Herbs for Insomnia:

Insomnia occurs as a symptom of other medical conditions. Most commonly it is the result of mental stress and anxiety. It is referred to as the difficulty in falling asleep or maintaining sleep. Some people may experience it as the inability to initiate sleep, while for others it refers to poor quality of sleep. Many factors can result in insomnia such as excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, physical illnesses, digestion problems, constipation and stress. An improper sleeping environment such as extreme room temperatures, uncomfortable mattresses or pillows and noise can also lead to insomnia. Sometimes, anxiety about insomnia itself puts increased pressure on the individual to fall asleep, thus aggravating the condition. Certain over the counter medications and those used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure can also lead to insomnia.

There are several herbs that are helpful in stimulating proper sleep. California poppy is known to be effective in promoting sleep. Chamomile tea is a very popular remedy for sleeplessness as it has mild natural sedative qualities. Hops tea is effective in easing problems of digestion and stimulates sleep. Kava works well as a muscle relaxant and natural sedative. Lemon balm is also sometimes used to treat insomnia. Passion flower aids in relaxing the muscles, thereby making it easier to fall asleep. Rooibos tea is effective in treating inflammation and also helps in sleeping. St. john’s wort is known to promote deeper sleeping cycles. The tincture of skullcap is also effective in promoting sleep. Oat straw is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, thereby stimulating sleep. The herb valerian is also known to be beneficial in treating insomnia. Wild lettuce induces sleep and promotes relaxation. It eases restlessness and hyperactivity and reduces muscular spasms and pains.

Herbal baths work very well in alleviating sleeping problems. The relaxing and soothing effect of warm water can be coupled with the natural sedative qualities of herbs to ease difficulties in sleeping. One liter of an herbal infusion can be added to hot bath water and allowed to soak for half an hour. You can also warp some herbs tightly in a muslin cloth and place it in the hot water. The properties of the herbs are stimulated by the hot water. The fragrances can be inhaled to soothe the nervous system. The pores of the skin open due to the hot water, and the herbal properties are absorbed by the body. For an herbal bath, you can take chamomile, lavender or linden flowers in a cloth and run it under hot water. You can also massage the body with herbal oils and soak in a warm bath after that.