Herbs to help you sleep like a baby

Herbs to Help You Sleep Like a Baby

Modern life might be getting in the way of sleep but there are many ancient herbal remedies ready to assist, Fusion HealthNaturopath, Erika Morvay explains.

Herbs for a Better Slumber

In Traditional Chinese Medicine insomnia can be attributed to disturbance of the Shen. Considered to be our mind and spirit, the concept of Shen is closely related to the heart-organ meridian system and at nighttime is located in the heart space. 

Calm the Shen and nourish the heart with the following herbs:

Ziziphus

Known for its sedative properties, Ziziphus has been used in both Western and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine for managing symptoms such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, excessive dreaming, light sleep and mild anxiety.

Passionflower

With sedative, anxiolytic and hypnotic effects, Passionflower has been used in Western Herbal Medicine to help relieve symptoms of nervous restlessness, insomnia and mild anxiety.

Albizia

Thanks to its sedative and hypnotic action, Albizia has a history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to manage symptoms of insomnia, irritability and forgetfulness and is often used in combination with other sedating herbs.

Polygala

Renowned for its calming and relaxing qualities, Polygala is frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to help with symptoms such as insomnia, agitation, stress, mild anxiety and nightmares.

Tip: All sedating herbs mentioned above are recommended to be taken 30-60min before bed.

Herbs for a Calmer Condition

According to the National Health Survey of 2014-15, anxiety-related conditions were the most frequently reported with one in twenty Australians reporting both an anxiety-related condition and a mood (affective) disorder.

Used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic and Western Herbal Medicine, the following herbs can provide additional support for managing symptoms of stress and mild anxiety:

Holy Basil, also known as Sacred Basil or Tulsi, Withania and Magnolia Bark are used to assist in the management of general stress symptoms. These herbs may treat an array of concerns including mild anxiety, irritability, restlessness, tiredness, nervous indigestion, poor concentration, forgetfulness and stress‐related sleep disturbance.

Tip: If symptoms of mild anxiety or nervousness interfere with sleep, the herbs mentioned above may be combined with sedating herbs 30-60min before bed.

Note: Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist, please consult your healthcare practitioner.