Herbal Sleep Aids
Herbal sleep aids can be extremely beneficial when you might need a little help falling asleep, especially Chamomile which has been around for what seems like ever. Not only has Chamomile been around for a very long time but it is also extremely gentle on the system. Years ago Chamomile was even used in tea form for colicky babies to soothe them and help them fall asleep. Usually the chamomile herb is consumed in the form of a tea that is sipped. Unless you have an allergy to the daisy family you can make chamomile part of your daily routine. It is mild and it offers no side effects or addictive properties.
Some other herbal sleep aids that are not heard of very often are hops, lavender, passionflower, and jasmine. Herbal sleep aids have never been officially tested so much about them is still unknown. Most of the time years of passing down old fashioned remedies are why people cling to these natural and herbal remedies. How often do you hear a person say that they had a hard time falling asleep the other night so they went to the herbal supplement store and picked up some hops?
Native Americans have used hops for many years as a sleep aid, for people that suffer with anxiety, and as a mild antibiotic. Oddly enough, hops belong to the marijuana family and have been a great relief to many that suffer with occasional bouts of insomnia. Lavender, especially Spanish Lavender herb acts somewhat as a sedative. Lavender is usually consumed as a tea and is often used an herbal sleep enhancer it is also used for depression.
Passion flower is also an herb that has calming properties which is why it works so well for sleep problems that are a direct result of anxiety, muscle pain, or anyone that is consistent pain. Actually, passionflower promotes sleepiness which explains why it is suggested for occasional insomnia. Jasmine works a lot like chamomile but is a bit milder. Children can even benefit from using Jasmine. Normally consumed as a tea or added to medication it promotes sleep and helps with those who suffer from minor pain.
Other herbs are widely used too for treatment of sleep disorders such as peppermint, sage, and ginseng. Peppermint is commonly taken as a tea and it relaxes but it also assists with indigestion and insomnia. Sage is a soothing herb that treats insomnia and depression. Some like to sip on a hot sage tea but others prefer to add it to their foods. Either way is fine. Ginseng, namely Siberian ginseng treats depression and chronic fatigue syndrome so if you are suffering from insomnia that is likely caused from either one of these then Siberian ginseng just might do the trick.
Check a few of these herbs out and see if they might work for you, likely it is nothing more than a matter of trial and error or preference that will lead you right to the herb that is mos beneficial for you.