| There are several herbal remedies I have found helpful | | | | taste, using the extract makes the taste less |
| for occasional insomnia. | | | | noticeable.) |
| One of my favorites is chamomile flowers, brewed as | | | | One more herbal remedy I find useful for insomnia is |
| a tea and sipped warm. It is a very relaxing beverage, | | | | Scutellaria Lateriflora, commonly known as Scullcap or |
| and is often all that is needed. (It is also soothing to the | | | | Skullcap. |
| digestion.) To prepare the tea, add to freshly boiled | | | | Scullcap has been used for centuries because of its |
| water, and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes. It may be | | | | sedative properties; it was used to treat hysteria and |
| sweetened with honey, if desired, and honey | | | | nervous tension, nervous disorders in general, and |
| compliments the taste of the chamomile very nicely. If | | | | even as a treatment for epilepsy. It also has been |
| you are allergic to flower pollen, or ragweed, you may | | | | traditionally used as an anti-spasmodic, and |
| want to try a different remedy, as the flowers may | | | | anti-inflammatory. |
| set off your allergy. | | | | Scullcap is available in pill or capsule form, as well as |
| An alternative herbal remedy, with a stronger sedative | | | | liquid or tincture, from several suppliers. Follow the |
| effect, is a combination of the herbs Valerian Root, | | | | dosage recommendations on the label. (I always start |
| and Hops; I generally recommend two parts valerian to | | | | at the lowest recommended dosage whenever I try a |
| one part hops. (I have found that taking the herbs | | | | new herbal remedy, and increase the dosage |
| together is more effective than either alone, but either | | | | gradually, if necessary, and if there are no negative |
| herb will have sleep inducing effects.) These are my | | | | reactions from taking the remedy.) |
| favorite insomnia herbs, when I need more than the | | | | These are my favorite insomnia remedies, but should |
| gentle relaxation that chamomile provides. | | | | be used only for occasional insomnia. Frequent or |
| My experience is that Valerian works most effectively | | | | severe insomnia may require medical treatment, so |
| when taken as an alcohol extract, rather than in | | | | please consult with your doctor if you have a |
| capsule or pill form, and I also use Hops as an extract. I | | | | persistent problem. |
| generally add the extracts to warm water (or a non | | | | If you are currently taking any medications, please talk |
| caffeinated tea or herbal infusion) and sip that before | | | | with your doctor before using any herbal remedies. |
| retiring. (Valerian root tea is very unpleasant to the | | | | |