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: herbal remedies, herbs, natural remedies, alternative remedies

Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness and Anxiety- Lemon Verbena

Yesterday, I talked about Lemon Balm; today, I want to talk about a similar herbal remedy for sleeplessness, Lemon Verbena.

The botanical name of this herb is Aloysia triphylla. It is a popular herbal remedy in France, in fact, it is on many restaurant menus under the name, Vervaine Oderante.

The French use this remedy for relief of upset stomach, and other disorders of the digestive system, and for agitation and insomnia. It is also used as a flavoring agent in medicinal teas, since it has a pleasant lemony taste.

This herb is also a very safe herb, with no side effects or adverse reactions noted.

You can read a longer article I wrote  about Herbal Sleep Remedies here: http://ezinearticles.com/?Herbal-Sleep-Remedies&id=2372875.

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.





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Herbal Remedies for Sleeplessness-Valerian

The herb I wanted to talk about today has been used for centuries as a treatment for sleeplessness or insomnia. Unlike Chamomile, Valerian has been used to treat severe insomnia, as it more strongly induces sleepiness. In fact, some researchers say it appears as effective as some prescription sleep aids. (Unfortunately, it is not the most pleasant tasting herb, and for that reason, I usually recommend it as a capsule, or extract. See my post from November 15, 2006 for more information about Valerian.)

Taking Valerian about thirty minutes before retiring is usually enough to help you fall asleep, and to enter deep sleep cycles. If you are taking capsules, 400mg is a standard recommendation, but check the dosage recommendation on any product you use, for the correct dosage.

Side effects from Valerian are generally mild, and may include feeling sleepy the next morning, or stomach discomfort. Personally, I have never had any stomach discomfort, but I have occasionally have felt a little groggy in the morning, but that feeling passed quickly. If you are taking any herbal remedy (or prescription pharmaceutical remedy for that matter) and experience any strong side effects, stop taking them, and discuss the side effects with your doctor. Your doctor can tell you if the side effects are serious, and if there are other options you might consider without side effects. Never change your medication without talking to your doctor, and be sure to keep the doctor informed about any herbal remedies you may be taking.

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:
herbal remedies, herbs, natural remedies, alternative remedies