If you are among the thousands of Americans who have trouble getting a good night’s sleep, then you may be accustomed to using medication to get your z’s. However, a better option might be to try using herbs for sleeping. Mixing herbs to induce relaxation and ease the drift to dreamland isn’t a new concept. The use of herbs for sleeping is an essential remedy that has been used by man since ancient times.

There are a great number of plants that have sleep-inducing components that help people fall asleep. There are also some highly-potent herbs that may help keep one stay asleep for a long period of time.

Remember many of these remedies have been used as medicine for centuries and with good reason. So be sure to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbal remedy for insomnia.

Here are five herbs that can help in making sleepless people finally get regular good nights’ sleep.

Use Lemon Balm For Sleep Problems

Lemon balm, Melissa or Melissa officinalis, is a traditional cure for sleep problems. This folk cure blocks the breaking down of the GABA or Gamma-Aminobutyric-Acid, a natural sedative neurotransmitter. It also inhibits acetylcholine from breaking down. These substances are responsible for making people fall asleep. A lot of manufactured sleeping pills contain lemon balm. Scientific studies show that combining lemon balm with valerian, another sleep-inducing remedy, is effective in treating sleep problems.

Relax With The Herb Valerian Root

Valerian or Valeriana officialis works by pumping up the GABA levels in the brain. This herb takes effect right away. It can also be taken as pills or can be consumed as tea. Unlike other herbs for sleeping, the taste of the valerian is very good.

Hops Makes an Effective Herbal Sleep-Aid

Aside from its popularity as a plant used mainly to make beer, hops are another effective herbs for sleeping. It acts by slowing down the breakdown of GABA in the brain and the melatonin receptors. It can also be more potent when you combine hops or Humulus lupulus with valerian.

Let Passionflower Help You Find a Peaceful Rest

Another one of the effective herbs for sleeping, passionflower or Passiflora spp is primarily used to cure or treat anxiety. However, some studies show its effectiveness in making people sleep. It has similar effects as some benzodiazepine drugs.

Experience the Calming Powers of Kava Kava

Despite its weird name, kava kava or Piper methysticum is mostly used by medical experts to treat people with anxiety disorder. Aside from this function, it can also induce a good night’s sleep for people. Despite its sleep-inducing effect, many countries have banned the kava kava due to its harmful effects to the liver.

Even though they’ve been used for many years and are backed by anecdotal evidence, some herbs for sleeping still need to be studied to more fully understand how they work in the body and their potential for side effects. If you’re not sure which herbs are best for you, talk to an herbalist or naturopath. You can also ask your doctor for a recommendation.

Author Bio: Looking for more natural ways to treat insomnia? Visit healthy-journey.com for more tips to help adults and teens get better sleep.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: herbs for sleeping,herbal remedies for sleep,herbs for insomnia, herbal sleep remedies