Herbal Remedies for Insomnia

Research shows that insomnia is the most common sleep disorder plaguing the United States of America. Every human being requires seven to eight hours of sleep everyday, but there are many people who do not get even half the amount of sleep. They are therefore unable to work well through the day. The herbal medicines for insomnia help in treating the sleep disorder to a large extent.

Herbal Remedies for Insomnia Treatment
Many natural remedies for insomnia can be used for treating the disorder. Here is a list of these remedies.

Valerian Roots: Hippocrates, the father of medicine, is said to have used this herb. Valerian is a tree that is found in temperate climates. The findings of Hippocrates have been supported by modern medicine science, that valerian roots indeed do help the cause against insomnia. At the same time, it is not an addictive root, unlike the prescription drugs for insomnia.

Hops: Hops is a herb which is used in insomnia treatment. It is usually combined with valerian roots. The combination with valerian roots gives the same effects as benzodiazepine, a common sedative.

Kava: This is a shrub found in the South Pacific islands. It has been used on the island at important religious rites. Scientific studies have shown that kava helps in the treatment of insomnia. The advantage of kava is that it is not addictive like valerian roots.

California Poppy: California poppy is a sedative and also has calming properties. It is therefore used for patients with anxiety and sleeping disorders. However, do not confuse it with opium poppy. The effects of California poppy are mild as compared to opium poppy. It is safer than opium poppy as California poppy is not addictive like opium poppy.

German Chamomile: This is one of the home remedies for insomnia. It is generally used in tea.

Cumin Seeds: A mixture of cumin seeds and mashed banana taken after dinner is a herbal remedy for insomnia.

Piper Longum: Powder of piper longum taken with jaggery, followed by a glass of warm milk is one of the natural remedies for insomnia.

Lemon Balm: This is a perennial mint which has lemon-flavored leaves. The oil extracted from the leaves is used as an aromatic oil. This oil helps in alleviating tension. Lemon balm is usually used along with valerian roots.

Lavender: Lavender contains volatile oils. This aromatherapy oil has a soothing effect. Lavender oil can be applied under the pillow to get sound peaceful sleep. Inhaling lavender oil also has a calming effect on the nervous system and helps in treating insomnia.

Ginseng: The benefits of ginseng are many, although very few people know that it can be used to cure mild insomnia.

Salvia Tea: Drinking salvia tea just before bedtime helps in the fight against insomnia.

Passion Flower: It is a sedative and has been used since ancient times. Placing passion flower near your bed will help a great deal in the fight against insomnia.

Herbal Tea: Certain kinds of herbal tea steeped for 15-20 minutes are also used as a herbal remedy for insomnia. But remember not to add sugar to the tea, as sugar contains certain enzymes which keep you awake. Remember to drink the tea warm.

Home Remedies for Insomnia
Honey and milk are also used to treat insomnia. A glass of warm milk with a tablespoon of honey helps in dealing with sleeping disorders. Relaxation techniques like a warm and relaxing bath just before bedtime also help a great deal in treating insomnia.

Many of the above-mentioned herbal remedies for insomnia are available in capsule or powder form. The upside of using natural remedies for insomnia is that they are not addictive.