Try These Herbs for Sleep If You Suffer from Insomnia

Taking herbs, often in the form of tea, can be a great way to promote relaxation, ease anxiety, and help you fall asleep at night. When taking herbs, it is important to know that they can cause side effects, and certain people should not take certain herbs. Also, be careful of taking the same herb in large doses for an extended period of time. Some herbs can be harmful in too great a quantity, so use more than one herb to help you cure your insomnia.

Chamomile is a popular night time tea. Its mild flavor is easily enjoyable. While it might not make you sleepy, it will help you feel more relaxed. If you have trouble sleeping because of feeling too tense or wound up, chamomile might be a good match for you. Chamomile should be avoided if you have an allergy to ragweed.

If you need something a bit stronger than chamomile, consider using valerian root before bedtime. It's a natural sedative and is great for easing both muscle tension and nervous tension. Unfortunately, it is not nature's best smelling herb. If the tea is too strong, you can try valerian in other forms. This is one herb that is best in lower doses. High doses have been linked to a weakened heartbeat, but it is safe if you follow the instructions.

If anxiety is keeping you awake at night, you have many herbal choices to help soothe your worries. In addition to chamomile and valerian, you may also want to give California poppy root, lime blossom, hops, kava kava, and lavender. California poppy can be found in liquid form and taken as a tincture in water. Lime blossom can be drunk in tea form or even used in a sleep pillow since it has such a calming aroma. Hops can also be used in a sleep pillow or as a tea. It is a depressant, however, so don't use hops if you suffer from depression. Kava kava is very relaxing and is a good choice if you only have occasional need of a sleep aid. Long term use of kava kava can lead to liver damage. While many people are aware of the soothing quality of lavender as an essential oil, most never consider taking lavender in tea form. Lavender tea relieves anxiety.