Herbs like chamomile and passionflower have been used in traditional medicines for centuries for their sleep benefits. We’ll give you five reasons to try herbs for better sleep, and recommend one of the best-tasting herbal supplements on the market.
Experiencing insomnia can be incredibly frustrating. The struggle to fall asleep is a common plight of humanity, and our ancestors often used herbal remedies to aid in achieving restful sleep. One such herb is chamomile, a flower that’s been used in various ways for at least 5000 years.
The use of herbs for better sleep has received backing in recent years from modern scientific studies. Below, we will explore some commonly used herbs, their properties, and how they may help promote sleep.
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5 Great Reasons to Try Herbs for Better Sleep is an original (HealthXWire) article.
Herbs for better sleep:
Deep roots in traditional medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine is among the oldest systems of traditional medicine. Much of its philosophy involves achieving balance and using various herbs in medicinal blends to alleviate symptoms. Doctors would administer teas, salves, and practices such as acupuncture to restore balance within the body. Poor sleep was attributed to imbalance, which could be alleviated through the application of herbal remedies.
Herbs for better sleep:
Passionflower
Passionflower is an herb renowned for its ability to calm the heart and mind. It possesses cooling and calming properties that were believed to address imbalances in the brain and the liver, which were thought to contribute to hyperactivity and poor sleep. In traditional Chinese medicine, passionflower was often used in a brew similar to herbal tea, and it was commonly prescribed in combination with other helpful herbs.
Modern medicine has researched passionflower’s effects on the brain and its ability to elevate levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA can modify the function of certain brain cells, leading to a relaxation effect. If your mind tends to race, hindering your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, passionflower may offer a potential solution by helping to calm the brain’s hyperactivity.
Herbs for better sleep:
Lavender
Lavender has a ubiquitous history in traditional folk medicine and appears in a wide array of bath products. Its calming properties have been recognized for a long time, with dried flowers used to lend freshness and fragrance to clothing closets. Lavender was traditionally taken orally for anxiety and depression, and in ancient Rome, it was commonly used as an additive to baths.
Today, the most common form of lavender used to promote sleep is an essential oil, which has shown positive effects on sleep disturbances. The inhalation of lavender oil has been extensively studied, and the majority of findings suggest that lavender may be a safe alternative to over-the-counter options for managing insomnia.
5 Great Reasons to Try Herbs for Better Sleep is the (HealthXWire) report.
Herbs for better sleep:
Chamomile
Chamomile has been extensively used worldwide in traditional medicine, valued for its healing and soothing properties. It is most commonly consumed as a tea, with the flower heads used in Eurasia and the Americas for anti-inflammatory effects and sedative properties. In traditional Chinese medicine, the whole plant is employed to help lower blood pressure and calm the nerves.
Today, modern medicine has identified several applications for chamomile, supported by several studies acknowledging its potential to reduce muscle spasms and treat colic in children. Chamomile has also demonstrated its ability to bind to certain receptors in the brain and act as a mild depressant, thereby calming brain activity. Thus, consuming chamomile in some form before bedtime may help prepare the brain for sleep.
Herbs for better sleep:
Goodnight Honey by Medicine Man Plant Co.
Honey possesses significant medicinal value, with studies touting its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used since the Stone Age to treat various diseases and provides a more enjoyable way to consume medicinal herbs compared to pills or extracts. Goodnight Honey, a product offered by Medicine Man Plant Co., combines the benefits of chamomile and passionflowers in a honey base for easy consumption. Honey has also demonstrated properties that can increase melatonin production thanks to its high tryptophan levels, which promote melatonin formation.
Medicine Man Plant Co. employs the knowledge of Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, Ph.D., a nationally recognized authority on wild edible and medicinal plants. Their “formulations are not limited to the plants used by any one culture or region of the world, but have purposefully tapped all early cultures of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.” With its blend of medicinal flowers, Goodnight Honey is specifically designed to ease sleepless nights.
Herbs for better sleep:
Embracing natural remedies
Modern medicine has made significant advancements, but sometimes the classics prove to be just as effective, offering the potential to help you fall asleep and improve sleep quality. Rest is crucial for allowing our bodies to recuperate. Exploring the use of herbs such as chamomile and passionflower may be a good approach for those looking to improve their sleep naturally.
Further Reading:
Britannica: Traditional Chinese Medicine
National Library of Medicine: The Effects of Chamomile Extract on Sleep Quality Among Elderly People
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Lavender
Important Note: The information contained in this article (5 Great Reasons to Try Herbs for Better Sleep) is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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