Herbal Suppliments That Help With Sleeping

Sleep disorders and insomnia result in poor quality or inadequate sleep. People who suffer from sleep problems often have trouble concentrating and can have headaches and physical or mental tensions. Conventional medicine offers a variety of treatments that often have serious side effects including dependency. There are herbal aids available from herbal shops, drug stores or homeopathic suppliers that can induce sleep without promoting dependency.

Hops and Lavender

• Hops and lavender are flowers that have sleep-inducing components. Hops is known as an ingredient in beer. Its sedative effect was observed among farmworkers who regularly fell asleep while harvesting the crop. Lavender is used a fragrance in the cosmetic industry. It also has a calming effect when it is inhaled. Hops and lavender are often used together in aromatherapy pillows. Dried hops and lavender flower heads can be bought at herbal shops and dispensaries. Hops is non-toxic and has no side effects under normal circumstances, but women who have had breast cancer are not advised to avoid due to estrogen-like properties that could stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Lavender can produce nausea, vomiting, headaches and chills in people who are allergic to it. It should not be used with certain pain killers and sedatives.

Chamomile

• Chamomile is a gentle herb with a mild flavor that usually is served as a tea. Chamomile tea is produced from the flower heads which contain a soothing oil that also can help indigestion. The major advantage with chamomile is that it does not lead to dependency and has no side effects. It can be used by adults and children. Chamomile tea is widely available in supermarkets, drug stores and at herbal shops.

Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm is a leaf in the mint family that promotes sleep and eases pain. It is usually combined with other herbs, including hops and Valerian, to increase its potency. Lemon balm leaves are sold as tea or processed as oil extracts for tinctures. The oil is commonly used in aromatherapy, and the dried leaves and teas can by bought in homeopathic shops and specialist providers for herbalists. Lemon balm is suitable for adults and children as it has no side effects, but it could interact with thyroid medications and sedatives.

Valerian

• Valerian is one of the most popular herb for sleep problems and its properties are the natural source of Valium, but is less aggressive and has fewer side effects. Valerian root is used to ease tensions and reduce anxiety, particularly as a long-term treatment. It is, however, not suitable for self-prescribed treatments as it can cause dizziness and nausea when taken incorrectly or with other medicines. Valerian has a strong odor, compared by many to smelly socks, and is often combined with other, less offensive smelling herbs, including passion flower and lavender. Tonics, capsules and teas can be found in herbal shops.

Passion Flower

• These herbal flower heads originate from South America and produce a chemical that has a calming, muscle relaxing effect and induces sleep. It helps to ease physical and mental tensions and can also be prescribed to help relieve narcotic drug withdrawal symptoms. Passion flowers have no side effects and can be found in teas, tinctures or capsules which are available in herbal shops and at homeopaths.