Is there anything better than crawling in to bed for a good night’s sleep after a long day? For many, this scenario is an elusive dream. It goes a bit more like this: you rush around trying to get everything wrapped up at the end of the day, you finally put the kids to bed, and then find yourself lying in bed for hours… with no shut-eye in sight.
If you can’t remember the last time you had a good night’s sleep, something needs to change. Herbs have long been used to relieve sleeping problems such as insomnia. This week let’s look at 10 natural herbs that can help you get a good sleep you deserve – tonight!
1. Valerian
Valerian is a muscle relaxant. If you suffer from insomnia due to anxiety, Valerian might be just what you need. I recommend 4-6 mL from a tincture, two to three hours before bedtime.
2. Lavender
Lavender provides more than simply a pleasant scent – it’s also a sedative . You can use lavender oil in many ways: add it to your facial cream, massage oil, or spray it on your pillow.
3. Chamomile
Chamomile is so gentle, even small children can use it safely. Prepare a chamomile tea and enjoy it one or two hours before bedtime.
4. Passionflower
Passionflower doesn’t just taste wonderful; it effectively calms nervousness and anxiety. I recommend one cup of passionflower tea one to two hours before bedtime to my patients.
5. Hops
Hops are good for more than just a good IPA. A bitter herb, hops is also a strong sedative. Aged hops are particularly beneficial for insomnia. Use 1ml an hour before bedtime for a good night’s sleep. Note: It also increases estrogen, so keep this one away from children.
6. Wild Cherry Bark
Wild cherry bark is an excellent choice if you can’t sleep because of a cough or a cold. A natural decongestant, it also works as sedative. Use one teaspoon of the powdered bark per cup of hot water and drink as an infusion. Note: cherry bark is not considered safe for long-term use.
Still not getting the sleep you need? Download my free Ebook A Good Night’s Sleep – Not Just a Dream, here: http://gethealthy.atlasdrugandnutrition.com/sleep-ebook. In the Ebook I share the same recommendations I give to my patients when they struggle with insomnia. Who knows, maybe one of the tips is all you need to get the sleep you deserve!
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Tony Ortiz is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Pharmacist and owner of Atlas Drug and Nutrition at 8416 Kennedy Boulevard in North Bergen, New Jersey.
As an anti-aging specialist, Tony often helps people dealing with complex or “vague” illnesses when traditional providers are at a loss. His website http://atlasdrugandnutrition.com, also provides practical help for people struggling with weight gain, hormone imbalance, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Request a free consultation today. Have a question you’d like to see addressed here? Tell Tony via the contact page on our site.