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effective insomnia cures
natural sleep
The sleepness nights and lack of energy brought on by insomnia have been around since the birth of the human race and, notwithstanding the advances of modern medicine, there are innumerable people today who swear by traditional herbal remedies for insomnia, many of which were discovered hundreds or even thousands of years ago.
But why do so many people swear by herbal remedies for insomnia?
A growing number of people of course simply don't believe in modern medicine and are very much against taking modern drugs in any shape or form. For others though it is simply a matter of preferring to use a natural remedy which has proven its worth over time.
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| Here's one herb used to produce natural sleep: | effective insomnia cures |
Lavender | Lavender is a flowering shub indigenous to the mountain regions of the western Mediterranean that was cultivated by the Arabians after which it was spread widely throughout Europe by the Romans. The Pilgrims brought Lavender to North America 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 well-drained, sun drenched areas, ideally in a slightly alkaline soil. The smaller species can also be grown quite easily in well-drained pots. This popular flowering herb's essential oil depresses the central nervous system in a manner that is similar to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers. Lavender is both useful and very effective when it is used as a sleep aid. On top of the use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it can 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 if you want a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential oil on the feet is a particularly effective method of application, as anything rubbed into the feet is absorbed rapidly. Widely used in aromatherapy, Lavender oil can also be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed in. The essential oil from the flowers and leaves can also be added to in a sachet under your pillow. It should be noted that allergic contact dermatitis has been described in some people using lavender products externally. In order to safely detect an allergic reaction it is sensible to carry out a spot test before administering a full application. It should also be noted that not all varieties of lavender have a tranquilizing effect - some, like Spanish lavender, might have just the opposite effect. A most refreshing use of Lavender can be found in Lavender mint tea. Lavender Mint Tea (A single serving) Ingredients: 1 tsp. fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 tsp. dried lavender flowers), 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 2 tsp. dried mint) and 1 cup boiling water. [rosemary, lemon balm or lemon verbena, along with rose geranium may also be added for an interesting multi-herb herbal tea.] Preparation: Mix the lavender flowers and mint in a teapot or saucepan (either using an infuser or loose). Pour boiling water onto the mixture and allow it to stand for five minutes. The infuser can then be taken out or the leaves removed with a strainer. |
If you want to use a herbal sachet under your pillow then here is a recipe: Ingredients: Lavender plant (leaves, buds or stems), lavender essential oil, a handkerchief, 2 needles (1 large to fit 1/4 inch ribbon and 1 regular size), thread and Ribbon (1/4 inch wide) You may use lavender harvested from your own plants or buy the lavender buds, either locally or through an online supplier. Instructions: Fold the handkerchief in half, and then in half again. You can either iron the handkerchief for a crisper look, or merely leave it as is. Next, sew three sides together. Open the unsown side of the handkerchief and fill it with lavender plant pieces and/or buds. Make sure that you use a lot of plant material, but don't stuff it too tightly. The end result will look much like a beanbag. Then, sprinkle the pieces with lavender essential oil. (8 to 10 drops should be more than enough). Then, thread your large needle with 1/4 inch ribbon and sew loosley to keep the plant materials inside your homemade sachet. Finally, tie the whole thing off with a knot. |
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| Here's a second herb used for curing insomnia: | effective insomnia cures |
Lemon Balm | Lemon Balm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It grows naturally in southern Europe and northern Africa where it grows in landfills, on disturbed land and along roadsides from sea level right up into the mountains. It can be grown in any well-drained soil and is particularly tolerant of poor, sandy soils. It can also withstand the full force of the sun. Lemon Balm displays an effective sedative action and is typically made into a pleasant, lemony-tasting tea. The tea is made with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of boiling water. Brew the tea for 10 minutes, strain, and drink immediately before going to bed. |
| Here's a third herb used as a cure for sleeplessness: | effective insomnia cures |
Honey | It is thought that honey has sleep inducing properties. Dark honey has more antioxidants than lighter honey. It can be used either in herbal teas or mixed into warm milk. Milk and Honey Sleep Remedy Ingredients: 1 glass warm milk, 1 drop vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon honey Mix, then drink while it is still warm. Use this just before you get into bed. |
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effective insomnia cures, natural sleep | |
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