10 sleeping herbs: natural remedies for insomnia
Herbs to sleep are the ideal natural remedies to combat insomnia and return to enjoy the beneficial restorative effect of sleep. Recommended for those people who do not sleep the hours necessary for a good rest of the body and mind. The infusions or essential oils of these 10 herbs will help you say goodbye to sleepless nights.
Table of Contents
1. Hypericum
It belongs to the Hypericaceae family and is also known by the name of Altamira, corazoncillo, hipericón or St. John’s wort. It is the most widely used and studied botanical antidepressant. It is currently used to combat symptoms of anxiety, apathy, insomnia, emotional affective disorders, premenstrual syndrome, irritability. depression and feeling of worthlessness. The therapeutic result is similar to that of pharmacological antidepressants but has the significant advantage of the almost absence of side effects.
2. Lavender
Lavender is native to the mountainous areas of the Mediterranean and flourishes in rocky, unfertile habitats where the sun abounds. The properties of lavender are frequently used, for their medicinal properties, as a natural remedy to treat a wide variety of conditions. Lavender is primarily used in connection with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and problems with mood swings.
3. Valerian
Valeriana officinalis L is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used for its healing and therapeutic properties, mainly for its ability to regulate the nervous system, although it has more uses. It is found in forests and humid areas, it is perennial and can reach a height of up to 2 meters. It grows in Europe, North Asia and some parts of America. It is considered as a natural and popular alternative to improve insomnia problems since it is safer and milder than chemical medications when used at the proper dose, so traditional medications would have fewer side effects, especially they would have less sensation of drowsiness in the morning. The part of the plant that is used for these purposes is the root, it is found both in fresh or lyophilized form, to obtain powder from the root, available in capsules, tablets and as a tea. Also as fluid extracts and tinctures.
4. chamomile
Another herb that will be very useful if you do not get a good sleep is chamomile, one of the most popular infusions of all time, also used for digestive disorders and other everyday conditions. And it is that in addition to its relaxing properties, this herb can also serve to elaborate infinity of beauty tricks with chamomile.
5. Hops
Used by Native Americans for generations as a natural sleep aid, many other people are discovering the benefits of using hops to fall asleep faster and sleep for longer periods of time. It is also effective in relieving anxiety and stress, two of the most common causes of insomnia.
6. Passionflower
Passiflora is the most important genus of the Passifloraceae family, which has more than 530 species. It grows mainly in the tropical zone of America and only 22 species grow in South Asia, Australia and Oceania. The therapeutic benefits of this plant have been exploited for a long time. Passionflower is primarily used to treat sleep, nerve, and pain relief. Some types of passionflowers have also been used to control certain problems of the circulatory system such as hypertension. In addition, certain passion flowers grow very popular edible fruits, among them, are the granadilla and the passion fruit.
7. California Poppy
California poppy is a plant. It is the state flower of California. People who use the parts that grow above the ground for medicinal purposes. California poppy is used for sleeping problems (insomnia), for pain, nervous agitation, for treating children who wet the bed. and for diseases of the bladder and liver. It is also used to promote relaxation. The California poppy contains chemicals that can cause relaxation and drowsiness.
8. Tila
In the same way, the infusion of lime is one of the recommended to relax and thus be able to rest better at night; To prepare it, you will only need half a teaspoon of dried flowers for every cup of water. Likewise, as with chamomile, you can also use it to relieve stomach problems and many other conditions thanks to its medicinal properties.
9. Melissa or lemon balm
Lemon balm grows in the tropics of South America. The scientific name of this plant “Melissa” comes from an ancient Greek word that means bee, possibly because the lemon balm “lemon” is a delight for these insects. It is possible that this plant has its origins in the Middle East, from where it would later spread throughout the Mediterranean and later to the American continent, where it has been cultivated for more than 2,000 years. The lemon balm will also be very beneficial to combat problems at the time sleeping, as well as nerves and anguish thanks to its hypnotic properties. For this, it will be necessary to take between 3 and 4 cups of lemon balm infusion per day, although it should not be taken by pregnant or lactating women.
10. Hawthorn
This plant is mainly distributed in temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, and its flowering tops are mainly used. Traditionally it has been used as a sedative to treat insomnia and anxiety. It is convenient to take it discontinuously (eg three weeks a month or what the therapist tells us). Infusions or fluid extracts can be taken 3 times a day before meals.