Finding sleep and not getting it can be both annoying and frustrating. When sleeping habits become distorted over a long period, it results in insomnia. Insomnia itself is usually caused by underlying conditions such as depression, certain medications, or chronic illnesses. The approach of menopause in women has also been known to cause insomnia.
Studies into herbs and aromatherapy have yielded results on what herbs and oils may help fight insomnia. These particular herbs and oils have been serving as sleeping aids for people who have realized how helpful they are. If you have been having problems falling or staying asleep, learn how these wonderful herbs and oils work to fight insomnia.
Chamomile
Chamomile calms anxiety and improves sleep quality. For decades now, It has been known to help relaxation, which helps one sleep faster. The herb contains apigenin, which is an antioxidant that can stimulate sleep.
Chamomile works as a sedative that takes the brain off nagging thoughts and stress factors, keeping the brain calm to find rest easily. Chamomile tea is quite popular and can be taken from time to time to treat insomnia. Amazingly, it’s available in almost every part of the world.
Kratom
Different types of kratom exist and work in quite different ways to help insomnia. Indo kratom is a sedative and has calming effects. The Red Bali Kratom is famous for helping the body to relax and induce restful sleep. The Kratom white vein alleviates stress and puts the mind in a relaxed state.
Bear in mind that it’s not all kratom types that can promote sleep, as some strains are rather known to stimulate effects. It is safer to consider those mentioned above to achieve desired results.
California Poppy
California Poppy is a mild narcotic and will stimulate a natural sluggish feeling when taken. It can be a quick sedative when taken as a tea. The herb has no addictive properties, and its uses stretch to its analgesic contents.
California Poppy is known for relieving anxiety, aches, and nervous agitations and helps the muscles to relax. These powerful effects will keep whatever could be causing insomnia at bay, rendering you a peaceful and sound sleep.
Magnolia Bark
Magnolia bark is popular in the traditional Chinese culture for treating abdominal and nasal issues. Recently, magnolia bark has been shown to contain honokiol, which stimulates GABA receptors in the brain. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) induces sleep, and therefore, magnolia can be used as a mild sedative.
Taking Magnolia tea will not only aid sleep but will also relieve stress and anxiety-related issues. That offers you more benefits than you are asking for.
Oils
Oils or essential oils are derived from plants. The extraction process ensures they retain their active constituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, or phenols. Aromatherapy or necessary oil treatment uses these plant-based oils to treat conditions such as insomnia.
There are various methods of applying these oils to make them highly effective for their purposes. Among these methods are rubbing them on the skin or adding them to bathwater.
Before applying essential oils on the skin, it is advised to mix them in a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil to prevent irritation. Patch testing oil on the skin before using it will also help detect allergic reactions.
These oils have proven to be effective in treating insomnia:
Lemon Balm
Studies have shown lemon balm to increase sedative levels. The oil extract has also been shown anecdotally to help reduce stress and relieve insomnia.
When applied to the skin, lemon balm oil can promote calmness and reduce stress. One can as well take Lemon balm as a tea to help get a quick sleep.
Lavender
The English people have long used lavender to help relax and induce sleep. This is because the human brain associates the soothing smell of lavender with sleep. After using lavender oil, the heart rate slows down, and the muscles relax, which makes it induce sleep.
Lavender has also been proven to suppress anxiety and depression, which can help combat depression-related insomnia. A warm bath using lavender oil-based soap or inhaling a few drops of the essential oil in warm water can help find sleep quicker. Likewise, you can take the oil orally as oil capsules or as tea.
Jasmine
Just like lavender, the brain associates the smell of jasmine with sleep. The fragrance stimulates GABA transmitters, which help the body find rest quickly.
Jasmine oil can be applied to the face, chest, and neck. One may also spray the oil on the pillow before lying down. Inhaling the sweet-smelling fragrance can help you get a quick pass to dreamland.
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil may prove useful to combat insomnia related to inflammatory issues such as snoring, nasal congestion, and sleep apnea. The anti-inflammatory properties present in peppermint help in clearing the airways for easing and smooth breathing.
Applying peppermint oil to a handkerchief and inhaling it moments before sleeping can help clear the airways and bring sleep faster in those who commonly experience nasal congestions at night.
Snoring and breathing breaks are other factors that can cause insomnia. One can prevent this by inhaling Peppermint oil a few hours before sleeping to ease friction in the airways and promote restful sleep.
Conclusion
Do consult your doctor immediately if you begin to observe symptoms of insomnia. Proper consultation helps to detect if there are any underlying conditions and will also determine which herb or oil you should choose.
These herbs and oils work in a myriad of ways to help relieve insomnia. You can try the closest you can grab and watch as your sleeping habit transforms.
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