Lemon Balm and Passion Flower As Insomnia Cures

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is an herbaceous perennial in the mint family. It occurs naturally in southern Europe and northern Africa where it grows along roadsides, in landfills and on disturbed lands from sea level into the mountains.

It can be grown in any well-drained soil and is particularly tolerant of poor, sandy soils. It can also withstand the full force of the sun.

Lemon Balm demonstrates an effective sedative action and is typically made into a pleasant, lemony-tasting tea.

Try making a tea with 2 teaspoons of dried lemon balm per cup of boiling water. Steep the tea for 10 minutes, strain, and drink right before going to bed.

Passion Flower

Passion flower is a flowering plant that is indigenous to an area from the southeast U.S. to Argentina and Brazil.

It gets its name from the fact that it reminded the early pilgrims of the suffering (or passion) of Christ.

Passion flower is sometimes referred to as Apricot Vine, Passion Vine, Granadilla, Maracoc and Maypops. It has been used historically as a tranquilizer and tobacco substitute (among other things).

In addition to having a profound effect on the central nervous system, passion flower also acts as an anti-spasmodic on the smooth muscles of the body, including the entirety of the digestion system, which accounts for its ability to ease and promote digestion.

It is considered by some to be the herb of choice for treating insomnia as it doesn’t produce any side effects and results in a restful, relaxing sleep with no grogginess the next morning.

It is non-addictive and can be used in both children and the elderly without complication.

When used for its medicinal purposes, the entire plant can be used. It is typically collected after some of the berries have matured, then dried whole.

To brew an effective passion flower tea: pour a cup of boiling water onto a teaspoonful of the dried herb and let it infuse for l5 minutes. Drink a cup half an hour before going to bed.