Insomnia Herbs
Insomnia, the inability to fall asleep, can strike at any time and can leave you feeling restless, grouchy and irritable.
If you don’t want to go the medicinal route, the following 8 herbs can help. Use these herbs 20-30 minutes before bedtime to reap their benefits.
Chamomile – Chamomile is a natural sedative, which is safe to use by adult and children alike. Chamomile is also a common tea ingredient and is commonly used to release stress and tension.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, drink 1-2 cups daily. As a tincture, take 30 drops, 3 times a day.
Hops – This natural flavoring for beer has long been used to treat nervousness, restlessness and sleeplessness.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, drink 2-3 cups daily. As a tincture, take 30 to 40 drops, 2 to 3 times a day.
Lavender – Lavender calms and strengthens the nervous system.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, 2-3 cups daily. Essential oils may be used in massage, inhaled or added to bath water.
Passion flower – A natural sedative.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, drink 1 cup, 3 times daily. As a tincture, 30 to 60 drops, 3-4 times daily.
Valerian – A natural sedative that has been shown to reduce constant waking and can be used in combination with other herbs.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, drink 1 cup as needed. As a tincture, 2 to 5 dropper- fulls, 2-3 times daily.
California poppy – A mild sedative and analgesic.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, drink one cup 2-3 times daily. As a tincture, 30-40 drops, 2-3 times daily.
Kava Kava – Natural sedative that calms and relaxes the body.
Dosage: As a tea mixture, drink 1 cup 2-3 times daily. As a tincture, 3 to 4 dropper-fulls, 2-3 times daily.
St. John’s Wort – Helps relieve depression and chronic insomnia.
Dosage: As a tincture, 1/2 to 1 tsp. 2-3 x daily; In pill or capsule form, take 1 or 2, 3 times a day. The full effect will develop around 2-3 weeks.