Natural Herbal Remedies For Insomnia

Insomnia is a disorder that makes it difficult to fall or stay asleep. The resulting lack of proper rest can lead to drowsiness, poor concentration, depression, irritability and disorientation, according to MedlinePlus. Using natural herbal remedies may help to treat your insomnia. Nonetheless, you should always consult your physician prior to beginning any herbal remedy.

Chamomile

Chamomile has a long-standing tradition in folk medicine as a sedative herb. The ancient Greeks and Romans used chamomile to quell insomnia, digestive problems and minor aches and pains. The essential oils in the flowers, which include bisabolol, bisabololoxides A and B, as well as azuelens, are all anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic, so they provide providing a calming sensation. Drink one cup of chamomile tea at least one or two hours prior to sleep.

Hops

Hops acts as a mild sedative to treat insomnia, anxiety and nervousness. This may be due to the presence of ethanolic and carbon dioxide extracts present in the herb, which help to increase sleeping time and reduce body temperature. The chemicals in hops are comparable to ketamine, which is usually used as an anesthetic, according to Drugs.com. You can eat the young shoots of this herb raw or cooked.

Passionflower

Passionflower is helpful in treating insomnia primarily for its sedative properties. It has a history in Native American culture as a remedy for this sleep disorder, as well as for epilepsy, restlessness and menstrual discomfort. Drink passionflower as a tea prior to bedtime. Pregnant women and those on prescription sedatives should not consume this herb because of passionflower's harmala alkaloids, which stimulate the uterine and magnify the tranquilizing effects.