivity to sunlight so be careful to use a sunscreen if you are taking this herb. St. John’s wort is usually taken in tablet form but is also be used as a tincture or powdered extract.
Chamomile - Anthemis nobilis
Chamomile has been used for thousands of years to help in the treatment of insomnia and is used in the form of tea I can be drunk before bedtime. Chamomile tea can be found in most supermarkets and can be safely used even by children. It can help with insomnia and restlessness, and can be used for the relief of irritability and children. You can also use chamomile essential oil in your bath, or as a massage oil or even as an inhalant.
Lavender - Lavandula officinalis
Lavender has been used as a gentle tonic for very many years and lavender essential oil can be added to your bath water for bed. it can also be used as a massive oil or as a lavender pillow. It can be very effective when insomnia is mild or intermittent.
Hops - Humulus lupulus
Hops had been used as a sedative for many years and can be used in the form of tea or as a hop pillow. Although hops are component of beer it is best to avoid this as it also contains alcohol which is a stimulant. The best way to take it is in the form of a tea.
Passion flower - Passiflora incarnata
Passion flower has been prescribed by herbalists for very many years for insomnia as well as nervous exhaustion and other mental problems. It is used in very many over-the-counter insomnia remedies. It does not have any side effects even when used in quite large doses and is very effective for mild insomnia. It can also be used by children and adults. It can be used as a tea or as a tincture.
Wild lettuce - Lactuca virosa
Lettuce has a long history of use for the treatment of nervous conditions and insomnia after contacting chemical related to opium and also hyoscyarnin, an anti-cramping agent. It is very safe to use and can be used by children. It is available as a tincture and 2 to 3 drops should be used three of four times a day.
Kava kava - Piper methysticum
Kava kava popular drink from Fiji and the surrounding areas . It is a herb that has sedative qualities and helps to promote relaxation. It is available as a tea or as a tincture.
Valerian - Valeriana officinalis
Valerian has been used by herbalists for very long time in the treatment of insomnia, restlessness, irritability nervousness. It helps particularly for those who find difficulty in falling asleep and also reduces the frequency of waking through the night. It does not have any side effects and can also be used in combination with other herbs. Valerian can be used as a tea by the tincture.
California poppy - Escholtzschia californica
California poppy is found in many herbal remedies and promotes relaxation, good quality sleep and helps in the treatment of mild nervousness and anxiety. It is safe for children to use and clinical studies have proven it’s sedative effects. It also helps you to fall asleep more easily. It can be taken in the form of tea or as a tincture.
Conclusion
All of these insomnia herbs are safe to use and many can be used by children. If you’re using a tincture start off with a low dose to see if it is effective before you increase the dose to the maximum recommended. For mild or intermittent insomnia using these herbs should be very effective and are preferable to using over-the-counter remedies that contain drugs or prescription medications.