Insomnia.

Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs
Subject: Re: Herbs for insomnia & anxiety?
From: damnovel.vnet.net (SweetWater)
Date: 10 Jul 1995 02:16:15 GMT

Bob Carter (bcarter..awinc.com) wrote:
: I have a friend who is suffering from severe anxiety and insommina and has been for several months now, and is bordering on nervous collapse. He refuses to take medication, but he may be willing to try a herbal infusion.

I have found that one cup of catnip tea renders me practically incapable of walking from the kitchen to my bed before I fall asleep (and I know what it's like to suffer from isomnia!) Nicest thing is the lack of grogginess in the morning. Don't use that crap they sell in the pet department - get a nice fresh catnip plant from a nursery - they look nice in the border anyway, if the cats dont' get them...

From: dstearns.ellis.uchicago.edu (Deborah Stearns)

You might try one of the following:

A tea (infusion) of passionflower, hops, limeflower (=lindenflower, Tilia sp. -Henriette), or valerian drunk hot (with honey and/or milk, if desired) before bed--these are even more effective if they are drunk while relaxing in a hot bath (the same herbs can be used in the bath water, too--put them in a bag made of linen or cheesecloth, tie it shut, and put it in the hot bath). Even chamomile tea can help one relax and get to sleep.

A small pillow, filled with dried hops, placed on or near one's pillow, is said to induce sleep. Or fill the pillow with dried roses, mints, cloves, possibly mixed with a few drops of essential oils of rose or lavender--all of these, when inhaled, are said to induce sleep.

There are lots of other forms of relaxation, too--systematic muscle relaxation (tense each muscle group in turn, and relax it, while in bed); massage; meditation; a good book, etc. Every person has something that helps them reduce anxiety and get to sleep--these could be tried in conjunction with herbal teas.

From: shill.div720.gsfc.nasa.gov (Susan D. Hill)

> I have found that one cup of catnip tea renders me practically incapable of walking from the kitchen to my bed before I fall asleep (and I know what it's like to suffer from isomnia!)

There are a number of herbs that have sedative qualities. Catnip is good, but rather mild, as is chamomile and the other mints. Mugwort, skullcap, damiana are the more powerful ones that we use. Valerian is also a strong sedative, if you can get it past your nose.

From: sputnam.aruba.ccit.arizona.edu (Suzie Putnam)

One of the most pleasant herbs I have found that helps to counteract anxiety, insomnia, nervous headaches and mild depression is lemon balm. The fresh leaves are a lot more effective than dried, but luckily it is a very easy plant to grow- either in a pot or in the garden. (Some will say not to put it in the garden, as it can be so prolific that it becomes invasive, but I don't mind weeding such a pleasant smelling herb and can always use what I have to pull up....) A tea made from the fresh leaves of lemon balm and a little catnip is very pleasant and always helps me to relax. Hope this helps your friend some.

From: healingpgs.aol.com (HealingPgs)

I find chamomile tea works well for me, but causes allergic reactions in other members of my family. I also have a favorite music tape, Trinity Session by Cowboy Junkies, that works well -- really too well, I went to see them live and nearly slept through the concert.