Using Herbs for
Insomnia

Valerian eases pain and promotes sleep

Insomnia, or sleeping problems can be treated naturally with herbal teas, infusions and baths. Sedative herbs such as hops and valerian are used to relax the nervous system to that you enjoy natural, restorative sleep. Each herb contains a variety of active constituents and has a main action and several subsidiary actions which determine the conditions for which it is most appropriate.

For Light to moderate sleeping problems reach for chamomile or lavender first. These herbs are a mainstay at my house, and I use one or both of them every day in one form or another. For a relaxing, calming massage to promote restful sleep blend Chamomile with other soothing oils like lavender, or use it in an aromatherapy lamp. Drink a cup of calming and soothing chamomile tea before retiring, and you will drift off easily. Dried chamomile flowers are always an effective and sweet-smelling ingredient in making herbal sleep pillows. Lavender is a wonderful sleep aid and like chamomile can be used in all it's forms, and is safe to use long term. Combine with valerian, or chamomile for a relaxing tea, diffuse in an aroma lamp for restful sleep, use it in your evening bath, sprinkle a few drops of lavender on sheets and pillowcases, and add dried lavender flowers to sleep pillow mixtures.

One of the best and most studied herbs for insomnia, valerian allays pain and promotes sleep. It is of especial use and benefit to those suffering from nervous overstrain, as it possesses none of the after-effects produced by narcotics. I have used this herb to good effect for myself, and the tincture is a convenient way to take it, especially when you wake up restless in the middle of the night,and cannot get back to sleep because of nagging pain. Another favorite is Mugwort , an old fashioned herb used in "dream pillows" to stimulate dreams and ease sleep. A cup of mugwort tea before bed will help ease sleep, and is one the herbs that has a special affinity for women.

Using Aromatherapy

Essential oils that are calming and relaxant help reduce states of nervous excitement and treat sleep problems. Just a few drops of oils such as lavender or sweet marjoram can help you fall into blissful sleep with no unpleasant side effects. Melissa is recommended for nervousness, depression, insomnia, and nervous headaches. The volatile oils in the plant (particularly citronella) have a sedative effect even in minute concentrations. The sedative property of ylang-ylang calms excitability, making sleep easier.