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SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series: Natural Sleep Remedies
Please Help Me Sleep Better At Night!
Herbs To Help Insomnia
Kava
Kava is the name
given by Pacific islanders to both Piper methysticum, a shrub
belonging to the pepper family Piperaceae, and also the beverage
made from it.
Piper methysticum
can be found growing in abundance primarily in western Polynesia,
especially in Samoa and Tonga, and most of Melanesia, including
Fiji. It can also be found in Pohnpei Island, in Micronesia.
Kava can be purchased
at health food stores as a standardized extract and as a
convenient method of anxiety relief as it is quick acting
and extremely potent.
Some vendors have
packaged high-powered Kava mixtures in convenient mini spray
bottles. These are handy to keep in a knapsack or purse and
are highly effective for providing a quick burst of relaxation.
Just one or two quick sprays under the tongue can do wonders
for tension and jitters.
If you plan on
purchasing raw root, it is a good idea to purchase whole,
top grade lateral root.
According to Michael
Tierra L.Ac., O.M.D., Founder of the American Herbalists
Guild -- "Because of its relative safety, the effective
daily dose of kava is wide ranging from 70 mg to 200 mg of
kavalactones, which are recognized as the major biochemical
anti-anxiety constituents. To promote a deep restful sleep
one should take a dose of from 150 mg to 200 mg. approximately
20 or 30 minutes before retiring."
Lemon
Balm
Lemon Balm (Melissa
officinalis) is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family.
It occurs naturally in southern Europe and northern Africa
where it grows in roadsides, landfills and disturbed lands
from sea level into the mountains.
It can be grown
in any well-drained soil; it is particularly tolerant of
poor, sandy soils and can withstand the full force of the
sun.
Lemon Balm has
effective sedative action and is typically made into a pleasant,
lemony-tasting tea.
Try making a tea
with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of boiling water.
Steep the tea for 10 minutes, strain, and drink right before
going to bed.
Passion
Flower
Passion flower
(Passiflora incarnata) is a flowering plant that is indigenous
to an area from the southeast U.S. to Argentina and Brazil.
It gets its name
from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the
suffering (or passion) of Christ.
Passion flower
is sometimes referred to as Apricot Vine, Passion Vine, Granadilla,
Maracoc and Maypops. It has been used historically as a tranquilizer
and tobacco substitute (among other things).
In addition to
having a profound effect on the central nervous system, passion
flower also acts as an anti-spasmodic on the smooth muscles
of the body, including the entirety of the digestion system,
which accounts for its ability to ease and promote digestion.
It is considered
by some to be the herb of choice for treating intransigent
insomnia. Passion flower does not have any ill side effects
and when used for insomnia results in a restful, relaxing
sleep with no grogginess the next morning.
It is non-addictive
and can be used in both children and the elderly without
complication.
When used for
its medicinal purposes, the entire plant can be used. It
is typically collected after some of the berries have matured,
then dried whole.
To brew an effective
passion flower tea: pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful
of the dried herb and let infuse for l5 minutes. Drink a
cup half an hour before going to bed.
 
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