Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Herbal Treatments for Your Insomnia Problem

If insomnia is an ongoing problem for you, you realize just how serious and distressing a condition this can be. When you are lacking sleep, you'll find that it significantly affects your daily life.

You can always ask your doctor for a prescription. But sometimes the side effects of insomnia medications are almost as bad as the condition itself. If so, why not take a look at herbal treatments that have been shown to be an effective insomnia remedy.

Consider beginning with something relatively mild, such as chamomile. Chamomile has been used for centuries as a way to get a good night's sleep. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory qualities. This means it can help to soothe any minor discomfort you might be experiencing. Have a cup of chamomile tea before turning in for the night for the best results.

Lavender is another herbal treatment you might want to take a look at. This herb is widely used because it's so effective at calming the nerves. People who experience insomnia due to stress and anxiety find this to be a particularly effective remedy. Try spritzing some lavender oil on your pillow before you go to bed at night.

Many people believe passion flower to be a very effective natural remedy for insomnia. Not only can it calm you and help to induce sleep, it's also known as a pain reliever. The Aztecs used it for both pain relief and as a sedative.

Another popular insomnia remedy is St. John’s Wort. It has a long history of use for insomnia and other health conditions such as depression.

Or there is Valerian Root. People have been treating their insomnia with this herb for countless generations. Because of its natural sedative abilities, it's become one of the most popular herbs for the treatment of insomnia. It is also frequently used as a muscle relaxant. Not only do its sedative properties fight insomnia, they can also relieve nervous problems and calm your restlessness.

Keep in mind that you must use any of these herbal treatments according to the directions. The fact that they're a natural product doesn't mean that there can't be side effects. And taking more of them won't make the condition go away any faster. It might even make it worse.

Any one of these herbal treatments might be successful for managing your insomnia. However, keep in mind that it may take some trial and error until you find the one that works best for you.