Hit the Hay with Helping Herbs

If, like me, you are no stranger to insomnia, there are some natural herbal remedies which are very helpful at bedtime. Here are some of the best ones, which should help you to chalk up some ZZZZZs:

Chamomile

This daisy-like plant has properties which act as a nerve restorer, calming anxiety and stress. The reason for this is that it contains a lot of nutrients for nerves and muscles, including magnesium, calcium and potassium. It also has anti-spasmodic properties.

Valerian

Valerian has a warming sedative effect and ,like chamomile, it helps to calm anxiety and consequently is beneficial to sleep disorders. Nervous states such as fear and panic can also be calmed with valerian. The only drawback to it is that it has a certain depressant effect on the nervous system, so it is not recommended for long-term use for depression-sufferers.

Hops

Hops contain lupulin, a strong but safe and reliable sedative. As well as being taken orally, dried hops can be made into a sachet sewn into a pillow, where the aroma from it helps sleep. I used to have one of these myself. I need to get another one. The hop sachet needs to be replaced about twice a year.

Passion Flower

The substances in passion flower slow down the breakdown process of the neurochemicals, norepinephrine and serotonin, which help you to maintain a peaceful and relaxed state of mind, so aiding sleep. Passion flower (passiflora) has traditionally been used as an anti-spasmodic and sedative, to calm hysteria and highly nervous states.

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