posted December 07, 2007 08:16 PM         

I am soooooo excited!

posted December 07, 2007 08:47 PM         

Mother Nature's Remedies
When I began reading about the herbs that could be used to relieve insomnia and other sleep problems, I found such a variety that I decided to prepare an alphabetical list giving the basic information on each one and a link to a page where you can find more information.

The reason so many herbs are beneficial in the treatment of sleep disorders is that herbs are synergetic. They work on one problem, for instance a digestive disorder or nervous tension - and by relieving that problem they improve the entire functioning of the body and lead to other improvements, such as better sleep.

An example of this is the recent news bulletin announcing that the shrub, butcher's broom, long recognized as a remedy for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, was also helpful for controlling restless legs syndrome.

Some of the herbal remedies mentioned by my readers are valerian, kava kava, passion flower and lemon balm.

You'll find information on all of these in my list. Another reader reports that he gets a good night's sleep if he includes some of the more common herbs with his meal -- tarragon, sage, thyme or parsley. I have sage and thyme listed below.

One reader is about to try cannabis tea. He says it's permitted for medical use in his country. I haven't reviewed it here because of the illegality of marijuana in many countries.

LIST OF HERBS FOR SLEEP PROBLEMS

WARNING: If you're pregnant, nursing, or if you suffer from any chronic disease, don't take any of these remedies without first consulting your doctor.

· BLACK COHOSH-This Native American herb is relaxing. Eases pain, such as that from neuralgia. It's also excellent for female problems. Large doses can be harmful and can cause nausea and dizziness.
· BONESET- Another herb from America. Calms the nerves. It can cause nausea in a small number of people.
· CALIFORNIA POPPY ROOT- Eases anxiety and nervousness that can cause sleeplessness.
· CAMOMILE (CHAMOMILE)- This herb promotes well-being. It's good for the digestion, is relaxing and generally soothing. A cup of chamomile tea before bedtime is an excellent way to encourage sleep If you have a history of allergies, however, especially to plants such as ragweed, you shouldn't use chamomile.
· CATNIP- Yes, this is the herb you're cats love, the one that makes them go a bit crazy. But don't worry. For humans, catnip is relaxing and great for the digestion. It's often used in insomnia formulas and as a sleep promoting tea.. It can even be smoked to promote relaxation, but smoking it can cause severe headaches.
· FLEECE FLOWER ROOT- A treatment for deficient blood syndrome manifested as sallow complexion, dizziness, vertigo, and insomnia.
· GOTU KOLA- This Asian herb has a calming effect and also improves the circulation. It is now recognized as being good for the nervous system.
· HOELEN- Another herb from the Orient. Hoelen is used in many Chinese Herbal Remedies for different maladies. It's noted for it's calming, soothing effect.
· HOPS- Hops, as a tea, is relaxing and calming. It's also relieves pain and aids digestion. It's not advised to take this herb, however, if you are depressed, as it is somewhat of a depressant.
· JASMINE- Best known as an aromatic oil. Put a few drops into the bath to help you relax. Used as a tea, it's a mild nerve sedative.
· JUJUBE (DA T'SAO)- The Chinese Jujube date. It relieves nervous tension and apprehension. Good for insomnia.
· KAVA KAVA- This member of the black pepper family helps give you a night of restful sleep. It's very relaxing. Long-term use isn't advised, however, as it can cause liver damage.
· LAVENDER- This is another herb known better as an aromatic oil. Use it in your nightly bath. Just a few drops will help to relax you and you'll sleep better. Taken in a tea, it helps to relieve anxiety.
· LEMON BALM- A tea made from lemon balm is great for the digestion and it relieves nervous tension. Try a cup at bedtime if you suffer from insomnia.
· MARSHMALLOW ROOT- This herb has nothing to do with the sugary blobs you roast over a campfire. It's a calming herb. Strong dosage might interfere with some of the drugs your doctor ordered from the pharmacy, so be sure you take them a few hours apart.
· OAT FIBER- You may be surprised to see this listed among herbal sleep remedies, but, surprisingly, it does help. Oat fiber is soothing to the digestion and to the nervous system. The easiest way to use it is to eat oatmeal every day. But begin with small helpings, as too much too fast can cause gas.It has been used for years as a spring tonic. It's also very relaxing. It has been mentioned as a cure for cancer but talk to your doctor before using it for this purpose.
· REISHI MUSHROOM- Another surprising entry on a list of herbal remedies, but the Chinese have long known that his strange looking mushroom eases anxiety and calms the nervous system. A common ingredient in Chinese cookery, it is also a help for those with insomnia. Some research has been done as to its usefulness in AIDS treatment.
· SAGE- Good old garden variety sage eases depression and is good for the nerves. Use it when you cook the evening meal, or as a calming tea. The variety known as Clary works best.
· ST. JOHN'S WORT- This herb was named for St. John the Baptist who was beheaded. The red resin is said to resemble blood. St. John's wort is good for mild depression and anxiety, and it improves the quality of sleep. Although it has been shown to be poisonous to cattle, it is safe for human consumption of taken in the prescribed dosage. It can cause sensitivity to sunlight so avoid over -exposure. also, don't take St. John's wort if you are taking a medication that contains MAO inhibitors. This herb is being studied for possible use in HIV and AIDS treatment.
· SIBERIAN GINSENG- Unlike most of the other herbs I have mentioned, Siberian Ginseng gives you a lift. It's good for the treatment of depression, lethargy and chronic fatigue syndrome. Don't take this herb if you are already hyperactive or if you are suffering from nervous tension.. It should also be avoided by those suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure.)
· SPEARMINT- Spearmint is a great aid to digestion, and relieves gas. It has a calming effect on the entire body. A few drops on your pillow can be very soothing.
· THYME- Another common cooking herb, thyme is also excellent for treating nervous disorders and also respiratory problems. Try it as a tea or put a bit into your pillow.
· VALERIAN- This is probably the best known herbal remedy for sleeplessness. It eases both nervous tension and muscle tension. It's great for combating stress and relieving insomnia. Valerian tea is a natural sedative. High doses could cause paralysis and a weakened heartbeat, but used as the package suggests, and it is a very beneficial aid to sleep. It is known as the valium of the nineteenth century.
· WOOD BETONY- Because of its calming effect on the nervous system, Wood Betony is good for anyone suffering from Parkinson's disease. It's also great for calming anyone's nerves and promoting sleep. Use it as a substitute for black tea. The taste is very similar, but it contains no caffeine.

