Insomnia - Insomnia Herbs - Your Ticket to Insomnia-Free Nights

Events that are cause for worry have plagued humanity since ancient times, resulting in sleepless nights. Insomnia herbs have been used for just as long. With the introduction of modern medicine, however, came an onslaught of drugs and sleep aids to help give modern humans their craved-for sleep--as well as other dreaded side effects. This brings us back to the insomnia herbs of yesteryears, and we have rediscovered that herbal solutions are still the safer alternative. Caffeine is a habit-forming drug. While it keeps you invigorated during drowsy mornings, it will also prevent you from being able to have some much-needed rest at night. Because of restless sleep, you'll be drowsy again the following day, not to mention jumpy and cross that you'll dash madly towards the instant coffee can the first chance you get. It's a addictive cycle, and it must be stopped. If you cannot avoid caffeine totally, at least try to reduce your consumption. Doing this includes stopping yourself from having colas, chocolate, and yes, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Have some insomnia herbs instead. Valerian root is the most recommended. It is "the safest and most effective sleep aid with no side effects," according to British scientist-turned-herbalist Dr. Malcolm Stuart, who says the best time to drink it would be around 8 PM. Thirty minutes before retiring, use one to two teaspoons of the dried root to make a sleep-enhancing tea. Unlike synthetic sleep aids, valerian causes no heavy feeling the day after. And not like its chemical equivalents, which may cause dependencies, you will not develop an addiction to this natural cure. Similar to valerian root in terms of its sedative effects is catnip. This herb is also used as an answer to insomnia, but it is also thought to help nervousness, anxiety, and even migraines. The administration of catnip is again similar to valerian--one to two teaspoons of the dried herb for one cup of boiled water and set aside to percolate for around ten minutes. Do not boil the herb along with the water as this may weaken some of its active ingredients. Chamomile is less potent and is more advisable for children to consume, all the more when the young ones are hyperactive. The usual dosage is two teaspoons of dried chamomile flower for every cup of tea. Lavender is also a very soothing drink at night (three flower heads to one cup of boiling water, soaked like catnip), and taking a whiff of a few drops of its oil or putting it in your bubble bath has the same calm-inducing effects. It may also be rubbed onto your body during a massage and its flowers and seeds stuffed into your pillows. In Traditional Chinese medicine, the longan fruit and sour jujube seed are likewise known to relax the spirit. The former is used to treat insomnia, while the latter is used with more potent cures. While the insomnia herbs mentioned above may be taken alone, you may also mix an herbal cocktail if you wish. Try mixing valerian with chamomile, catnip, or some other mild herbs like hops and passionflower. Add a bit of the natural sweetener stevia if you like; if you feel the taste slightly too robust for your palate. Don't consume too much to spare yourself from sleep-disturbing trips to the john. While there is nothing essentially bad with depending on insomnia herbs, homeopathy, and aromatherapy to fall asleep, it is still best to go the natural way and permit your body to fall asleep unaided, the way it's built to do. In order for your body to perform optimally, a lifestyle overhaul should be undertaken. To not have sleep disorders, having an exercise regimen, effective stress management, and sticking to a healthy diet that consists primarily of fruits and vegetables is the better way, aside from using your favorite cocktail of insomnia herbs. In the meantime, why don't we have a cup of Chamomile-Valerian tea? Cheers! Get the amazing FREE course that reveals secret tips to cure insomnia and fall into energizing deep sleep at http://www.20daypersuasion.com/sleep-secret.htm courtesy of self-help expert, Michael Lee. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Lee