Herbal Sleep Remedies

There are numerous traditional herbal remedies available to help you get rid of those frustrating sleepless nights. They are not addictive, unlike sleeping pills, and besides sleep-inducing, they have calming and muscle-relaxing effects. Mankind has had centuries of practice using them for sleeping difficulties, and scientific research has proven their safety and effectiveness in improving sleep patterns.

One of the best herbal sleep remedies is valerian root. It is also one of the most popular herbal cures for insomnia. This plant grows in temperate climates worldwide and it has been used for over a thousand years as a natural remedy for insomnia. Studies have shown that a combination of valerian root and hops, which is another herbal remedy for insomnia, was as efficient as a prescription of benzodiazepine (a strong psychoactive drug with sedative, anticonvulsant and muscle relaxing properties) in treating sleep disorders. And valerian is not addictive, unlike benzodiazepines.

Besides valerian and hops, passionflower and chamomile are other highly effective herbal sleep remedies. Passionflower has sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, and analgesic properties and is mostly used for promoting relaxation and restful sleep, and curing anxiety, muscle tension, or nervous headaches. Chamomile is also a very effective sleep aid; you can either brew it as a tea or use in a sachet underneath the pillow.

Most herbal sleep-aids are actually a blend of all these herbs, because it is believed that the passionflower, chamomile and hops actually increase the calming and sleep-inducing effects of valerian.

If you’re having trouble choosing a herbal sleep-aid, it is best to experiment with various herbal products in order to see which one works best for you. In cases of chronic insomnia, the effects may not show immediately, but in a few days. You just have to be patient, take the herbal remedy you chose and the results may follow. If they don’t work, then it’s time to try another solution, but why not start with these safe insomnia options?