Insomnia is a common problem today. It can be described as the inability to fall asleep or just the lack of a restful, healthy sleep. Insomnia can be caused by a number of factors including depression, stress, other emotional disorders, environmental factors, and physical imbalances among others. Herbal remedies for insomnia are used to help restore and nourish the body as well as relieve some of the stressors that may be making it hard to sleep.
Good holistic treatment approaches for insomnia are multifaceted in nature and in addition to herbs may also include mineral and vitamin supplements, improved sleep habits, lifestyle changes, behavioral therapy, massage therapy, meditation, exercise, diet, acupuncture, hypnosis, homeopathy and guided imagery among others.
Here are some of the herbs that have been found to be effective in helping to relieve insomnia and promote a healthy, good night’s rest.
Chamomile is a very soothing herb. It can be drank in tea form or chamomile oil can be used in a bath to help to soothe the nerves. It also makes a good massage oil or can be inhaled.
Hops, which is used to flavor beer, has also been used for centuries to help with restlessness, nervousness and sleeplessness.
Lavender is another effective herb for soothing the nervous system. Lavender oil can be added to bath water. It can also be used as a massage oil, in a compress, or inhaled to help alleviate insomnia.
Passion flower is another effective herbal remedy for insomnia, which can help to relieve nervous exhaustion and mental stress due to worry and physical exhaustion. It makes for a very effective sedative without producing any harmful side effects.
Valerian root is a very common herb used as a sedative to help with insomnia as well as restlessness and nervousness. It can be especially effective in helping people who are having a hard time falling asleep due to the fact that it shortens one’s sleep latency. It can also help to reduce nigh time waking. Valerian is a very effective sedative and does not have negative side effects that synthetic sedatives such as Valium can produce.
California poppy is another very effective sedative and herb that helps to promote sleep. It also helps to ease mild forms of anxiety. It is a mild sedative and also has analgesic properties.
Kava kava is another effective sedative that can help to relieve fatigue and sleeplessness.
Herbal remedies for insomnia are natural and safe alternatives to sleeping pills and drugs. They also may prove to be more effective in promoting healthy and restful sleep.
Wed, Nov 18, 2009
Herbal Treatments, Home