alcohol insomnia

A native of the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean, Lavender is a flowering shrub that was first 'domesticated' by the Arabians after which it was spread across Europe by the Romans.

The Pilgrims brought Lavender to North America and it appeared as one of the first garden plants in Australia during the 19th century. It can be found abundantly in the wild in many parts of the world as well as being garden grown in well-drained, sunny areas, preferably in a slightly alkaline soil. The smaller species can also be grown quite easily in well-drained pots.

The essential oil from this flowering herb acts to depress the central nervous system in a manner comparable to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is both useful and very effective when used as a sleep aid. On top of the use of lavender flowers in a tea, it may also be used in the form of an essential oil distilled from the stems, flowers and leaves of the plant.

Lavender oil can be applied topically as a muscle relaxant or its aroma can be inhaled to get a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential oil on the feet is a particularly effective method of application, as anything applied to the feet is absorbed quickly.

Widely used in aromatherapy, Lavender oil can also be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply popped onto a tissue and breathed in. The essential oil from the flowers and leaves can also be added to in a sachet underneath your pillow.

It should be noted however that allergic contact dermatitis has been well documented in some people applying lavender products externally. In order to safely detect an allergic reaction it is a good idea to carry out a spot test before administering a full application.

You should also note that not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing - some, like Spanish lavender, can have just the opposite effect.

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

The passion flower gets its name because it reminded the early pilgrims of the suffering (or passion) of Christ.

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

On top of having a strong 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 accounts for its ability to ease and promote digestion.

It is considered by some to be the herb of choice for treating insomnia as it doesn't produce side effects and creates a restful, relaxing sleep with no grogginess the following morning.

It is non-addictive and can be used in both children and the elderly without causing complications.

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

To prepare a passion flower tea, pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it infuse for fifteen minutes. Drink a cup a half hour before you climb into bed.

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

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

The primary components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Ordinarily 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.

Reference is made 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. The 16th century saw it used to treat headaches, trembling, nervousness, and heart palpitations. 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 The Second World War the English used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

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

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

Although frequently prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian also plays a useful role in the treatment of 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 exaggerate the effects of alcohol.