The root of many ills : Insomnia and other sleep problems
I hear many people talking about sleep these days – or rather lack of it!! Difficulties in getting off to sleep, racing thoughts they cant switch off, and/or waking in the small hours seemingly wide awake yet knowing they need more rest. Most of us cope with the odd disturbed night, but if insomnia persists it can put a real strain on the body weakening our immune system making us more susceptible to all sorts of infections and illness. Never mind what it does to our mood!!
I see lots of people in clinic who are having problems sleeping, and funnily enough, that isn’t always what they initially come to see me for. I often find if I can sort out the sleep then many other symptoms are helped too. The herbs I use depends on many factors (decided best during consultation); whether someone has difficulties getting off or staying asleep, whether they have a lot of stress/anxiety or sometimes their adrenal glands may have problems switching off due to underlying problems? I often use herbs such as valerian root, chamomile, lime flowers, lavender, california poppy or skullcap to help gently encourage the mind to quieten and support the nervous system enough for sleep to improve. I might consider passionflower or borage if staying asleep is the problem. Passionflower may also be helpful if pain contributes to the insomnia. I would always encourage you seek advice from a medical herbalist before taking herbs intended for children or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking pharmaceutical medication or suffering from other health conditions – most times there are herbs you can take safely, its just important to make sure! Please don’t hesitate to contact me should you require a consultation or an informal chat about herbs for insomnia or any other medical condition.
Lynda Jones BSc(Hons) MNIMH Dip BER Medical Herbalist
01303 242838 jones.lynda@yahoo.co.uk
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