“I had a sleepless night tossing and turning”. “I watched 2 movies last night as I couldn’t sleep”. “I don’t know how to get rid of these bags under my eyes-the insomnia isn’t helping”!

How many times have we heard, or actually said, something to this effect? Way too frequently, it may seem. Hectic lifestyles, little or no exercise, irregular routines and a great deal of stress- all these combine to compound the problem of insomnia.

But all isn’t lost. Before you start considering the need to take prescription medicines, try a few of these natural herbal remedies to help ward off insomnia:

Valerian root: The Valerian root is a true all-rounder for the many benefits it can impart. The indigenous species of Valerian, which has been used in Ayurveda since ancient times, is well-known for its gentle sedative properties. People who have used it claim that it trumps prescription medicines by a large margin because of its long-term benevolent effects. It is considered safe for everyday use, and regular users are able to fall asleep quicker and have a more relaxed sleep pattern. Many people like to add it in oil form to a warm bath to help them relax. It can also be incorporated in one’s daily dietary routine as an herbal infusion.

Passionflower: The passionflower is considered an excellent mild sedative that is safe for usage amongst all age groups. Commonly used to help even young children with sleeping difficulties, it is known to cause no side-effects, even when used in large quantities on a regular basis. Tea remains the most popular medium for deriving the benefits of this gentle herb.

Lavender: Lavender is found to have a calming effect on the nervous system and is therefore used extensively to “soothe frayed nerves”. Due to its unique fragrance, it is a favored addition as an essential oil to warm baths, or for direct massage and application onto the skin. Loyalists believe that even a deep inhalation of lavender oil for a few minutes before bedtime can help put their mind to rest and allow them a restful night of sleep. It’s no wonder that a lot of detergents and fabric softeners are lavender-scented- they allow bed sheets and comforters to not just smell lovely, but also help people sleep better! Lavender can also, like all other herbs, be had as an infusion.

Ashwagandha root: The Ashwagandha root is hailed as an adaptogen; i.e a medicine that is considered beneficial in helping people adapt to both emotional and physical changes. In Ayurveda, it is used for treating a host of chronic ailments. Ashwagandha is very popular as an effective natural remedy for chronic insomnia. Because it chemically blocks stress messages in the human body, it is helpful in reducing anxiety & worry, thus promoting restfulness and regular sleeping patterns.

Chamomile: In some parts of the world, chamomile tea is the beverage of choice for many. Chamomile has been a much-loved herb for several decades. It is thought to impart a deep sense of relaxation and tranquility due to it gentle sedative properties. It is considered extremely safe for daily consumption by everybody, even children. In fact, it is encouraged as a safe remedy in the form of a bath or massage oil for countering restlessness and irritability amongst young children.

So, which of these herbs appeal to you the most? Try one, or perhaps a combination that is best suited to you. Catching some shut-eye wouldn’t be such an anxiety-ridden exercise after that!

Article is Published by Om Prakash on behalf of mChemist,  mChemist is the first fully legal online pharmacy in India. It provides authentic medicines only for the written prescription from legitimate doctor. mChemist is functional online medicine service that along with medicines avail protein supplements and healthcare devices for purchase.