Home Remedies That Work

  Counting Sheep

LIST OF HERBS FOR SLEEP PROBLEMS (compiled by Florence Cardinal)

WARNING:  If you're pregnant, nursing, or if you suffer from any chronic disease, don't take any of these remedies without first consulting your doctor.

• BLACK COHOSH -This Native American herb is relaxing. Eases pain, such as that from neuralgia. It's also excellent for female problems. Large doses can be harmful and can cause nausea and dizziness.
• BONESET - Another herb from America. Calms the nerves. It can cause nausea in a small number of people. (Boneset leaves were once used in bandages for broken bones, since the appearance of the joined leaves gave people the idea that the plant would be helpful for rejoining broken bones.)
• CALIFORNIA POPPY ROOT - Eases anxiety and nervousness that can cause sleeplessness.
• CAMOMILE (CHAMOMILE) - This herb promotes well-being. It's good for the digestion, is relaxing and generally soothing. A cup of chamomile tea before bedtime is an excellent way to encourage sleep. If you have a history of allergies, however, especially to plants such as ragweed, you shouldn't use chamomile.
• CATNIP - Yes, this is the herb you're cats love, the one that makes them go a bit crazy. But don't worry. For humans, catnip is relaxing and great for the digestion. It's often used in insomnia formulas and as a sleep promoting tea. It can even be smoked to promote relaxation, but smoking it can cause severe headaches.
• FLEECE FLOWER ROOT - A treatment for deficient blood syndrome manifested as sallow complexion, dizziness, vertigo, and insomnia.
• GOTU KOLA - This Asian herb has a calming effect and also improves the circulation. It is now recognized as being good for the nervous system.
• HOELEN - Another herb from the Orient. Hoelen is used in many Chinese Herbal Remedies for different maladies. It's noted for it's calming, soothing effect.
• HOPS - Hops, as a tea, is relaxing and calming. It also relieves pain and aids digestion. It's not advised to take this herb, however, if you are depressed, as it is somewhat of a depressant.
• JASMINE - Best known as an aromatic oil. Put a few drops into the bath to help you relax. Used as a tea, it's a mild nerve sedative.
• JUJUBE (DA T'SAO) - The Chinese Jujube date. It relieves nervous tension and apprehension. Good for insomnia.
• KAVA KAVA - This member of the black pepper family helps give you a night of restful sleep. It's very relaxing. Long-term use isn't advised, however, as it can cause liver damage.
• LAVENDER - This is another herb known better as an aromatic oil. Use it in your nightly bath. Just a few drops will help to relax you and you'll sleep better. Taken in a tea, it helps to relieve anxiety.
• LEMON BALM - A tea made from lemon balm is great for the digestion and it relieves nervous tension. Try a cup at bedtime if you suffer from insomnia.
• MARSHMALLOW ROOT - This herb has nothing to do with the sugary blobs you roast over a campfire. It's a calming herb. Strong dosage might interfere with some of the drugs your doctor ordered from the pharmacy, so be sure you take them a few hours apart.
• OAT FIBER - You may be surprised to see this listed among herbal sleep remedies, but, surprisingly, it does help. Oat fiber is soothing to the digestion and to the nervous system. The easiest way to use it is to eat oatmeal every day. But begin with small helpings, as too much too fast can cause gas.
• PASSION FLOWER - This herb eases anxiety-induced insomnia. It's very calming and eases muscle spasms that can be very painful and keep you awake. One warning: Passion flower can cause sleepiness, so it would be advisable to avoid driving for a few hours after use.
• PEPPERMINT - Used as a tea, it eases digestion, relieves gas and helps with insomnia. Don't take peppermint if you are on iron supplements as it tends to interfere with the absorption of iron.
• RED CLOVER - Take as a tea for inner cleansing. It has been used for years as a spring tonic. It's also very relaxing. It has been mentioned as a cure for cancer but talk to your doctor before using it for this purpose.
• REISHI MUSHROOM - Another surprising entry on a list of herbal remedies, but the Chinese have long known that his strange looking mushroom eases anxiety and calms the nervous system. A common ingredient in Chinese cookery, it is also a help for those with insomnia. Some research has been done as to its usefulness in AIDS treatment.
• SAGE - Good old garden variety sage eases depression and is good for the nerves. Use it when you cook the evening meal, or as a calming tea. The variety known as Clary works best.
• ST. JOHN'S WORT - This herb was named for St. John the Baptist who was beheaded. The red resin is said to resemble blood. St. John's wort is good for mild depression and anxiety, and it improves the quality of sleep. Although it has been shown to be poisonous to cattle, it is safe for human consumption if taken in the prescribed dosage. It can cause sensitivity to sunlight so avoid over -exposure. Also, don't take St. John's Wort if you are taking a medication that contains MAO inhibitors. This herb is being studied for possible use in HIV and AIDS treatment.
• SIBERIAN GINSENG - Unlike most of the other herbs I have mentioned, Siberian Ginseng gives you a lift. It's good for the treatment of depression, lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome. Don't take this herb if you are already hyperactive or if you are suffering from nervous tension.. It should also be avoided by those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure.)
• SPEARMINT - Spearmint is a great aid to digestion, and relieves gas. It has a calming effect on the entire body. A few drops on your pillow can be very soothing.
• THYME - Another common cooking herb, thyme is also excellent for treating nervous disorders and also respiratory problems. Try it as a tea or put a bit into your pillow.
• VALERIAN - This is probably the best known herbal remedy for sleeplessness. It eases both nervous tension and muscle tension. It's great for combating stress and relieving insomnia. Valerian tea is a natural sedative. High doses could cause paralysis and a weakened heartbeat, but used in the recommended dosage it is a very beneficial aid to sleep. It is known as the valium of the nineteenth century.
• WOOD BETONY - Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, Wood Betony is good for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease. It's also great for calming anyone's nerves and promoting sleep. Use it as a substitute for black tea. The taste is very similar, but it contains no caffeine.

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