Insomnia Herbal Remedy

Alternative remedies are available for effectively treating insomnia symptoms and its underlying causes. One of these alternative treatments are herbal remedies such as lemon balm and chamomile tea. Herbal remedies for insomnia are generally considered harmless, but they are not regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Caution must be exercised when using any product with the label "natural" because it does not necessarily mean that a product is safe or is really natural.

For some individuals, taking GABA right before bedtime helps them sleep. Pharmacies and most health food stores carry tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan. These two compounds, when taken prior to going to sleep, aids in sleeping. However, vitamin B6 supplements should not be taken within six hours of taking 5-hydroxytryptophan. This is because vitamin B6 works by transforming 5-hydroxytryptophan into serotonin in the bloodstream. High amounts of serotonin in the bloodstream is dangerous. Both tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan, once they reach the brain, becomes serotonin, which promotes sleep. Individuals who are on SSRI antidepressants like Prozac are strongly advised to talk to their doctor first before taking these two compounds.

Another natural remedy for insomnia is the extract of valerian or passion flower. However, moderate amounts of this extract is ideal for treating insomnia in short-term to medium-term. Valerian or passion flower extract is most effective if it is used together with other therapies. Once inside the body, valerian works in the central nervous system much the same way as Halcion and Valium, benzodiazepine drugs. While valerian is an effective natural remedy for insomnia, extreme care must be exercised when taking this natural insomnia remedy. Valerian has properties similar to Valium so it should be used moderately and not in a regular basis. This is because individuals can develop tolerance to the drug-like effect of valerian. When this happens, they often find themselves needing to increase the dosage.

Other natural remedies for insomnia are as simple as drinking warm milk prior to going to bed, taking a warm shower or bath before bedtime, exercising for at least 30 minutes in the afternoon, eating a large meal at lunch and a light one at least a few hours before going to sleep, not engaging in activities that are mentally stimulating when it is close to bedtime, and waking up early.

In the East, acupuncture is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of insomnia. Herbology and other traditional techniques are also used. The insomnia sufferer's diet and lifestyle are also analyzed, all with the goal of rebalancing the energies.

Most of the natural remedies for insomnia are unscientific, but many insomniacs are able to break away from the insomnia cycle without using sedatives or sleeping pills. For instance, most people find drinking milk an effective "cure" for their insomnia. High levels of tryptophan, a natural sedative, are present in warm milk. Likewise, lavender oil and other essential oils have relaxing properties that can promote a restful state in many insomniacs, thus helping them fall asleep.