elderly insomnia

The California poppy contains a compound called protopine, that can be thought of as similar in effect to a light version 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 doesn't exhibit any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

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

It is thought that honey possesses sleep inducing properties. Dark honey incorporates more antioxidants than light honey. It can be used either in herbal teas or mixed into warm milk.

Lavender, a shrubby flowering bush indigenous to the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean, was 'domesticated' by the Arabians before it was later spread throughout Europe by the Romans.

The Pilgrims brought Lavender to the United States and it showed up as one of the first garden plants in Australia in 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, for preference in a somewhat alkaline soil. The smaller species can also be grown quite easily in well-drained pots.

The essential oil from this flowering herb depresses the central nervous system in a manner that is comparible to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is both useful and very effective in its usage 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, flowers and leaves 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 an especially effective method of application, as anything on the feet is absorbed rapidly.

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

It should be noted however that allergic contact dermatitis has been well documented in some individuals using lavender products externally. In order to safely detect an allergic reaction it is wise to do a spot test before administering a full application.

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