There are many ways to deal with insomnia.
With many different herbs being used as natural alternatives. They can be used on their own or in combination with other natural sleep remedies.
Valerian
This herbal remedy is commonly used in Europe, where herbal remedies are most popular. Valerian increases the amount of the neurochemical GABA, which stands for gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter, when released, reduces anxiety and makes it easier to sleep. Valerian is a great option for those who have a hard time falling asleep and it reduces nighttime waking. It also works well in combination with other sedative herbs, including, skullcap, California poppy, hops, and passionflower
Dose: It can be taken in capsule, tincture or tea form. One teaspoon of dried valerian root can be mixed with hot water and steeped for around fifteen minutes to release its active ingredients and drank as needed. For tincture use 2 to 5 drops two to three times per day. ( Just so you know valerian smells like dirty feet, if you can get passed that it works great.)
Chamomile
This is a popular sleep aid, usually taken in tea form. It contains a substance known as apigenin, which mimics GABA in the brain. By turning on GABA receptors, it induces a state of relaxation and helps you feel tired enough to sleep.
Dose: Take two tablespoons of dry chamomile flowers and brew it with hot water. Lemon juice, milk, and/or honey can be used to spice up and flavor the tea, although it tastes great on its own.
Lavender
Lavender is good as an aromatherapy remedy for the induction of sleep
and has no side effects. Lavender has been shown in research studies to bring on
brain wave patterns similar to sleep.
Dose: You don’t eat Lavender but use it as aromatherapy, either in a diffuser or in a sachet next to your pillow. There are also essential oil candles, and essential oil drops can be added to a hot bath for relaxation before bedtime. Be sure to use only high quality essential oils for best results.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has many uses, one of which is to raise serotonin levels, which promotes sleep.
Dose: Make a tea using 8-10 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm (about 2 tablespoons when dried) and mix it with a couple of teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers then steep with water. It takes about forty-five minutes to work so schedule your tea drinking accordingly.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is a common anti-depressant in Europe and actually dates back to ancient Greece. It is a great way of raising serotonin levels in the brain and improving sleep. When there is more serotonin, the sleep-inducing melatonin increases as well so that you can get a restful night’s sleep. St. John’s Wort will help with chronic insomnia and alleviate certain types
of mild depression. It mixes well with lemon balm for an additive effect.
Dose: You can take 2 teaspoons of the dried herbal tops and flowers of the St. John’s Wort plant and steep it for 5-10 minutes to make a tea or you can take a prepared capsule.
For tincture, use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon two to three times per day. It typically takes about 2-3 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to take place.
Hops
Hops are often additives in natural sleep aids because it is known to promote a relaxed state of mind, which is perfect for a good night’s sleep. Hops also have a long history of use for nervousness, restlessness, and sleeplessness.
Dose: You can use it in a tea or in capsule form. It takes about 2 tablespoons of hops to four cups of boiling water to make a tea that you can refrigerate and reheat every night. You can also make a sachet of hops and use it as aromatherapy next to where you sleep.
Passion Flower
Passion flower is an effective herb for use in insomnia that is caused by mental worry, overwork, or nervous exhaustion. Herbalists advocate its use for both kids and adults
as it has no side effects even when used in large doses.
Dose: Passion flower can be drank in tea form, or used as a tincture with 10 to 15 drops
taken 3 to 4 times per day.
Wild lettuce
Wild lettuce is a mild sedative that is effective for occasional restlessness and both acute and chronic insomnia.
Dose: Use in tincture form with 2 to 3 drops three to four times per day.
California Poppy
California poppy is a wonderful natural treatment for insomnia; it induces relaxation and eases mild anxiety. It is mild enough for use in children.
California poppy is an effective plant sedative with anti-anxiety properties.
Dose: California poppy can be taken in tea form or as a tincture (a much stronger form than the tea) with 10 to 15 drops a couple times per day.
Kava
Kava is often used for it relaxation benefits. Its all natural sedative effect is ideal for insomnia, acute sleeplessness and also fatigue.
Dose: Drink 1 cup of Kava tea two to three times per day. It can also be used as a tincture with 3 to 4 drops two to three times per day.
I have included possible doses here, be aware that they are just that... possible doses!.
Everybody's tolerances are different.
If the teas seem heavy on the herbs, just use less.
