chronic insomnia drugs

The California poppy contains the compound protopine, that can be described as being similar similar in effect to a light form of morphine.

Unlike its cousin the Opium poppy, this flower doesn't contain the narcotic morphine, although it has a similar structure. Because of this, the California poppy does not have any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

As of the time of writing no dosage guidelines have been established as there have been few clinical studies conducted into the effects of the California poppy.

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

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

The principal components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Commonly harvested in September, the dried roots may be used to prepare teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials often 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. The 16th century saw it used to treat heart palpitations, trembling, nervousness, and headaches. 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 English used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

Unlike many other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of valerian you should 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. Several different studies suggest valerian as by far the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness.

Frequently prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian can also play a useful part in the treatment of 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 heighten the effects of alcohol.

A native of the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean, Lavender is a flowering shrub that was 'domesticated' by the Arabians before being spread throughout Europe by the Romans.

Lavender was brought to North America by the Pilgrims and it appeared as one of the first garden plants in Australia in the 1800s. It is found abundantly in the wild in many areas of the world as well as being garden grown in sun drenched, well-drained areas, for preference in a somewhat alkaline soil. The smaller species can also be grown quite easily in well-drained pots.

This popular flowering herb's essential oil 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. As well as the use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it may also be used in the form of an essential oil distilled from the stems, leaves and flowers of the plant.

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

Lavender oil is used widely in aromatherapy and can be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed in. The essential oil from the leaves and flowers can also be used in a sachet placed under your pillow.

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

Also note that not all varieties of lavender have a tranquilizing effect - some, like Spanish lavender, can have just the opposite effect.