Natural -Sleep- Sleeping Aids

Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogenic herb with many uses, primarily that of balancing and strengthening the central nervous system. Stress is a well know cause of sleep disruption, with the over-production of the stress hormone cortisol being a major culprit for a restless night. Cortisol should naturally decrease in the early evening in preparation for a good night's sleep, however stress can overrule this rhythm and cortisol can remain elevated. Ashwagandha has been proven to limit the production of cortisol in numerous studies, calming and relaxing the nervous system.

Ashwagandha has also been shown to activate GABA receptors, neurotransmitters in the brain that produce calm and relaxation. The central nervous system is mildly sedated and the mind is calmed. 

 The sedative nature of Catnip helps to induce a fitful and restful sleep, making this herb the go to remedy for insomnia or other sleep related problems. 

The active components of Catnip are "iridoid glycosides", which are thought to contribute to this herb's anxiolytic and sedative effects. The phytochemical "nepetalactone", responsible for its effect on cats, also contributes to its sedative effect on humans. 

As a relaxant, Chamomile depresses the central nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting restful sleep while not disrupting normal performance or function. This is due to the active principles of Chamomile including flavonoids, glycosides, and essential oils.

In a 2011 study published in the journal, “European Neuropsychopharmacology”, showed that the phytochemicals in Chamomile have 3 effects on the central nervous system that contribute to the herb’s anxiolytic and sedative properties. It binds to the GABA receptors which in turn reduces the activity of the cells in the sleep centre of the brain.

Hops has always had an association as being a soporific herb and nervine, with the ability to calm the body to the point of allowing it to drift off to sleep. In combination with valerian, some studies have found that there is a marked improvement in combating insomnia.

Jujube fruit is thought to have a beneficial action on sleep and brain function through it's unique antioxidants. It may even have the ability to help with anxiety levels and help to defend against certain types of nerve damage.

Lavender has been used for millenia to relax and calm the mind - pillows were stuffed with dried lavender flowers, so important was this herb deemed to be for a good night's sleep. It turns out that our ancestors were right on the mark - Lavender oil is comprised mainly of linalyl acetate and linalool - phytochemicals that are absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream. Research shows that these compounds inhibit several neurotransmitters causing a sedative and anxiolytic effect. 

If you suffer from restless nights then Lavender has been proven to increase the time to awaken after first falling asleep. The study showed that Lavender increased the percentage of deep or slow-wave sleep in all of the group tested, and all of the individuals reported feeling more refreshed and energetic the next morning. 

Mistletoe has been used traditionally as a relaxant and herbal remedy for sleep for centuries. A powerful nervine, the chemical components of this herb impact the release of neurotransmitters that calm down and soothe the nervous system - this in turn will allow for a healthy and restful sleep 

Passion Flower is a gentle anti-anxiety and mildly sedative herb that can even be used to induce a good night's sleep in children. One particular study asked volunteers with trouble sleeping to drink a cup of Passion Flower tea at bedtime for a period of time, all reported significant sleep improvement. 

Passion Flower also increases the amount of GABA in the brain - an inhibitory neurotransmitter that is associated with reduced levels of anxiety - one of the main reason for sleepless nights. This herb has been shown to be as effective as its pharmaceutical counterparts in the strength of its anxiolytic properties. In addition, Passion Flower is known to be a muscle relaxant, easing away tension that can make it more difficult to drift off to sleep.

If an overactive, restless mind is preventing you from getting a good night's sleep then Skullcap is the herb for you. While many remedies, both traditional and herbal, can lull you to sleep like skullcap, most leave you groggy in the morning. Skullcap promotes sound sleep without the unwanted side effects, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalised in the morning.

Research shows that St. John's Wort lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol and enhances the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a naturally occurring tranquilizer in the brain. 

St John's Wort aids in enhancing metabolism and the internal body clock to combat irritability, anxiety and insomnia. 

Valerian is a natural sedative and relaxant, it calms the nervous system and is perhaps one of the most useful relaxing nervines available to us. It is nature's tranquiliser and can promote sleep and relieve pain. Valerian (along with skullcap) is the main herb we recommend to our customers as a herbal sleeping remedy, due to its undeniable effects of relaxation and herbal sleeping promotion.

Wild lettuce is a natural sedative, useful in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety, it is also called a feeble opium because it does not upset the digestive system. It is said to produce a euphoric, dreamy effect making it much easier to drop off to sleep.

This sedative effect makes Wild Lettuce especially beneficial to an overactive nervous system and it’s particularly good for hyperactive children.