Natural Insomnia Cures: Herbal Remedies for a Better Night’s Sleep

Commercially available over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills can be overwhelmingly potent and can have negative side effects. Many people who have trouble sleeping would prefer to look into “natural insomnia cures”.

Unfortunately, insomnia isn’t something that really has a “cure,” natural or otherwise. However, as far as natural insomnia “cures” go, there are a number of commonplace herbs with sedative or anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. These can be taken as capsules, or made into tinctures or teas. These plants contain naturally occurring chemical compounds that can help induce sleep.

Some herbs that can function as natural treatments for insomnia include:

·         Chamomile

·         Valerian

·         Hops

·         Lemon balm

·         Passion flower

·         California poppy

Alone or in combination, a tea or tincture made with these herbs can have soothing and sedating effects that are highly conducive to sleep.

  

Chamomile 

Chamomile tea is very commonly promoted as one of the best natural cures for insomnia. It can be bought at almost any grocery store in the tea aisle, or you can use loose dried chamomile flowers to make your own herbal infusions. Chamomile contains a number of chemical compounds, some of which have been demonstrated to bind to GABA receptors in the brain. In addition, it has a long history of use for its mildly sedative properties, and many people find that chamomile tea helps them sleep. 

Valerian 

Valerian root is a highly effective for inducing sedation and sleep. Scientists have not yet fully identified the mechanisms by which valerian has its sedative effects, but it is thought that GABA analogs contained within the plant, including valerenic acids and sesquiterpinoids, are responsible. Valerian root extract can be bought in capsules at vitamin stores. It can also be used to make tea. The commercially available Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea contains valerian and chamomile. 

Passion Flower

Passion flower is a common ingredient in herbal teas for insomnia. Its mechanisms are not yet entirely clear from a scientific standpoint, but they may be caused by beta-carboline harmala alkaloids contained in the plants. These compounds may lend passion flower its purported anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a component of herbal teas, it is said to soothe anxiety, which can help with stress-related insomnia. 

Hops 

Hops have a sedative effect, probably due to a chemical called dimethylvinyl carbinol. They also have a history of use as an herbal remedy for sleeplessness, and may be incorporated into herbal teas and tinctures meant to promote sedation and sleepiness. 

Lemon Balm 

Another component used in natural cures for insomnia is lemon balm. It has mildly anxiolytic and sedative properties, possibly due to rosmarinic acid contained in the plant. This compound has been shown to inhibit GABA transaminase, explaining lemon balm’s effects on anxiety. 

California Poppy 

California poppy extract has a sedative and anxiolytic effect. Its effect is far milder than that of opium, as California poppies contain a different class of alkaloids than opium poppies. At least one study using mice has demonstrated that the extract of this plant has affinities for the same receptors as benzodiazepines, which would explain its calming effects.

What Are The Best Vitamins For Fibromyalgia

There have been a lot of research studies done lately to discover the best vitamins for fibromyalgia.  There are quite a few supplements that offer promising relief for the chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other symptoms related to the disease. Natural treatment options can offer solutions to make living with fibromyalgia easier.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for fibromyalgia sufferers. The “sunshine vitamin” aids the immune system, helps to maintain cognitive functions, and is important for the maintenance of healthy bones. It can also help cheer you up. A study published by the Clinical Rheumatology journal found strong correlation between low vitamin-D levels and the muscle aches, depression, and anxiety associated with fibromyalgia. You can get vitamin D simply by sitting in the sun, but it is also available in many foods such as salmon, shrimp, milk, and egg yolks.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is next on our list of vitamins for fibromyalgia, because it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil reduce the body’s production of inflammatory hormones, which means less tender joints, pain, and stiffness. A study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found that taking at least 2,400 mg a day can significantly reduce pain. It is recommended that you look for mercury-free fish oil brands to ensure your supplements are clean and uncompromised.

Ribose

Ribose can be one of the most effective vitamins for fibromyalgia pain. Tight muscles are a common cause of fibro pain, but to release muscles need energy. Ribose is a simple sugar with an energy building benefit. According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative Complimentary Medicine, ribose can increase energy by an average of 61% and cut the pain experienced by fibromyalgia sufferers by an average of 15.6%. The benefits of ribose offer direct improvement of many of the debilitating symptoms of the disease.

SAMe

S-Adenosyl methionine, or SAMe, is a synthetic form of a compound naturally produced by the body. Research shows it’s one of the best vitamins for fibromyalgia sufferers, as it lessens chronic pain and has anti-inflammatory properties. It also assists in the production of brain hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which means it also improves your mood. SAMe can be an effective way to combat the depression and brain of fibromyalgia.

Managing Your Symptoms

Taking vitamins for fibromyalgia is a great idea to help minimize the many symptoms of the disease. There are also a number of therapeutic options you can explore. For instance, neurofeedback therapy is a cutting edge technique that is being used to treat sufferers of insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain. The process is noninvasive and focuses on redirecting brainwaves to healthy, functional patterns. Along with vitamin supplements like those mentioned in this article, neurofeedback therapy may be something fibromyalgia sufferers want to consider. Make sure you explore all the options available to you, in order to making living with fibro easier.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR FIBROMYALGIA