for insomnia treatment

Valerian, a hardy perennial flowering plant with sweetly smelling pink or white flowers, grows in large parts of Europe and Asia and also now 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, Caopn's Trailer, All-Heal, Sets Wale, Amantilla, Red Valerian, Bloody Butcher, Cat's Valerian, Set Well, St. George's Herb, Fragrant Valerian, Phu, and Vandal Root.

The main components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Normally harvested in September, the dried roots can be used to make teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials commonly 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 wrote of its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century saw it used to treat trembling, heart palpitations, nervousness, and headaches. 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 British used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

Unlike several other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of valerian you have got to use it regularly, with the full effects building over time.

Results should appear after about a month and regular use promotes deep relaxation and sleep. Numerous studies suggest valerian as by far the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness.

Although often prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian can also play a useful role in the treatment of anxiety-related sleep problems.

Unlike other commonly prescribed sleep medications, valerian is not toxic, does not impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and does not magnify the effects of alcohol.

The California poppy contains a compound called protopine, which can be thought of as similar in its effect to a light form of morphine.

Unlike its cousin the Opium poppy, the California poppy doesn't contain morphine, though its structure is similar. As a result of this, the California poppy does not exhibit any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

At the moment dosage guidelines have not been established as there have been very few clinical studies of the effects of the California poppy.

Lemon Balm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It occurs naturally in southern Europe and northern Africa where it grows in landfills, on disturbed land and along roadsides from sea level all the way up into the mountains.

It grows 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 shows an effective sedative action and is often made into a pleasant, lemony-tasting tea.

Try making a tea with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm in a cup of boiling water. Steep the tea for 10 minutes, strain, and drink just prior to going to bed.