Herbal Supplements For Sleeplessness

In spite of claiming to be working longer hours than any other generation, a great deal of individuals suffer from sleepless nights. This is probably not due to not being not tired but to being stressed out. There could be other reasons too. In this article we will look at some natural ways of treating sleeplessness without recourse to over-the-counter sleeping tablets or tranquilizers, which some people have taken to eating like sweets regrettably.

Individuals have been using herbal remedies for thousands of years to cure ailments that we still suffer from today, it is simply that we were weaned off these natural remedies by emigrating to cities in the Nineteenth Century and losing a country person’s knowledge of herbs and we were presented with simple alternatives in the form of over-the-counter medicines by pharmaceutical firms in the Twentieth Century.

Perhaps it is time to try to relearn the old ways. In, fact many people are doing just that, but it is not that easy to find someone to learn from and errors can get perilous.

Having said that, becoming addicted to sleeping tablets or Prozac is not good for you either. While on the subject of Prozac, a natural alternative to it is St. John’s Wort, which grows widely in temperate climates like Europe and America.

If you want to test the alternative medicine approach and there are no courses where you live, you should buy a book – a good book – on the topic and take very small doses, increasing the dose with time until you get the amount that has the desired effect for you.

If you recommend doses to friends or listen to friends’ recommendations, do keep in mind that your weight, age and sex could well make a significant difference to the dose that is right for you.

It also depends what you would like the result to become. You may like to take a herb and fall asleep instantly, whereas someone else might prefer to take a milder dose and enjoy the sensation of gradual drowsiness before drifting off to sleep. (By the way, the second approach is far better).

Expectant women and children should not try these natural methods because of the problem with dosage. Catnip is one of the herbs that has this soporific effect on most individuals.

Camomile (or chamomile) is another plant that has been used to treat states of mind like restlessness, stress and sleeplessness. Camomile lotion is very soothing on the skin and is used to treat sunburn. Camomile tea can be bought in all decent tea stores, so it cannot be that dangerous or you could simply utilize the plant itself.

Hops, lavender, lemon balm and Valerian are other herbs that can be bought or grown anywhere. They are not banned substances. You can purchase these seven substances either already in tea bags, you can buy them in dried, loose form (cheaper) or you can grow your own.

You may find that one works for you but another one does not, but that is not a difficulty, is it? Check them out; grow the ones that work for you and your family; cultivate those plants in the spring and summer and then cut them and dry them for winter use. It is much more rewarding than giving your money to the pharmaceuticals.

Owen Jones, the author of this piece, writes on several subjects, but is now involved with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. If you want to know more, please visit our website at Sleep Apnea Surgery Techniques