definition of insomnia

The California poppy contains a compound called protopine, that is similar in its effect to a light form of morphine.

Different from the Opium poppy, this flower doesn't contain the narcotic morphine, although it has a similar structure. As a result of this, the California poppy doesn't possess any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

At this time no dosage guidelines have been established as there have been very few clinical studies of the effects of the California poppy.

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

Piper methysticum grows in abundance mainly in western Polynesia, especially in Samoa and Tonga, and the majority 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 shredded and pounded fresh or dried root and water). One simple method of preparing kava tea involves putting two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root per person into a clean knotted stocking and then squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water.

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

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

Some vendors have packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a purse or knapsack and are highly effective in producing a quick burst of relaxation. A quick spray or two under the tongue can do wonders for both tension and the jitters.

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

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

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

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

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

Indigenous to the mountains of the western Mediterranean, Lavender is a flowering shrub which was cultivated by the Arabians after which it was spread across Europe by the Romans.

Lavender was brought to North America by the Pilgrims and it showed up as one of the first garden plants in Australia during the 19th century. It can be found in abundance 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.

The essential oil in this popular flowering herb depresses the central nervous system in a manner similar to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is very useful and extremely effective when used as a sleep aid. In addition to the use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it can also be used as an essential oil distilled from the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant.

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

Lavender oil is used widely in aromatherapy and can be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply put onto 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 however that allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in some people using lavender products externally. In order to safely detect an allergic reaction it is sensible to do a spot test before administering a full application.

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