Ayurveda for Insomnia: Ayurvedic Herbs for Treating Insomnia
Insomnia or sleeping disorder can deprive an individual of a good lifestyle and low confidence. And that is true because in a healthy mind resides a healthy body. People suffering from sleeping disorder often resort to taking sedatives prescribed which has an adverse effect on the whole nervous system and also results in addiction to sleeping pills. There are plenty of natural herbs that are non-addictive and safe and a gentle alternative to prescription drugs.
Natural Sleeping Aids: Herbs for Treating Insomnia
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Shatavri (Asparagus racemosus)
These herbs react to the body’s needs, increasing stamina and strength during the day, while also helping to remain calm and focused for better sleep at night.
Lavender:
Lavender is known for is fragrance, but it is can also serve as a strengthening tonic for the nervous system in Ayurvedic medicine. A few drops of lavender oil when added to bath water at bedtime helps overcome sleeping disorders and chronic insomnia. It can also be used as a compress or massage oil or can be inhaled to calm the mind and the nerves to reduce stress.
Valerian Root
Valerian is well-known for its ability to induce sleep. It is used in Ayurveda as well as Chinese traditional medicine for the treatment of insomnia. Valerian is much in demand all over the world, and holds the eighth rank on the list of most purchased herbs, and is approved for treatment of certain sleep disorders in Germany. Valerian doesn’t cause feelings of dizziness on waking up and doesn’t lead to chemical dependency.
The extract of the root of valerian (Valeriana officinalis), a flowering plant, has been widely used to treat sleeping disorders in Europe for decades. Valerian is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as a self-prescribed treatment for insomnia.
National Center for Biotechnology Information
Chamomile
The dried chamomile flower is an ancient medicine used in Greece, Egypt, and Rome. It has been used for centuries in tea as a mild, relaxing sleep aid. Chamomile is widely popular and has been included as a medicinal substance in the pharmacopoeia of 26 countries.
Hops Flower
The extract of hops flower has been long used as traditional medicine to cure the sleeping disorder. A clinical study with hops revealed that it reduced sleep disturbances when given in combination with valerian root, while another study found that hops and valerian combination demonstrated equivalent results of fitness, sleep quality and quality of life, in comparison to benzodiazepine drug.
These are some of the ayurvedic remedies for a sleeping disorder. To learn more about it please refer you, ayurvedic practitioner.
