geriatric insomnia

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

Different from the Opium poppy, the California poppy doesn't contain the narcotic morphine, though it has a similar structure. Because of this, the California poppy does not have any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

At this time dosage guidelines have not been established as few clinical trials have been conducted into the effects of the California poppy.

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

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

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

As well as having a profound 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 accounts for its ability to ease and promote digestion.

Some people consider the passion flower as the herb of choice for dealing with insomnia as it doesn't produce side effects and means a restful, relaxing sleep with no grogginess the next morning.

It is also non-addictive and can be used in both children and the elderly without causing complications.

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

To make passion flower tea, pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it steep for fifteen minutes. Drink a cup 30 minutes before you go to bed.

A native of the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean, Lavender is a flowering shrub that was 'domesticated' by the Arabians after which it was spread across Europe by the Romans.

Lavender was brought to North America by the Pilgrims and it was seen as one of the very first garden plants in Australia in the 1800s. It can be found in abundance in the wild in many parts of the world as well as being garden grown in sunny, well-drained areas, preferably 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 that is similar to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Lavender is both useful and very effective when it is 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 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 quickly.

Lavender oil is used extensively 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 flowers and leaves can also be used in a sachet underneath your pillow.

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

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