Got insomnia? Grow a natural sleeping remedy!

[VenomJockey]

Plant Valerian in your backyard and use the roots as a natural sleep aid!

http://www.askaprepper.com/the-best-natural-sleeping-pill-that-you-can-grow-in-your-backyard/

According to recent studies, Insomnia affects over one-third of adults. Sleep aids are big business, but many of them cause unwelcome side-effects, and some of them just don’t work for everyone. What if I told you that there is an all-natural alternative that is proven to work for most people without harmful side-effects?
Valerian root, Valeriana officinalis, also known as tobacco root, is a well known herbal supplement used to treat anxiety. However, at proper doses, it makes the user relaxed and drowsy while encouraging high-quality, uninterrupted sleep.
In fact, studies show that users get more relaxing and restorative sleep and wake up feeling energetic and ready to face the day. This is probably because valerian encourages REM sleep. REM sleep is the vital portion of sleep characterized by rapid eye movements. It is the portion of sleep where dreams happen and memories are written. The brain is processing the previous day and preparing the body for the next.

 

[Patchouli]

If you can stand the way it smells you might like the way it tastes. I wonder what its like as a capsule.
That's the one thing about some herbs is the after burps. Bleh!
Cats go crazier over Valerian than they do over catnip.
It lowers the heart rate so is not recommended for children unless in very small amounts and mixed with other calming herbs such as camomile, passionflower, and hops. If you're on heart meds for lowering the heart rate, I'd be careful also.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

Anyone considering Valerian should be aware of its many side effects, cautions, and drug interactions, etc (much more than what some websites mention):

https://online.epocrates.com/drugs/alternative-medicines/748902/valerian-root/Cautions

Then there's this: https://www.livestrong.com/article/175494-the-health-risks-of-valerian/

Long-Term Dangers
Valerian is not recommended for long-term use more than four to six weeks, although research is spotty at best. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends tapering off of valerian slowly to prevent possible withdrawal symptoms.

Controversies
The verdict is still out regarding valerian's effectiveness for treating insomnia. A surprising health risk includes the possibility that taking valerian regularly can actually increase insomnia in the long term.




IMO, there are better alternatives to Valerian. Lemon Balm is a much safer herb. However because it affects thyroid activity, people taking thyroid medication or who have a severely underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) should not take it.

Folks, please exercise due diligence and research before taking any medication or herb! It ain't easy because many websites, books and "experts" sometimes parrot what they see elsewhere and repeat it as truth, just because it is touted in multiple places. All is not in vain, because if you dig deep and long enough you will find the truth of things.

Good health to you, my friends!

 

[Patchouli]

Skullcap is another herbal relaxant that works well when combined with other herbal combinations.

 

[Davarm]

Don't know how many have tried it but wild lettuce is good for insomnia.

It also works pretty well for anxiety, coughs and is a pain killer that works as well as many OTC NSAIDs.

 

[Grizzleyette___Adams]

Wild lettuce is good stuff, and there are different ways to partake of it.

What is your favorite way?

 

[Davarm]

Wild lettuce is good stuff, and there are different ways to partake of it.

What is your favorite way?

I pull the plants, roots and all, wash em thoroughly and boil until the plants fall apart. Let the pot sit overnite then strain the solids out and boil the liquid down to a syrup.

Tastes like crap but it works, the syrup can be canned and put on the shelf till needed.

 

[Tank-Girl]

I pull the plants, roots and all, wash em thoroughly and boil until the plants fall apart. Let the pot sit overnite then strain the solids out and boil the liquid down to a syrup.

Tastes like crap but it works, the syrup can be canned and put on the shelf till needed.

How do you can it please @Davarm?

 

[Brenda]

I make a Valarian root tincture mixed with licorice root to help me relax and sleep all night..