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Sleepless Nights? Try Herbal Supplements
By Vanessa A. Doctor
Insomnia is the failure to obtain an adequate amount or quality of sleep.
The difficulty can be in falling asleep, remaining asleep, or both.
Persons with insomnia do not feel refreshed when they wake up. Insomnia is
a widespread symptom that affects millions of people, and may be caused by
many conditions, diseases, or circumstances.
People who are divorced, widowed, or separated are more likely to have the
problem than those who are married, and it is more frequently reported by
those with lower socioeconomic status. Short-term, or transient, insomnia
is a common occurrence and usually lasts only a few days. Chronic, orlong-term
insomnia lasts more than three weeks and increases the risk for injuries
in the home, the workplace, and while driving because of daytime
sleepiness and loss of concentration. Chronic insomnia can also lead to
mood disorders like depression.
Herbal Supplements To Alleviate Insomnia
Here are some examples of herbs that can aid insomniacs in getting
much-needed sleep.
California Poppy
Perennial herb and the state flower of California. The poppy, with the
scientific name Eschscholzia californica, does not contain opium although
the effect is mildly opiate. The poppy aids in promoting sleep by
relieving anxiety.
Balm or lemon balm
This balm is often used as a relaxing tea. It’s a natural tranquilizer,
even when used as bath salts. This is also effective for settling the
stomach. Lemon balm is a classic herb with lemon flavored leaves, and is
often grown in the garden for its fragrant flowers. It has been used since
the Renaissance to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep.
Avena Sativa
Avena Sativa is the scientific name for common field oats widely
cultivated in generally temperate areas and sold as oatmeal and rolled
oats. Avena sativa has a mild sedative effect, and the seeds and straw are
used since are rich in B vitamins. Oats have long been utilized in the
herbal treatment of insomnia.
Passion Flower
Passion flower is an herb that has narcotic properties, and is also
utilized to promote sleep and relieve stress. It’s a plant with large,
fragrant flowers, the corolla of which resembles the Crown Of Thorns. It’s
a woody vine and almost all plant parts have medicinal value.
Celery Seed
Celery seed is used as a herbal remedy to treat nervousness, insomnia and
anxiety. It contains vitamins A, C and B-complex. The stalks of the celery
plant are a delicious and healthful food, however it’s the seeds that have
the medicinal properties, This is the common garden vegetable sold in
stores.
Chamomile
Chamomile is also known as camomile and ground apple. Its flowers are used
as a tranquilizer. This is one of the world’s best selling herbal
remedies, probably because of the many people who suffer from anxiety,
stress and insomnia.
Motherwort
This herb is effective in easing anxiety and promotes sleep. Motherwort is
an old world plant valued for treating of anxiety and tension. It’s a
member of the mint family and was introduced into America by English
pilgrims in the 1700’s.
A large segment of healthcare professionals are capable of recognizing and
treating insomnia, however when a patient with chronic insomnia does not
respond to treatment, or the condition is not adequately explained by the
patient’s physical, emotional, or mental circumstances, then more
wide-ranging tests by a sleep disorder specialist could be warranted.
Other treatment options include alleviating any physical and emotional
problems that are contributing to the condition and exploring changes in
lifestyle that will improve the situation.
Prime Herbal - http://primeherbal.com/
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