Herbs For Insomnia | Lavender
Lavender, a shrubby flowering bush indigenous to the mountainous regions of the western Mediterranean, was first "domesticated" by the Arabians before it was later spread across Europe by the Romans.
The Pilgrims brought Lavender to North America and it appeared as one of the first garden plants in Australia in the 19th century. It can be found in abundance in the wild in many parts of the world as well as being garden grown in sunny, well-drained areas, preferably in a mildly alkaline soil. The smaller species also grow quite easily in well-drained pots.
This popular flowering herb's essential oil depresses the central nervous system in a manner comparable to many pharmaceutical tranquilizers.
Lavender is very useful and effective in its usage as a sleep aid. In addition to the use of lavender flowers in a brewed tea, it may also be used in the form of an essential oil distilled from the leaves, flowers and stems of the plant.
Lavender oil can be applied topically to relax the muscles or its aroma can be inhaled for a calming effect. Rubbing lavender essential oil on the feet is a particularly effective method of application, as anything on the feet is absorbed quickly.
Widely used in aromatherapy Lavender oil can be added to bathwater, dispersed in a vaporizer or simply dabbed on a tissue and breathed in.
The essential oil leaves and flowers can also be employed in a sachet underneath your pillow.
You should note that allergic contact dermatitis has been documented in some individuals applying lavender products externally. To safely detect an allergic reaction it is always a good idea to do a spot test before administering a full application.
Also note that not all varieties of lavender are tranquilizing - some, such as Spanish lavender, can have just the opposite effect.
A particularly refreshing use of Lavender can be found in Lavender mint tea.
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Lavender Mint Tea (One serving)
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon fresh lavender flowers (or 1/2 teaspoon dried lavender flowers), 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves (or 2 teaspoons dried mint) and 1 cup boiling water. [Rosemary, lemon balm or lemon verbena, together with rose geranium may also be added for an interesting multi-herb herbal tea.]
Preparation:
Combine the lavender flowers and mint in a teapot or saucepan (either loose or using a tea infuser). Pour boiling water over the mixture; steep 5 minutes. The infuser can then be taken out or the leaves removed with a strainer.
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If you would like to try using a herbal sachet under your pillow then here is a recipe to try:
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Homemade Lavender Sachet
Ingredients:
Lavender plant (stems, leaves or buds), lavender essential oil, a handkerchief, 2 needles (1 large to fit 1/4" ribbon and 1 regular size), thread and Ribbon (1/4" wide)
It should be easy to find the items listed above in your local craft or floral supply store. You may use lavender harvested from your own plants or buy the lavender buds, either locally or through an online supplier.
Instructions:
Fold the handkerchief in half, and then in half again. You can iron the handkerchief for a crisper look, or simply leave it as is. Next, sew three sides together. Open the unsown side of the handkerchief and fill it (like a pillow) with lavender plant pieces and/or buds. Be sure to use a lot of plant material, but don't stuff it too tight. The end result will be a lot like a beanbag. Then, sprinkle the pieces with lavender essential oil. (8 to 10 drops should be more than enough). Then, thread your large needle with 1/4" ribbon and loosely sew to keep the plant materials inside your homemade sachet. Finally, tie the whole thing off with a knot.
Enjoy your new sachet
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Next >>> Herbs For Insomnia | Valerian Root
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The information contained here should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and in no way should be considered as an offering of medical advice.
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