herbs and insomnia

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 from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the suffering (or passion) of Christ.

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

On top of 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 ease and promote digestion.

Some people consider it to be the herb of choice for treating insomnia as it doesn't produce side effects and means a relaxing, restful sleep without grogginess the next morning.

As well, it is non-addictive and can be used in both children and the elderly without leading to complications.

If used for its medicinal purposes, the whole plant can be used. It is commonly 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 brew for fifteen minutes. Drink a cup 30 minutes before you retire.

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

The principal components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Typically harvested in September, the dried roots can be used to prepare 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 rome and ancient Greece. Hippocrates described its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. The 16th century saw it used to treat heart palpitations, headaches, trembling, and nervousness. 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 English used it to relieve the stress of air raids.

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

Results ought to appear after about a month and regular use helps to promote deep relaxation and sleep. A variety of studies suggest valerian as far and away the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness.

Often prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian also plays a useful role in dealing with anxiety-related sleep problems.

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

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

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

Throughout the ages Chamomile has been a powerful sleep aid and it can be used in several different ways including as a tea and used in a sachet placed under your pillow.

Unlike some herbal sleep remedies, you do not need to use Chamomile on a regular basis to enjoy its effects as a treatment for sleeplessness. It can be used when required to furnish quick relief for sleeplessness and anxiety.

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

Chamomile can be particularly valuable in remedying the symptoms of mild insomnia (sometimes referred to as transient insomnia).

Chamomile also reduces the histamine-based swelling produced by allergic reactions, and is an excellent solution when congested sinuses or food allergies are a contributory factor to sleeplessness.

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