|
Insomnia Guide
Chamomile As An Insomnia Cure
A common flowering plant, Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla) grows in various parts of central and southern Europe (Germany, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, and Slovakia), as well as to northwestern Asia. Chamomile is also now widely cultivated in the United States, Australia, Argentina, Egypt, and northern Africa.
Commonly packaged as a tea, the dried leaves and flowers can be purchased over the counter in both bagged and loose form.
Throughout the ages Chamomile has proved a very effective sleep aid and it can be administered in a variety of ways including being brewed as a tea and used in a sachet placed under your pillow.
Unlike some herbal sleep remedies, you do not need to use Chamomile on a regular basis to enjoy its effects as a treatment for sleeplessness. It can be used on the spot to provide quick relief for sleeplessness and anxiety.
Chamomile tea, which is made from the dried flowers and leaves of this common plant, often proves most effective when sipped a half an hour to forty-five minutes before going to bed.
Chamomile can prove especially helpful in relieving the symptoms of mild insomnia (also known as transient insomnia).
Chrysin, a flavonoid component of Chamomile, is the chemical attributed to Chamomile's ability to relieve anxiety and promote sleep. Chrysin can also be found in Passion flower, another plant often effective in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety.
Chamomile can also reduce the histamine-based swelling produced by allergic reactions, and is an excellent solution when congested sinuses or food allergies contribute to sleeplessness.
You should note that Hay fever sufferers who exhibit an allergic reaction to ragweed and its close botanical relatives (such as chrysanthemum and aster) often have a similar reaction to Chamomile.
If you'd like to try Chamomile tea then you'll find this recipe helpful:
|
Chamomile Tea Recipe (One serving)
Ingredients:
1 cup water, 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers, lemon juice and honey
Preparation:
First, bring the water to the boil in a saucepan. Add the dried chamomile flowers to the water (either directly or using a tea infuser) and boil for thirty to forty-five seconds with the lid on. Remove the tea from the heat and let the flowers steep for another minute. The loose flowers can then be removed from the tea using a strainer.
Served with honey and a little lemon juice, this tea is a tasty way to unwind after a busy day and its calming properties usually begin to take effect within a half hour of drinking a cup.
For added sedative effect, substitute a few leaves of Lemon Balm for the lemon juice.
|
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.
|
