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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Herbs For Sleeplessness-Lemon Balm

Today, I want to talk a little about the herbal remedy, Lemon Balm, also called Melissa (its botanical name is Melissa officianalis), which has a long history of use to treat sleeplessness, as well as nervousness and anxiety.

This herb is very safe, with no health hazards or side effects noted at therapeutic dosages, (300-400mg in capsules, or several cups of an infusion steeped in boiling water per day.)

Not only has it been used at least since the 17th century, but recently, it was included in the German Commission E monographs, and approved as a natural remedy for nervousness and insomnia.

It also has some calming effect on digestive disturbances, as well as some anti-bacterial properties.

It is a useful addition to the herbal medicine chest for insomnia and sleeplessness.
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, herbs, natural remedies, alternative remedies

A Natural Approach to Sleeplessness

There are some simple things that you can try that may help with occasional sleeplessness. (Even though I am an experienced herbalist, I believe that the least intervention that helps a problem is the best, I always suggest simple solutions first, more complex remedies later.)

So here are some recommendations to help with mild or occasional insomnia:

1. It's best to establish a routine, go to bed at the same time every night, and get up at the same time, even on week ends.

2. Make sure you do something physical every day, even if it's only taking a short walk, just don't take a brisk walk close to bed time, give yourself some time to wind down.

3. Don't eat dinner right before bed time, 2-3 hours before is better. (Also, don't go to bed feeling ravenously hungry, that will also keep you awake.)

4. Caffeine and alcohol can both disrupt sleep, don't use either too close to bed time, again 2-3 hours is a good rule of thumb.

5. Avoid bright lights when you are preparing to sleep. As the light grows dim in the evening, your body begins to secrete hormones, such as melatonin, which help you feel drowsy. Bright light disrupt this natural cycle, and can leave you feeling wide awake.

6. If noise is keeping you awake, there are sound generators available, which produce sounds from white noise (kind of like static between radio stations) to ocean surf, or falling rain, to mask the disturbing noise.

7. Don't use your bed as an office, don't work in bed, don't pay bills in bed. reserve the bedroom for sleep and sex. (An exception is reading something you find relaxing, to help you fall asleep; just don't keep the light too bright. See number 5 above.)

If your sleeplessness is persistent, see your doctor, to rule out any health problems.

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, herbs, natural remedies, alternative remedies