b12 insomnia

Kava is the name given by Pacific islanders to both Piper Methysticum (a shrub belonging to the pepper family Piperaceae) and also to the drink that is made from it.

Piper methysticum can be found readily principally in western Polynesia, especially in Tonga and Samoa, and virtually all of Melanesia, including Fiji. It can also be found on Pohnpei Island, in Micronesia.

Traditionally people prepare kava as a cold tea (an infusion made from straining a mixture of water and shredded and pounded dried or fresh root). One simple method of preparing kava tea involves putting two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root for each person into a clean stocking, tying a knot in it and then squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water.

The tea usually produces a slight numbing of the lips and tongue initially, followed by somewhat talkative and euphoric behavior, a sense of relaxation, clear thinking, calm and well-being. Sleep associated with kava is especially restful and there are no after effects the following day.

Kava can be bought at health food stores as an extract and as a convenient method of anxiety relief as it is fast acting and highly potent. You can also buy kava in pill form.

Some sellers have packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a knapsack or purse and are extremely effective for offering a quick burst of relaxation. Just one or two quick sprays under the tongue can do wonders for tension and jitters.

If you plan on buying the raw root, it is advisable to choose whole, top grade lateral root.

A few concerns have been raised recently concerning the kava's safety following a small number of deaths from liver failure. As a result France and Switzerland have banned Kava, and Germany has made it available only on prescription. In north America the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has expressed reservations over kava's use.

Controversy abounds, fuelled by the economic interest of the kava exporting countries and disagreements between the medical establishment and patrons of natural medicine. At this time the 'jury is out' and only time will unveil the truth.

It is noted however that the Tongans have relied heavily on kava for hundreds of years and that it is of great significance within Tongan society.

A side-effect associated with the heavy use of kava is kava dermopathy - a scaly eruption of the skin. This is quite harmless and disappears once use is discontinued. Hawaiians used to drink large quantities of kava to produce just this effect as a way of cleansing the skin and giving themselves a smoother, clearer complexion.

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 areas of the US. Other common names for valerian include: garden valerian, and garden heliotrope (no relation to Heliotrope - Heliotropum).

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

The chief components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Normally harvested in September, the dried roots may be used to make teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials normally 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 rome and ancient Greece. Hippocrates described its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. The 16th century saw it used to treat trembling, headaches, heart palpitations, and nervousness. In the mid-19th century, many 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 English used it for the relief of stress during air raids.

Unlike a lot of other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of the effects of valerian you have got to use it regularly, with the full effects coming slowly and steadily over time.

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

While commonly prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian also plays a useful part in dealing with anxiety-related sleep problems.

Unlike other frequently prescribed sleep medications, valerian is not toxic, doesn't impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and doesn't amplify the effects of alcohol.

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

It gets its name from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the passion of Christ.

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

As well as 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 is why it has the ability to ease and promote digestion.

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

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

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

To brew an effective 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 half an hour before going to bed.