Getting a good night’s sleep is very important to your body. As you’re sleeping your body heals, grows muscle, synthesizes hormones, repairs tissue, restores and rejuvenates. For some people, sleep evades them night after night. Chronic insomnia can lead to a variety of health complications including obesity, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The following herbs help bring balance to your body while promoting relaxation, allowing your body to heal and self-regulate.
Herbs for Insomnia
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is a sedative herb that is used by children and adults. Tea is often used for insomnia and restlessness because it is a gentle sleep aid. The tea works as a mild tranquilizer relaxing the nerves and muscles. Chamomile oil put in bath water (5-6 drops) soothes overwrought nerves.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup 2-3x a day and the tincture is 30 drops in water 3x a day.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are the female flowers from the hops plant and a major flavoring component of beer. It has a long history of use for sleeplessness, nervousness, and restlessness. Hops pillows are used for mild insomnia. Hops help lower anxiety and boost feelings of relaxation and calm. The flowers help lower your body temperature, bringing about drowsiness and beginning the body’s sleep process.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup 2-3x a day and the tincture is 30-40 drops in water 2-3x a day.
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. It works as an anxiety reliever and as a sedative. Lavender increases relaxation and calm bringing about sleep. Just smelling the oil helps alleviate insomnia.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup 2-3x a day.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) has a calming, sedative and hypnotic effect on the body. This herb is very useful for treating anxiety and insomnia and ensuring a good, restful sleep. Using passionflower doesn’t make you feel groggy or hungover in the morning.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup 3x a day and the tincture is 30-60 drops in water 3-4x a day.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is very useful in treating insomnia, nervousness, and restlessness. It is a good herb for people who have a hard time falling asleep. Valerian is an excellent herbal sedative that has none of the negative side effects of Valium and other synthetic sedatives. Valerian root tea assists people in helping them fall asleep faster and reducing symptoms of insomnia and anxiety.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup as needed and the tincture is 2-5 droppers 2-3x a day.
Kava kava (Piper methysticum) imparts a calm and relaxing feeling in the body. Kava is a sedative herb combating sleeplessness and fatigue. It is very effective in improving sleep quality and decreasing the time needed to fall asleep. It promotes relaxation without a loss in mental sharpness.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup daily and the tincture is 3-4 droppers 2-3x daily.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps relieve chronic insomnia and mild depression. This herb can sensitize the skin to sunlight. If you are taking a full dose, avoid direct skin exposure to bright sunlight. Don’t use St. John’s wort if you take prescription medications.
Dosage for the tincture is 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 2-3 x daily, 1-2 tablets or capsules 2-3 x daily. Allow 2-3 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to develop.
Herbs For Children
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a mild sedative and nervine used for restlessness and insomnia. This plant produces a euphoric, dreamy effect making it much easier to drop off to sleep. Wild lettuce with its calming effects is a great children’s remedy.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup and the tincture is 2-3 droppers 3-4x a day.
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a sedative and sleep-promoting herb. Poppy is helpful for promoting sleep, helping one to relax and easing mild anxiety. The effects of this herb are gentle and it’s often used to treat children with insomnia or anxiety.
The dosage for tea is 1 cup 2-3x a day and the tincture is 30-40 drops 2-3x a day.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) is a sedative herb that is very helpful for children and adults. The tea is often used for insomnia and restlessness because it is a gentle sleep aid. The tea works as a mild tranquilizer relaxing the nerves and muscles. Chamomile oil put in bath water (5-6 drops) soothes overwrought nerves.
Dosage for tea is 1 cup 2-3x a day and the tincture is 30 drops in water 3x a day.
Now you have natural remedies to combat insomnia and restlessness which promote a good night’s sleep. You are now bringing balance to your body, and promoting relaxation allowing your body to heal and self-regulate.