Natural Remedies to Treat Insomnia

The demand for natural remedies is on the increase, with proven results and beneficial advantages over that of prescription medication, they play a vital part in the treating of insomnia for many and are well worth a try for those who haven’t yet. This article details some of the most effective natural remedies available on their market today.

Lavender
Lavender has been used for centuries to help aid sleep. Some suggested ideas for use include drinking herbal lavender tea before going to bed. You can use a few drops of essential oil (the most potent form extracted from the plant) onto your bed sheets, or dried lavender filled pillows can be purchased. Special bath-time products that use lavender are beneficial as well. Lavender has a potent smell and may be off putting for some people, while others may find the plants properties not strong enough to help the more serious cases of chronic insomnia.

Milk
An old remedy for the treatment of insomnia, milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, which has been known to promote healthy sleep and induce a feeling of fatigue. The most common way is to drink a glass of lukewarm milk mixed with honey prior to going to bed.

Magnesium
A magnesium deficiency can also play a part in insomnia, if you think your diet may be lacking in this then try and up your intake. Magnesium rich foods include broccoli, sprouts, spinach seeds, beans and oily fish. Supplements are also available from local health stores.

Valerian Root
The Valerian plant is native to Europe and has been proven in numerous clinical studies to promote sleep. It contains valepotriates, which are muscle relaxing chemicals found in the root part of the plant. It appears to work by affecting the central nervous system. Common ways of taking this plant include capsules as well as Valerian root tea. If you are pregnant or nursing you should avoid taking this.

Bach flower remedies
World famous for producing high quality plant extracts, Bach flower remedies offer something for almost every type of ailment. Out of the 38 Bach flowers, 7 of them are said to help promote sleep. These include honeysuckle, olive and white chestnut. They also have a new product on the market called ‘Sleep remedy’ containing a blend of extracts known to aid sleep.

Melatonin
This is a hormone which is naturally produced by humans in the pineal gland. Melatonin regulates some very important functions of the body and studies have shown that supplements can help those suffering with insomnia. Oral tablets, capsules and herbal teas can be purchased that contain melatonin. The herb ‘St.Johns wart’ contains high levels, and small quantities can be found in seeds such as fennel, alfalfa and sunflower.

Natural medication
There is a range of natural sleeping tablets available on the market, for example the brand Kalms is popular in the UK and can be ordered over the Internet. they only use the finest herbal extracts, helping reduce anxiety and promote healthy sleep. Although some report feeling drowsy the next day.

Remember even natural medications should be used carefully and can have unwanted side effects, always read the labels and consult your doctor if you are unsure of whether you should be taking them.