help insomnia

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

It grows in any well-drained soil and is especially tolerant of poor, sandy soils. It can also withstand the full force of the sun.

Lemon Balm has an effective sedative action and is typically made into a pleasant, lemony-tasting tea.

Tea is best made with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of boiling water. Brew the tea for ten minutes, strain, and drink right before retiring.

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

It gets its name from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the passion of Christ.

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

In addition to 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 is why it has the ability to ease and promote digestion.

It is considered by some as the herb of choice for the treatment of insomnia as it doesn't produce any side effects and creates a restful, relaxing sleep without grogginess the next morning.

Furthermore, it is non-addictive and can be used in both the elderley and children without complication.

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

To brew an effective 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 a half hour before getting into bed.

Kava is the name given by Pacific islanders to both Piper Methysticum (a shrub belonging to the pepper family Piperaceae) and also to the beverage made from it.

Piper methysticum grows in abundance principally in western Polynesia, especially in Samoa and Tonga, and most of Melanesia, including Fiji. It can also be found on Pohnpei Island, in Micronesia.

Traditionally people prepare kava as a cold tea (an infusion made from straining a mixture of water and shredded and pounded fresh or dried root). One simple method of preparing kava tea involves putting two or more heaped teaspoons of kava root per person into a clean stocking, tying a knot in it and then squeezing it repeatedly in a bowl of cold water.

The tea normally produces a slight numbing of the lips and tongue initially, followed by slightly talkative and euphoric behavior, a sense of calm, clear thinking, relaxation and well-being. Sleep associated with kava is peculiarly restful and there are no after effects the following day.

Kava can be purchased at health food stores as an extract and as a convenient method of relieving anxiety as it is quick acting and very potent. Kava can also be purchased in pill form.

Some sellers have packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray bottles. These are handy to keep in a knapsack or purse and are extremely effective at offering a quick burst of relaxation. Just one or two quick sprays under the tongue can do wonders for the jitters and tension.

If you plan on purchasing the raw root, it is wise to buy whole, top grade lateral root.

A few concerns have been voiced recently concerning the kava's safety following a small number of deaths from liver failure. As a result Switzerland and France have banned Kava, and Germany has made it available only on prescription. In the United States the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has expressed reservations over its use.

Controversy abounds, fuelled by the economic interest of kava exporting nations and disagreements between the medical establishment and champions of natural medicine. As of the time of writing the 'jury is out' and only time will unveil the truth.

It should be noted however that the Tongans have relied heavily on kava for hundreds of years and that it holds a place of great significance within Tongan society.

One side-effect associated with the heavy use of kava is that of kava dermopathy - a scaly eruption of the skin. This disappears if use is discontinued and is quite harmless. In the past, Hawaiians used to drink large quantities of kava to produce just this effect as a way of cleansing the skin and giving themselves a clearer, smoother complexion.