Sleeping restoratively with herbs

[armstrong]

I would like to know others’ experience with using herbs for better sleep.

I took Valerian once. I stayed awake all night.

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

armstrong wrote: I would like to know others’ experience with using herbs for better sleep.

I took Valerian once. I stayed awake all night.

A small percentage of people have a reverse reaction to valerian and find it very stimulating rather than sedating. Many such folks have ADD/HD and have similar reverse-action experiences with other herbs and drugs (caffeine knocks them out etc…).

For those folks, I use ginseng. For regular folks that just don’t like or respond to valerian, skullcap, passionflower, chamomile and others are worth a try.

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[RoughHewnHerbalistStudent]

I have insomnia and find that a strong tea of chamomile really helps–just before bed. I haven’t had great results with valerian–but then I’ve used store-bought capsules, so who knows how much valerian was even in there?! I haven’t tried scullcap, but I want to either forage or buy some to try. Chamomile (I grow my own…but have used chamomile from an online herbal store, too and it worked great.) works for me and I tend to make it strong when I am in need of restful sleep. I am not much of a measurer, but I toss a large handful of it in about 1.5 quarts of water, steep, and drink 2 large cups before bed. Yum and Zzzzzzz! Best wishes!

[Author]

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