Insomnia is the complication or difficulty of falling asleep at night. Many individuals who suffer from insomnia can feel wide awake at night, or they might feel very tired but still unable to sleep. This can result in sluggish waking hours and feelings of fatigue. Various therapies and medications have been created to treat insomnia and facilitate better sleep habits. There are also herbal remedies for those interested in taking a natural route.
Catnip
Catnip is a popular herb used to treat insomnia and is safe for both children and adults. It is used by steeping the entire plant in water to brew a catnip tea. Numerous chemicals are present in catnip to aid the body in overcoming insomnia, including tannins, chemicals also found in alcoholic wine, which have a sedative effect.
Valerian Root
Valerian is a sedating herb that is prevalent in medications, including the medical-grade sedative Valium. According to Thehealthierlife.co.uk, valerian is often mixed with hops, a herb used in the brewing of beers. A study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found that taking two tablets of valerian and hops increased the ease of falling asleep and improved sleep efficiency in individuals after just two weeks of treatment.
Ginseng
The root of the ginseng plant is widely used for its ability to reduce insomnia. It can be taken as a dried herb, brewed into a tea or taken as a tincture or extract. However, ginseng has potential interactions that limit who can take the herb. You shouldn't take it if you are taking blood-thinning medications, and you should talk to a health care professional before using it in conjunction with other drugs. You should also avoid taking caffeine when taking ginseng, and the herb should not be consumed if you are pregnant or nursing.
Lavender
Lavender is one of several aromatic herbs that can treat insomnia through aromatherapy. Inhaling lavender creates chemical changes that cause a more relaxed mental state, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. You can steep lavender as a tea or place its essential oil in a diffuser or into hot water and inhale slowly. Potential allergic reactions to lavender do pose a risk, although they are rare.
