Good deep sleep is vital to maintain a healthy body. Unfortunately, many people are unable to sleep at nights and if they do, it is not restful deep sleep.
Deep sleep is needed for rejuvenating the many systems of our bodies. In addition, sleepless nights can be miserable for the individual as well as other members of the household. In this article, we will discuss a few Natural, Herbal Sleep Remedies which are alternatives for sleep enhancement things rather than chemical medications.
Sleep medications can cause many undesirable side effects. It is therefore to one’s benefit to find herbal sleep remedies for this condition. There are herbs that have been proven to promote restful, deep sleep. Valerian Root, chamomile, catnip, passionflower, hops, and kava are some of the known herbs that are associated with helping to acquire good sleep.
Chamomile tea has been used to induce sleep for thousands of years. Chamomile is considered by the FDA to be safe and usually has no side effects. To brew this tea, use two or three chamomile tea bags. Pour in sufficient hot water in the teapot, and then put the lid on to keep the oils in the water. By doing this you will get the medicinal effects of the tea. Steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink at bedtime. Don’t use chamomile if you are pregnant or breastfeeding since it’s the effect on babies is not yet known. In the summer you can make ice-cubes of the tea and add to your bedtime tea so it’s cool. Chamomile ice cubes will also relieve stomach discomfort and cool you down in addition. Add 1 quart of chamomile tea to a bathtub of warm water before bedtime. This will calm your nerves and induce sleep.
Valerian Root has been used as an anti-anxiety treatment for over 2,000 years. It improves your quality of sleep and helps sleep come more quickly. Valerian becomes more effective over time, so take it nightly. Valerian capsules are better to take because of the herbs unpleasant smell. Valerian root is non-addictive and does not leave the user with a “hangover” feeling the next day.
Hops help to calm the mind and relax the body and are often used in herbal sleep pillows. You can make your own pillow or learn how to make one. Passionflower works with the body to create balance, for overwork, anxiety, drugs, alcohol, and pain-related sleeplessness. There are supplements on the market that are natural and do work, usually made of the ingredients mentioned.
Catnip is a perennial herb of the mint family. It contains a substance called nepetalactone which is similar in its’ chemical structure to valepotriates, the sedative principles of valerian root. This is the reason why a cup of hot catnip tea taken at bedtime ensures a good nights sleep. To make yourself a nice nightcap, bring 1-1/2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1tsp of the fresh cut herb or 1 tsp of dried catnip. Let it steep for 20 minutes until lukewarm, before drinking. Honey may be added if desired. Catnip can sometimes be found in capsule form at Health Food stores.
Kava has been found by some researchers to have a ‘tranquil’ effect on the central nervous system. It has been reported that the pyrones in Kava help to reduce anxiety and fatigue as well as relieve twitching heart muscles and calming hysteria. The best brand of kava can be purchased in health food stores under the Natures Way logo. An average of 2 capsules twice daily (late morning and late afternoon) on an empty stomach is recommended. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating whether supplements containing kava are linked with toxic liver damage. Medical advice should be sought before proceeding with this supplement.
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