posted December 08, 2007 10:01 AM         

quote:

---

Hey Nelly -- I hear ya!! My son just started piano lessons a week ago He's zoomed thru the beginner's book like a house on fire, and his piano teacher is a little bit awed too

---

Awsome, I have a keyboard that was given to me not long ago and I have been practicing a little bit, but the guitar is where my heart is.
But, if your son can practice and train his ear he will not have much trouble playing any other instrument if he desires to do so in the future.

Yeap, my house was not very quiet last night, my son's friend (the bass player) stayed the night and they were "playing" ....ahhhh my ears are bleeding today

posted December 08, 2007 11:28 AM         

quote:

---

Zala! Nice list but as you stated, one must take care if one is allergic to any of those as I am, or is on other meds or has health problems.

---

posted December 08, 2007 06:30 PM         

Thank you, Solane.

Love to you, as well.

posted December 08, 2007 07:49 PM         

Thanks for sharing.

posted December 08, 2007 08:02 PM         

quote:

---

zanya, I'm hoping you get what you need from The System without too much hassle

---

thanks Azala. how did you know that the place i'm looking is called the University Health System?

i'm sure you're just referring to "the system" and "the man" lol, though i'd rather not involve them. it's outside pressure you see.

my babe has excellent health insurance...if he didn't, i'd be eligible for medicaid. i know there are some workable solutions, and that i can find them.