hereditary insomnia

It is thought that honey possesses sleep inducing properties. Dark honey contains more antioxidants than light honey. It can be used in herbal teas or mixed into warm milk.

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 areas of the United States. Other common names for valerian include: garden valerian, and garden heliotrope (no relation to Heliotrope - Heliotropum).

Valerian is also known by various folk names: Fragrant Valerian, All-Heal, Sets Wale, Caopn's Trailer, Bloody Butcher, Cat's Valerian, St. George's Herb, Set Well, English Valerian, Vandal Root, Red Valerian, Amantilla, and Phu.

The main components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Generally harvested in September, the dried roots may be used to prepare teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials normally 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 documented its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century saw it used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. 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 a lot of other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of valerian you should use it on a regular basis, with the full effects heightening over time.

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

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

Unlike other frequently prescribed sleep medications, valerian lacks toxicity, does not impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and does not heighten the effects of alcohol.

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 all the way up into the mountains.

It can be grown 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 displays an effective sedative action and is usually made into a pleasant, lemony-tasting tea.

The tea is made with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm to a cup of boiling water. Brew the tea for 10 minutes, strain, and drink right before getting into bed.