geriatric chronic insomnia

Chamomile is a common flowering plant that grows in various parts of central and southern Europe (Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, and Germany), as well as in north western Asia. Chamomile is also now widely cultivated in Argentina, the United States, Australia, North Africa, and Egypt.

Commonly packaged as a tea, the dried leaves and flowers can be purchased over the counter in both loose and bagged form.

Over the centuries Chamomile has been an extremely effective sleep aid and it can be administered in several ways including being brewed as a tea and used in a sachet placed under your pillow.

Unlike some herbal sleep remedies, you do not need to use Chamomile regularly to enjoy its effects as a sleep aid. It can be used when required to supply fast relief for sleeplessness and anxiety.

Chamomile tea, which is made from the dried flowers and leaves of this common plant, often proves most effective when sipped a half an hour to forty-five minutes before going to bed.

Chamomile can be particularly helpful in remedying the symptoms of mild (transient) insomnia.

Chamomile also reduces the histamine-based swelling produced by some allergic reactions, and is a very good solution when food allergies or congested sinuses contribute to sleeplessness.

You should note that hay fever sufferers who exhibit an allergic reaction to ragweed and its close botanical relatives (such as aster and chrysanthemum) commonly display a similar reaction to Chamomile.

Passion flower is a flowering plant that is native to an area from the Argentina to Brazil and southeast US.

The passion flower gets its name from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the suffering (or passion) of Christ.

Passion flower is occasionally referred to as Granadilla, Passion Vine, Apricot Vine, Maracoc and Maypops. It has been used historically as a tranquilizer and tobacco substitute (as well as for other things).

In addition to having a strong effect on the central nervous system, passion flower also acts as an anti-spasmodic on the smooth muscles of the body, including the entirety of the digestion system, which is why it has the ability to promote and ease digestion.

Some people consider it as the herb of choice for the treatment of insomnia as it does not produce any side effects and results in a relaxing, restful sleep with no grogginess the next morning.

Additionally, it is non-addictive and can be used in both the elderley and children without creating complications.

When used for its medicinal purposes, the whole plant may be used. It is usually collected after some of the berries have matured, then dried whole.

To prepare an effective passion flower tea, pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it brew for fifteen minutes. Drink a cup half an hour before getting into bed.

California poppy contains the compound protopine, that is said to be similar in effect to a lighter version of morphine.

Not to be confused with the Opium poppy, this flower does not contain morphine, although it has a similar structure. As a result of this, the California poppy doesn't show any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

At the moment no dosage guidelines have been established as the effects of the California poppy have not been widely studied in clinical trials.