Are there any known herbal remedies or natural remedies for Insomnia?
There are many common home remedies for insomnia out there that we have all either grown up with or heard from a close friend, when we had the occasional sleeplessness we remembered drinking warm milk or taking a warm bath with Lavender oil or Chamomile. Lavender oil and Chamomile have been shown to be a great herbal remedy for insomnia- they relieve nerve tension but there are other more effective herbal remedies out there that are great alternatives to prescription or over the counter drugs. You should also avoid Chamomile if you are allergic to Ragweed.
Herbal or natural remedies for insomnia should not be substituted for prescription drugs or tried before a person is able to find the underlying cause of their insomnia. They are a great treatment option though to the occasional insomnia, nutrient deficient, or hormonal insomnia sufferer because most do not have the side effects or hang-over feeling the next day that over-the counter and prescription drugs have. The herbal remedies listed below have been proven to be just as, if not more, effective and non addictive but should not be substituted for prescription drugs. The first of these is Valerian.
Valerian is one of the most popular home remedies out there and probably one of the most used- it does however, depress the central nervous system so it should not be taken before driving or if you are pregnant. It smells awful but tastes great in tea or juice-300 to 400 mg. of standardized extract at bedtime is the suggested amount to adequately relax muscles and relieve anxiety.
One that is the most helpful herbal remedy for insomnia(especially for women) and can be used by everyone is calcium magnesium, recent studies from National Sleep Disorder Centers have shown that a large percentage of the population that suffer from insomnia have some type of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is usually absorbed by the body with the help of estrogen and when women menstruate or go through menopause low estrogen levels make it hard for the body to absorb magnesium. Magnesium is an important nutrient for the body as it is the nutrient needed to relax muscles and regulate “fight or flight” responses. The lack of Magnesium or low levels can cause anxiety or stress in an individual. Calcium magnesium is known for its calming effects and anti-anxiety, hormone regulating properties.
There are calcium magnesium supplements that can be taken for this or eating a diet rich in magnesium can be a great way for fighting insomnia or stress and anxiety related insomnia.
Melatonin is another popular home remedy for insomnia- seems to prove just as effective as Valerian, in most cases, at easing sleepiness naturally. Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland in the brain and helps with the body’s wake-sleep cycle. Studies show that natural rise and fall of melatonin can affect the quality of a person’s sleep. Melatonin supplement can be found at any health food store and can be taken as a nutritional supplement to help treat insomnia.
