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A herbal sleep remedy is better for you than reaching for a chemical cosh.
Some prescription drugs can leave you feeling like you've woken with a hangover and feeling remote all day. They knock you out and artificially put you into a sleep which may not be particularly restful.
Here are 5 of the most common and easiest to source natural sleep herbs.
Try them in teas - instructions here to make herb tea There is something self nurturing about making a herbal tea which will add to your bedtime ritual, putting yourself in the right frame of mind for sleep.
You can try a sample lesson to help you decide if the Herbal Academy of New England is the right choice for you - click the link below.
Preview Lesson from the Introductory Herbal CourseBergamot
This will make a relaxing and sleep inducing nightcap. Quite gentle, but
if you're only having mild sleep problems, then it may be enough.
Chamomile
As a tea, you can drink a cup about 1 hour before bedtime or add it to a
bedtime bath. It can safely be given to babies from about 6 months old,
but do consult your doctor. It is also reputed to help with the pain of
teething.
Dill Seeds
This has many uses - it's used as the basis of gripe water for babies
and has long been given to restless babies to help them become sleepy.
I wouldn't advocate this without consultation with your doctor or midwife - but not using wine, don't even suggest using wine!
However, for adults, take a spoon of dill seeds and infuse them in warm wine. Leave for about 5 minutes, strain and drink to help you sleep.
Lavender
The essential oils in lavender flowers have a soothing effect, which
calms nerves, relaxes muscles, eases anxiety and promotes sleep.
It has been used since Roman times.
You can either add a few drops to your bath, your pillow or take a cup of lavender tea made from flowers and leaves about one hour before bedtime - or do all three!
Skullcap
This has many properties and is used by some herbalists to treat drug withdrawal and delirium tremens (alcohol shakes).
Take one cup about an hour before bedtime it is a good remedy for anxiety and tension as well as insomnia.
Valerian
This soothes the nervous system and is very effective at promoting sleep - just take one cup before you go to bed.
It will calm anxiety, nervous tension and irritation.
A herbal sleep remedy is gentler on your system than chemicals.
The information on this website is in no way intended as medical advice and nor should it be taken as such.
If symptoms don't improve, consult your doctor.
If you have a medical condition, you must consult a Herbal Practitioner or a Medical Doctor.
If you are pregnant, you must consult your doctor or nurse before trying any herbal remedy.
If you are already taking pharmaceuticals, then speak to your doctor about taking herbs - some drugs react badly with herbs and you need to know that you are not going to do more harm than good.
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