Monday, August 15, 2011

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Insomnia


With the increasing stress we are facing every day, insomnia is becoming an issue for more and more people. Natural and herbal remedies can help. I have done a series about specific herbal remedies beginning several years ago. You can read some of these posts at these links: A Natural Approach to Sleeplessness; Herbal Remedy for Sleeplessness – Shou Wu; Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness – Valerian; What Is Insomnia.



I found an article on Natural Medicine, the New Zealand Journal of Natural Medicine that talks a little about some herbal remedies for insomnia, but also includes some other tips about natural treatments for insomnia, including some homeopathic remedies and some essential oils that may help treat insomnia. I have only a little experience with homeopathy, and none with essential oils, so I don’t know how well they work. But if you are suffering from sleepless nights, they may be worth a try.




If your insomnia is severe, please see a qualified medical professional, and rule out any medical problems. This is usually a good idea anyway, even if the problem is not severe.


There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep to make you feel tip-top. We ‘sleep on it’ when there’s a tough issue to resolve, or remind ourselves that ‘things will look better in the morning’ when we’re stressed. That’s because sleep is like the body’s own mechanic: it allows it to mentally and physically restore itself.

Sleep involves five stages, lasting a total of 90 - 110 minutes and repeating throughout the night…

What if sleep eludes you? Anyone who’s suffered from insomnia knows how slowly those dreadful minutes tick by while you lie awake. An estimated 30 - 50% of people suffer from insomnia, 10% chronically. Identifying the cause is the first step in resolving insomnia. Stress is the most common cause of short-term/acute insomnia, and if this isn’t addressed, it can become chronic.”


Read the full article here:  Insomnia

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations. Technorati Tags: , , ,

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Shou Wu or Fo TI

Shou Wu or Fo-Ti

One of my favorite Chinese tonic herbs.

This herb, (botanical name: Polygonum multiflorum)  also known as He Shou Wu, sometimes Ho Shou Wu is one of the few Chinese tonics that are frequently taken as a single herb. It is available in tablet form, called Shou Wu Pian, which basically means Shou Wu Pills. (It is also part of many traditional Chinese herbal formulas, such as Shou Wu Chih, but I am talking about the single herb here.)

The Shou Wu Pian from China is usually available in a sugar coated tablet, which some people find easier to swallow. They are available without the sugar coating, but the plain tablets are sometimes harder to find.

Some herbalists feel that it is safer to buy products manufactured in the US, because there have been some incidents with contaminated products made in China. There are several manufacturers producing high quality herbal products such as Dragon Herbs here in the US.

Traditionally Shou Wu has been  recommended as a tonic for the Liver, Kidneys, and Blood. (in traditional Chinese medical terminology, these are not the same as what Western medicine means when talking about these substances and structures, but relate to functional descriptions.)

Shou Wu is considered a valuable restorative  tonic, and is taken to prevent premature aging. There are many stories about Shou Wu which claim it restores grey hair to its original color, increases fertility, and restores strength and vitality to theelderly. It is a very safe herb, even taken in high doses.

Shou Wu has been used as a treatment for sleeplessness. I have found it helps if the insomnia is caused by a deficiency condition.

I take this herbal tonic regularly, and I suggest you give it a try.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations. Technorati Tags: , , ,