Insomnia is the inability of people to get an adequate amount of sleep when sleep should normally occur. Men may have sleepless nights when the body clocks that govern the timing of body temperature, hormone production, sleep, and other functions are disrupted.
Today’s fast-paced lifestyles of men and women also cause imbalances within the body such as anxiety and tension. Unless treated, such conditions can cause sleeping disorders.
There are sleep aids that a man can take to manage insomnia and other sleeping disorders. One is the intake of sleep herbs—plants that induce sleep. Herbs that promote rest and relaxation can help a man unwind. Take calmative tea to have a better sleep.
Organic Herbs and Florals Help Men Sleep Better
Sleep herbs are sleep aids for insomnia and other sleeping problems. Organic herbs and flowers can help men place their physical body and psyche at ease. Their calming effect is most important when men are under stress, as they can alleviate many of the accompanying conditions. Many organic herbs and flowers can reduce anger, anxiety, and mood swings. [Article: Insomnia, Complementary Medicine © 2009 University of Maryland Medical Center, Umm.edu]
Gotu Kola, the Balancing Herb
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica) is a well-known medicinal herb that has been used for thousands of years in China and other parts of Asia to treat sleep disorders. It calms the mind and body, and energizes the senses, allowing a state of mental clarity. This slender plant with fan shaped leaves has a calming property well suited for yoga and meditative practices. Its vitamin B content can enhance energy and memory, and treat mental and physical fatigue. In addition, the vitamin B6 content gives this herb the capability to aid people in dream recall.
Steep one teaspoon of dried Gotu Kola herb in one cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes and drink 30 to 45 minutes before retiring for mental calmness and restful sleep.
Hops Floral, the Sleep Tranquilizer
Hops flower has a very soothing result on the body. It can relieve insomnia and anxiety when stress takes its toll on the body. Hops flower (Humulus lupulus) consumed as a dry herb, or as a tea induces sleep, and calms stress and anxiety.
Make a hops tea by boiling a teaspoon of the herb in a cup of water for ten minutes. Strain and then flavor the tea with honey and lemon to taste. Many people find that a dosage of 300 to 600 mg of hops is good enough to induce sleep when taken two hours before bed.
Kava Kava, the Natural Mind and Body Relaxant
The kava root is a natural sedative that grows in the South Pacific. It is a member of the pepper family and it is one of the three most popular natural sedatives, which include passionflower, and valerian root. The kava kava plant is a tranquilizer and sleep aid for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia and migraine pain. Kava roots are found to have pain-relieving and muscle-relaxing values. [Article: Piper Methysticum by Pepping J., Am J Health Syst. Pharm. 1999 May, Holistic-herbalist.com]
A therapeutic dose would be a 300-milligram extract. One must take the herbal supplement one hour before bedtime on an empty stomach for three nights a week, for three months only.
Passionflower Promotes a Peaceful and Worry-free Sleep
The Indians in the Caribbean have been using Passionflower as a sedative for a long time. The herb is taken as a tea or a part of a medication to manage moods during nervous unrest. In 1985, Germany’s Commission E approved Passionflower as a calmative herb for irritability and restlessness . [Source: 20/20 Thinking: 1,000 Powerful Strategies to Sharpen Your Mind, Brighten Your Mood, and Boost Your Memory by Maggie Greenwood-Robinson]
Passionflower extract is good for men who wants to release tension and relax after a stressful day. Combat stress and restore serenity with a calmative tea of dried passionflower combined with valerian root, hop cones, and St. John’s Wort. Insomniacs can take two and a half cup four times per day. Sleeplessness and insomnia triggered by flu also reacts well to a supplement of passionflower.
Valerian Herb for Insomnia
Valerian is the best herb for treating insomnia. The herb has been used for more than 1,000 years for its sedative qualities. It is a well-known herb for anxiousness, nervousness, and restlessness. Valerian herb also helps manage anxiety, mood swing, and bad temper by causing a positive effect on emotions and on the body.
FDA lists valerian as a safe herbal supplement. Valerian improves sleep quality without impairing morning performance. A dosage of 500 milligrams of concentrated valerian root herbal extract taken one hour before bedtime can help men have a better sleep. Those who are desperate for a good night sleep and do not want the potential side effects of prescription drugs can turn to a good herb for insomnia. [Article: Environmental Nutrition, Belvoir Media Group, LLC. 1, 2006 October]
Having trouble sleeping better? There are herbs and herbal supplements that can make a man sleep better. Consider taking sleep herbs that have been used for thousands of years including Gotu Kola, hops, Kava Kava, passionflower, and valerian before resorting to sleeping pills. Herbs for insomnia are remedies that will naturally calm the nerves and restore sleep without drowsiness. However, it is best to consult a doctor regarding sleeping problems and the appropriate sleep remedy before taking any herbal sleep aids.
Reference:
"Herbs to Help You Sleep," by Ceres, Publisher Shambhala, 1980
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