I have always struggled with the concept of sleep. I guess I figure that, soon enough, I’ll get plenty of it up in heaven! As a young girl, I often visited my grandparents and, while I enjoyed their company immensely, I dreaded bedtime.
You see, my grandfather’s snoring made more noise than thunder. Listening to him roar, I could swear that a locomotive was racing right towards my bedroom door. “Grandma, make him stop”, I cried, but instead of nudging him to roll over, I guess she felt her efforts would be far better served if she fixed what was ailing me.
My grandmother believed in the power of herbs. She had an herbal tea for this and an herbal tea for that. Her most infamous recipe was that of an herbal remedy made especially for me and my sleep problems. She served it to me, mixed with a lullaby, and in moments, off I went to float in the clouds with the rest of her angels. Perhaps it was the placebo effect, or perhaps I felt great comfort with her by my side - I’m not really sure. I do know, that to this day, if I have trouble sleeping, I drink a cup of grandma’s secret recipe and in the blink of an eye, I drift off to slumber.
In 2007, Americans spent $34 billion on complimentary and alternative medicine (NACCM). Although the safety and efficacy of herbal alternatives for sleep remains uncertain, research looks promising. In the meantime, people continue to consume herbal sleep products regularly, the choice sometimes made because consumers feel that they are safer and have fewer side effects.
The following details three of the most popular herbal sleep aides which just happen to be my favorite:
1. Chamomile
There are two types of chamomile- German and Roman. The German variety is most commonly used in the United States, although the two have similar effects on the body. While there is little clinical evidence to support claims that chamomile can help you sleep or treat any other health condition, it remains an all time favorite of both adults and children alike.
Chamomile has been used for years to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, mouth ulcers and stomach problems. The flowery tops of the plant can be made into teas, liquid extract, tablets or capsules. The soothing herb can also be applied to the skin as a cream or ointment or used as a mouth rinse for mouth ulcers.
2. Lavender
Lavender was initially used in ancient Egypt during the process of mummifying bodies. Because of its delicate scent, it is often used today as a bath additive, a practice originating in Persia, Greece and Rome. Historically, the herb was used for mental health purposes and as an antiseptic. To date, the herb is said to be beneficial in the treatment of anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness, depression, headache, upset stomach and hair loss.
Lavender can be used in aromatherapy or its flowers dried to make teas and liquid extracts. While there is some clinical evidence suggesting that the herb may benefit anxiety disorders and hair loss associated with alopecia areata, there is little to support the claim that it is of benefit to any other health condition.
3. Valerian
Native to Europe and Asia, Valerian has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient Greece and Rome. Its therapeutic uses were described in early writings by Hippocrates. The roots and underground stems of the plant are used to make teas, capsules, tablets and liquid extracts. While it has long been used for sleep disorders and anxiety, its therapeutic use expands to other health conditions including headache, depression, irregular heart beat and trembling.
Several studies support the claim that Valerian, taken up to 6 weeks, can help improve the quality of sleep and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. Others are not that positive, saying there is little evidence that points to this theory. Researchers, however, agree that it is safe for short-term use. Studies are currently being conducted to investigate the herb’s effect on sleep in healthy, older adults and in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Tags: diet, Healthcare, herbal remedies, sleep
