Herbs To Help Sleep Problems

So many of us Moms have from time to time have a difficult time sleeping. There are natural treatments for sleep problems, you might want to ask your health care provider about the following. Instead of using over the counter sleep aids or prescription medication, these may be a safer choice for you.

There are four herbs that have been recommended for sleep problems: Hops, Passion Flower, Valerian and Catnip. You can purchase these online at Native Remedies.

Hops, (yes it's an ingredient in beer), is an effective wonderful sleep herb. Hops has a sedative and soporific (sleep inducing) effect. Native Americans produced a sedative from hops as well as using the dried blossoms for toothaches. Hops can be used to make a palatable tea, or in capsulesfor convenience.

Passion flower has a tranquilizing effect, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. In studies conducted since the 1930's, it was found to be different than that of most sedative drugs (sleeping pills), thus making it a non-addictive herb to promote relaxation. In many countries in Europe, the U.S. and Canada, the use of passionflower leaves to tranquilize and settle nerves has been documented for over 200 years. You may also be familiar with Passion Fruit, which grows from the same vine that produces Passion Flower. You can also make a hot tea from Passion Flowers, buy it in capsule form, or purchase Passion Flower Extract in concentrated form for dosages.

the same herb that makes your cat act nutty can help you to sleep! Catnip causes the opposite reaction in human beings. Catnip is part of the mint family, and makes a pleasant tea. Simply drinking a cup of hot catnip tea before bedtime can calm most people down. Catnip is a mild tranquilizer and sedative. It is most often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and nervousness. The sedating effect may also help lessen migraine headaches. It is the least sedating of the four sleep herbs, however when used in conjunction with the other three it can produce significant effects!

Valerian Root is the probably the most effective and widely used of the 4. Valerian is not recommended if you are pregnant, or if you have low blood pressure or hypoglycemia.
Please speak with a licensed health care practitioner before using these herbs.