Natural Remedies for Insomnia: Homeopathic and Herbal Treatments

Jul 28, 2010
Fleur Hupston

Try Natural Remedies for Insomnia - NXFURY

The inability to sleep is a condition that has reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the world. Try natural remedies to find relief for insomnia.

There are many factors that may cause people to have sleep difficulties and homeopathic and herbal treatments can help. Always consult a qualified homeopath for advice, especially before taking over-the-counter homeopathic remedies. Seek advice from a herbalist before taking herbs, since some herbs can be toxic if taken in excess.

Homeopathic Treatments for Insomnia

A homeopath will try to get to the root cause of any inability to sleep, and based on his or her findings, may prescribe the following. This list is not comprehensive, but gives an idea of what a homeopath may prescribe for certain conditions related to sleeplessness:

Belladonna: For individuals who are restless or wake during the night, a homeopath may prescribe belladonna. Belladonna is also useful for those who sleep with eyes partially open or who start and twitch during sleep.
Chamomilla: This is a remedy for sleeplessness due to bad dreams or sleeplessness due to emotional excitement. Children who cannot sleep due to severe pain may benefit from this remedy.
Kali phosphoricum: Those who are overworked or are exhausted following a taxing illness may benefit from this remedy. A homeopath will doubtless ask questions relating to noise and light sensitivity and/or irritability or depression before deciding on this natural remedy for insomnia.
Nux vomica: This is given if sleep is not sound, the patient awakens frequently at night and is plagued by frightful dreams. It is also for those to have an inability to sleep properly and/or a feeling of tiredness and sluggishness that persists during the day.
Cocculus: This remedy is often helpful to those who are over-tired due to sleep disruption (such as taking care of a newborn baby), a disruptive work schedule, jet lag or chronic worry. The person may feel weak and dizzy, have trouble thinking, and/or may be sleepy, irritable, or tearful.

Herbal Remedies for Insomnia

Herbalists may suggest the following natural remedies for insomnia:

Linden: A popular everyday tea in France, linden has a calming and soothing effect that is useful in cases of insomnia exacerbated by anxiety and irritability.
Valerian: This herb acts as a natural sedative and the root of the plant makes an excellent sleep tonic when combined with dandelion root and chamomile flowers.
St. John's wort: This is a herb that relieves depression, anxiety and tension and is useful for sleep difficulties. It can be taken orally or in a warm bath.

A warm bath with an infusion of chamomile, lavender or limeflowers is said to have a calming and relaxing effect before bedtime.

Herbal teas made from chamomile, catnip, lemon balm and limeflowers can help with sleeplessness. Many people who are afraid of becoming drug dependent by taking conventional insomnia treatments find that natural remedies offer a measure of relief.