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Herbs
You Can Use For Sleep
Other
Herbs
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.
California poppy
California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica)
contains the compound protopine, which has been described to
be similar in effect to a lighter version of morphine.
Unlike its cousin, the Opium poppy, this flower
does not contain the narcotic morphine, though its structure
is similar.
Because of this, the California poppy does
not have any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.
Due to the fact that there have been very few
clinical studies of the effects of the California poppy, dosage
guidelines have not been established.
Hops
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are fruit (or strobiles)
of a member of the cannabis family native to Europe, Asia, and
North America.
Hops are widely grown in the Pacific Northwest
of the United States, and are a main ingredient in the flavoring
of beer.
They are also commonly cultivated in Germany.
Hops are typically used in conjunction with one of the above
cited flowers and herbs.
It is commonly paired with chamomile, lavender
or valerian, but also holds its own as a relaxing natural sedative.
The dried strobiles, from which a tea can be made, are commonly
available, as are tinctures, capsules, and tablets.
A very effective herbal sachet can be made
incorporating hops as an ingredient.
To make one, use the same steps as used to
construct the Lavender sachet demonstrated earlier in this book,
but use the following as stuffing instead:
•
1/4 cup hops strobiles
• 1/8 cup chamomile flowers
• 1/8 cup lavender flowers
Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil
into the mixture before sewing it up for a wonderful aromatic
sleepy time sachet. Place the sachet under your pillow for a
night of soothing aromas.
Generally, no side effects or adverse drug
interactions from the use of hops are generally reported, although
some individuals have experienced a rare allergic reaction or
contact dermatitis from the pollen crystals in the fruits (similar
to the allergic reaction to lavender as covered in the lavender
chapter).
Honey
Honey is said to have sleep inducing properties.
Dark honey contains more antioxidants than light-colored honey.
It can be used in herbal teas or mixed into warm milk.
Milk and Honey Sleep Remedy
Ingredients:
• 1 glass warm milk
• 1 drop vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon honey
Use this just before going to bed. Mix, then
drink while it is still warm.
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