Insomnia, or difficulty in sleeping, is a common problem faced by several people worldwide. According to research, around 30% of adults suffer from sleep disturbance or insomnia.

Sleeping pills are a common solution to the problem, but they have severe side effects. Herbal remedies can be an effective alternative. Here are five herbs that can help banish insomnia:.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is an extract derived from the root of the Valeriana Officinalis plant. It has been used throughout history as a natural treatment for insomnia, anxiety, and nervous system disorders.

Valerian root is particularly useful in treating insomnia caused by anxiety and stress. It contains compounds that help in increasing the level of gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which results in a calming and soothing effect on the body.

Valerian root also improves sleep quality, reduces the time required to fall asleep, and decreases the number of times a person wakes up during the night. It can be consumed as tea, tincture, or in capsules.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is known for its calming and sedative effects upon consumption.

Chamomile contains a flavonoid called apigenin, which binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain, resulting in a calming effect. Chamomile also increases the level of glycine, an amino acid that acts as a neural transmitter and helps in relaxing the nerves and muscles.

Drinking a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime can help in inducing sleep and reducing anxiety and stress levels.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family. It has a calming and relaxing effect on the body and has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety.

Lavender contains compounds that interact with the neurotransmitter GABA, resulting in a calming effect on the body. It also helps in regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, promoting deep sleep. Lavender can be used in several forms, including essential oil, tea, and capsules.

Adding a few drops of lavender oil to your pillow or taking a lavender capsule can help improve sleep quality.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a native American plant that has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety. It contains compounds that increase the level of GABA in the brain, resulting in a calming effect on the body.

Passionflower also contains flavonoids and alkaloids that have sedative effects, promoting deep sleep. It is available in several forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules. Adding a few drops of passionflower tincture to your bedtime tea or taking a passionflower capsule can help in inducing sleep.

California Poppy

California poppy is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the poppy family. It is native to the Western United States and has been used by Native Americans for centuries as a natural remedy for anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

California poppy contains compounds that interact with the GABA receptors in the brain, resulting in a calming and relaxing effect on the body. It also has sedative effects, promotes deep sleep, and reduces the number of times a person wakes up during the night. California poppy can be consumed as tea, tincture, or capsules.

Conclusion

Insomnia is a common problem faced by several people worldwide and can lead to several health complications. Herbal remedies can be an effective alternative to sleeping pills.

Valerian root, chamomile, lavender, passionflower, and California poppy are all-natural herbs that have calming, sedative, and relaxing effects on the body. Try adding these herbs to your daily routine to banish insomnia.