acupuncture for insomnia

Passion flower is a flowering plant that is native to an area from the Brazil to Argentina and southeast US.

It gets its name because it reminded the early pilgrims of the passion of Christ.

Passion flower is frequently referred to as Maypops, Passion Vine, Apricot Vine, Granadilla and Maracoc. It has been used historically as a tranquilizer and tobacco substitute (as well as for other things).

As well as having a profound effect on the central nervous system, passion flower also acts as an anti-spasmodic on the smooth muscles of the body, including the entirety of the digestion system, which is why it has the ability to promote and ease digestion.

It is considered by some as the herb of choice for the treatment of insomnia as it does not produce any side effects and results in a relaxing, restful sleep with no grogginess the following morning.

As well, it is non-addictive and may be used in both the elderley and children without creating complications.

If used for its medicinal purposes, the whole plant can be used. It is usually collected after some of the berries have matured, then dried whole.

To prepare passion flower tea, pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it steep for fifteen minutes. Drink a cup 30 minutes before going to bed.

Valerian, a hardy perennial flowering plant with sweetly smelling white or pink flowers, grows in large parts of Asia and Europe and now also grows naturally in parts of the United States. Other names commonly used for valerian include: garden valerian, and garden heliotrope (no relation to Heliotrope - Heliotropum).

Valerian is also known by various folk names: Phu, Bloody Butcher, Amantilla, Vandal Root, Fragrant Valerian, Cat's Valerian, Caopn's Trailer, Red Valerian, English Valerian, All-Heal, St. George's Herb, Set Well, and Sets Wale.

The chief components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Generally harvested in September, the dried roots can be used to prepare teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials ordinarily find their way into capsules or tablets.

There is reference to the use of valerian as a medicinal herb as far back as the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates documented its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century saw it used to treat headaches, trembling, heart palpitations, and nervousness. In the mid-19th century, many people considered valerian a stimulant that caused some of the same complaints it is thought to treat and held it in low esteem as a medicinal herb. During World War II the British used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

Unlike a lot of other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of the effects of valerian you need to use it on a regular basis, with the full effects heightening over time.

Results will appear after about a month and regular use promotes deep relaxation and sleep. Some studies suggest valerian as by far the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness.

Though frequently prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian can also play a useful role in dealing with anxiety-related sleep problems.

Unlike other frequently prescribed sleep medications, valerian lacks toxicity, does not impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and does not amplify the effects of alcohol.

Chamomile is a common flowering plant that grows in various parts of central and southern Europe (Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy), as well as in north western Asia. Chamomile is also now widely cultivated in North Africa, Argentina, the United States, Australia, and Egypt.

Typically packaged as a tea, the dried flowers and dried leaves can be bought over the counter in both loose and bagged form.

For many hundreds of years Chamomile has proved itself to be a very effective sleep aid and it can be used in a variety of ways including being brewed as a tea and used in a sachet placed under your pillow.

Unlike some other sleep remedies, chamomile does not have to be used regularly to enjoy its effects as a treatment for sleeplessness. It can be used as needed to give fast relief for both sleeplessness and anxiety.

Chamomile tea, which is made from the dried flowers and leaves of this common plant, often proves most effective when sipped a half an hour to forty-five minutes before getting into bed.

Chamomile can be particularly useful in relieving the symptoms of mild (transient) insomnia.

Chamomile also reduces the histamine-based swelling produced by some allergic reactions, and is a very good solution when food allergies or congested sinuses contribute to sleeplessness.

You should note that hay fever sufferers who display an allergic reaction to ragweed and its close botanical relatives (such as aster and chrysanthemum) often demonstrate a similar reaction to Chamomile.