Herbs For Sound Sleep
Sleep is essential to human life, without proper sleep, the body just cannot function. During sleep, our bodies grow muscle, synthesize hormones, repair tissues, restores and rejuvenates. Lack of sleep is termed as insomnia which can lead to several health problems.
Insomnia is defined as “a persistent disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or both.”
The good news is that there are some very effective herbs that can be used to help you bring balance to the body and promote relaxation, allowing the body to heal, self-regulate and improve sleep.
Listed are seven such herbs that are known to improve sleep:
- Brahmi: Brahmi is one such herb that supports a restful sleep, calms emotional turbulence and also helps us in improving concentration and alertness. Brahmi improves blood circulation, further supporting the body’s natural healing process.
- Shankhpushpi: Shankhpushpi is a herb that contains flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids that helps soothe our nervous system by bringing relief to mental fatigue. It acts as a natural tranquillizer for anxiety that helps in sleeping better.
- Vacha: Vacha has calmative effects on our brain, helping us to cure tension and insomnia. It acts as a coolant that relaxes the nerves thereby inducing sleep. Scientifically known as Acorus Calamus, this herb is a nervous system tonic that will ward off stress and various other issues.
- Sarpgandha: Also known as Indian Snakeroot, Sarpgandha contains 50-60 alkaloids in it. These alkaloids help in reducing hypertension that can cause sleeping issues.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is known to promote sleep. It contains an active compound known as triethylene glycol, which helps in inducing sleep. Ashwagandha treats people from their daily woes such as anxiety, stress, and exhaustion which will in return reduce sleep issues.
- Jatamansi: Jatamansi is a natural brain tonic and a memory enhancer; it also facilitates calmness and relaxation to a hyperactive mind. It helps in inducing sleep while rejuvenating and nourishing the nervous system and promoting relaxation.
- Chamomile Tea: These daisy-like flowers have been used to make a calming and soothing tea for many years. Chamomile is widely regarded as a mild tranquillizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin found in it.
As with any natural therapy, it is wise to seek consultation from an expert who can give you the right direction. Always keep in mind that natural herbs are potent and choosing the right type of herb, as well as the right dosage, is essential.