Sleeping Aides

QuercusRobur · Very Active Member Joined: Sep 21, 2005 Posts: 2575

Chamomile tea or a cup of hot milk works for me.

You can burn oils : Valerian, Vetivert, Ylang Ylang and Neroli are all the heaviest sedatives. Frankincense works really well for clearing your mind - it was used in the past as a meditation aid, and Atlas Cedarwood was used for the same purpose as well.

I don't use Ylang Ylang myself as I can't stand the smell, but I have used it on a client who I thought needed it - and held my nose. Not that that did much good....

Or try what I call my Peace Blend : 1 drop Valerian, 1 drop Geranium and 1 drop Frankincense.

All the oils I've mentioned here are good for depression or stress and Geranium is indicated for bipolar.
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"History is just a myth that has been written down" Napoleon Bonaparte

Manannin · Very Active Member Joined: Jan 02, 2007 Posts: 216

The scent of fresh valerian flowers is a wondeful somnolent, far preferable to taking the root but very seasonably dependant.
Pennyroyal and Black Peppermint are also favourites of mine for this purpose.

aquamarina · Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 2:28 pm Post subject:

I've found that lavender just about does it for me. I've had serious insomnia for years. Valerian works, but only in extreme cases and I try not to use much, as we can become addicted. What I've done lately is meditate with a lavender-infused candle first, and then take a lavender chamomile tea. The meditation, usually also using the small rock fountain I bought, and the scent of the candle wash away the tension of the day. The tea sort of finishes me off, as it were, making me sleepy. I even visualize rest as I drink.

Also, doing mini meditations during the day when I am most stressed seems to diffuse the anxiety I am prone to. That way I don't carry as much home with me.

QuercusRobur · Very Active Member Joined: Sep 21, 2005 Posts: 2575

stevebn13 · Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 2:27 pm Post subject:

I recently made myself a pillow using hops, lavendar and chamomile. It seems that these herbs are popular with many members for sleeping aid. My housemate swears by Catnip tea; I don't tend to use it because I find that it makes me hot in bed.

I have used damiana in an infusion for this purpose also. Although, caution must be taken when using damiana; prolonged use is capable of causing harm to the liver.
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"What is Given is freely Taken and What is Taken is freely Given!"

QuercusRobur · Very Active Member Joined: Sep 21, 2005 Posts: 2575

Riona · Active Member Joined: Feb 07, 2009 Posts: 29

I've used valerian but it left me feeling groggy in the morning. Usually, lavendar, in a sachet under my pillow, works well for me, and before going to bed I sometimes drink a cup of chamomile tea.

Riona

Manannin · Very Active Member Joined: Jan 02, 2007 Posts: 216

5-HTP is great, and will give vivid dreams. Pennyroyal/Black Peppermint also very relaxing...

QuercusRobur · Very Active Member Joined: Sep 21, 2005 Posts: 2575

What's 5-HTP?
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"History is just a myth that has been written down" Napoleon Bonaparte

aquamarina · Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

Yes I was referring to the herb.
Cool

Lolair · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 2:49 pm Post subject: