Herbal Remedies for Insomnia

17 Jun

Posted by Dr John Anne as Uncategorized

Insomnia can be based on or aggravated by a neurotransmitter imbalance. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that allow nerve impulses to travel from one nerve cell to another, and include serotonin, acetylcholine, GABA, and the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. Sleep disorders and such symptoms as depression are especially linked with an imbalance in the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is manufactured by the body from the amino acid tryptophan. Herbs and foods high in tryptophan that help restore proper serotonin levels in the brain are St. John’s wort, quinoa, spirulina, and soy products.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate):

Passion flower is calming and sleep inducing, relieves pain, and muscular spasms. It is useful for the treatment of general insomnia, insomnia in asthmatics, hysteria, cramps, and nerve pain.Passionflower was widely used by the Aztecs as a sedative and analgesic. Its constituents include harmine. Harmine was originally known as telepathine because of its peculiar ability to induce a contemplative state and mild euphoria.It was later used by the Germans in World War II as “truth serum.” Harmine and related compounds can inhibit the breakdown of serotonin, therefore their use with 5-HTP would have an additive effect.How to Use: Take 30–60 drops of tincture forty-five minutes before bed.

Why Do People Use Valerian?

Insomnia: The use of valerian is supported by some evidence from clinical studies. The problem with many of the studies, however, is they’ve generally been small, used different amounts of valerian for varying lengths of time, or had problems with the study design, making it impossible to form a conclusion about the effectiveness of valerian.

Chamomile Chamomilla recutita (Composite Family):

This herb has anti-anxiety, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. It is valued for its treatment of a wide variety of conditions such as allergies, anxiety, ADD, asthma, colic, conjunctivitis, diaper rash, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, peptic ulcers, and PMS. The flowers are used in teas and tinctures internally and creams and compresses externally.

Insomnia can make falling asleep difficult, wake you up in the middle of the night or awaken you way too early in the morning. Some herbs can aid in getting to sleep and staying asleep. Professional herbalists do not prescribe herbs simply to treat symptoms such as insomnia but aim to correct the imbalances within the body that cause those symptoms.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Insomnia:

An effective herbal formula to help you sleep is: tagar 1 part, valerian root powder 1 part, chamomile 1 part Take 1/4 teaspoon of this powdered mixture with a little warm water just before going to bed. A cup of chamomile tea at bedtime is truly beneficial for inducing sleep. It is a coveted remedy throughout the world. Additional Remedies and Recommendations. Nutmeg can help induce sleep. Apply a fine paste made of nutmeg powder mixed with an equal amount of ghee around your eyes and on your forehead before bed to help you fall asleep. A hot bath or shower at bedtime helps to soothe vata and promote sound sleep.

The list of herbal remedies that can help promote a good night’s sleep is impressive and ranges from everyday store cupboard offerings such as mint, rosemary, valerian, and the antispasmodic, muscle-relaxant, thyme, to the more exotic passionflower (for chronic insomnia) and saffron.