Six Herbal Sleeping Aids to Help Cure Insomnia

To avoid the negative effects on the body that accompany a sleepless night, an increasing amount of people are foregoing prescription medication and turning towards herbal sleeping aids. Despite numerous attempts to achieve a restful night's slumber, many individuals face medical, psychological, and other barriers that make sleeping a difficult task to accomplish.

When looking for relief from the common side effects associated with prescription drugs, herbal sleeping aids allow patients to experience a more natural approach towards combating insomnia and sleeping difficulties. Herbal sleep aids are also popular amongst people who do not wish to become sedated or unconsciousness in order to fall asleep. In the end, an herbal sleep aid helps people achieve the restful, rejuvenating sleep they need for the next day. To get an idea of the varying herbs that encourage gentle and effective results, consider the following natural remedies, which come in many different forms:

Chamomile

To take advantage of one of the oldest and gentlest herbal sleeping aids, consider the effective properties of chamomile, which is often consumed as a tea. The mild and agreeable taste of chamomile tea soothes, calms and promotes a restful night's sleep. Although mild with no side effects, a person who is allergic to daisies may experience a reaction to chamomile.

Californian Poppy

The aerial parts of Californian Poppy are known to gently induce non-addictive hypnotic results. An infusion or tincture taken at night helps encourage sleep. If over-excitability hinders your sleep patterns, combine the herb with passionflower, lavender, or cowslip flowers.

Hops

The strobiles of hops bring about sedation and also calm an excessively excited nature before bedtime. At night, combine 10 grams of the herb to two cups of water to create an infusion. If you are depressed, you should avoid using hops as one of your herbal sleep aids. It is also important not to exceed recommended doses.

Wild Lettuce

The leaves of wild lettuce produce a sedative effect that makes satisfying infusions and tinctures. If taken in excess, wild lettuce may actually cause insomnia. Lower doses create effective herbal sleeping aids that should be avoided if one plans on driving at night. The addition of valerian and passionflower helps increase the tranquilizing effect.

Passionflower

Use the leaves of the passionflower to create a natural sedative that possesses a hypnotic sensation that also calms the nerves and encourages sleep. Before going to bed, take 5 milliliters of tincture 1/2 hour beforehand. You may also create a tea using 2 to 3 teaspoons of the herb. It is also recommended not to exceed suggested doses, as well as to avoid using the herb when pregnant.

Valerian

Herbal roots also make effective herbal sleeping aids, as seen with valerian, which helps combat the occasional bout of sleeplessness. When taken long-term, individuals are able to achieve more restful nights of sleep. The root is extremely safe to take, which also lessens anxiousness and nervousness. Avoid taking high doses, as this may cause a person to experience nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Oats

Many herbal sleeping aids aim to battle the symptoms that come with nervous exhaustion and poor sleep patterns. When you eat oats on a daily basis (like hot cereal), you will increase your chances of achieving a good night's sleep. Taking one teaspoon of oat straw tincture with water for three times per day is also suggested.

These six herbal sleep aids are among a few of many you can take to help solve your sleep deprivation problems. You might want to take extra precaution and consult with your doctor before taking an herbal sleep aid.