Drink your sleep troubles away: tart cherry juice helps beat insomnia

Millions of Americans have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, resulting in excessive fatigue and even more serious consequences. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC): "Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression...it is also responsible for motor vehicle and machinery-related accidents."

Of course, Big Pharma has come up with a huge array of supposedly easy solutions for those who have a hard time getting enough shut-eye. All you have to do is pop a pill such as the heavily hyped Sonata, Rozerem, Lunesta or Silenor and you'll soon be snoozing away happily, the drug advertisements promise. Of course, you might decide that's not the healthiest idea if you check out the side effects which can include hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, loss of coordination, fever, "sleep driving" while not fully awake and memory problems.

But here's good news for people wanting a more sensible, safer way to help sleep problems. Researchers say they've found what could be a natural and tasty solution for insomnia -- drinking tart cherry juice daily.

In a pilot study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, University of Rochester and the V.A. Center of Canandaigua tested the effects of tart cherry juice on the sleep habits of 15 older adults. The research subjects drank 8 ounces of the beverage every morning and night for two weeks. Then, after a two week "wash out" period of no juice, the study participants were switched to another juice drink containing no cherry juice.

The results? During the weeks the study participants drank the cherry juice, there were significant reductions in reported insomnia severity when compared to the weeks when they were consuming the non-cherry juice drink. What's more, drinking the tart cherry juice appeared to help people sleep through the night better, without waking up.

In a statement to the media, the researchers noted that tart cherries' natural sleep-enhancing benefits could be the result of their relatively high content of melatonin -- a natural antioxidant that has been shown in previous research to help induce sleepiness at night and wakefulness during the day.

In addition to normalizing sleep, scientists are discovering other health benefits of tart cherries and tart cherry juice, too. For example, University of Michigan research published last year in the Journal of Medicinal Food, suggests tart cherries may help to control weight and to prevent metabolic syndrome, the cluster of symptoms including high blood pressure and high cholesterol that ups the risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Oregon Health and Science University's Department of Medicine researchers have also found that drinking tart cherry juice for 7 days before and during a strenuous running event minimizes post-run muscle pain. Their study was published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/030760_tart_cherries_insomnia.html#ixzz18P5tU4GT

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What the Therapeutic Use of Great Mullein

Therapeutic Uses, Benefits and Claims of Great Mullein

Great mullein contains demulcent, emollient and astringent properties making it useful to help resolve pectoral complaints and bleeding of the lungs and bowels. Its uses can be traces back to the Greek herbalist, Dioscorides, who was one of the first to recommend it for in curing a variety of lung diseases.

Various Native American tribes used Mullein to help cure chest diseases. One such example is by the Navajos who would mix it with tobacco and smoke it to relieve coughing spasms. The Mohicans, however, would mix it with molasses, making a tea and use it as a cough medicine.

Great mullein has a very long history as an herbal remedy and in the Middle Ages was regarded as a cure all. Its focus is that of curing cough and sore throats. Mullein contains antiseptic agents and is mostly used today for chest ailments including bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, pleurisy and whooping cough.

Recommended uses include that as a general pain reliever. The oils destroy disease and germ infections. Insomnia has also been a noted ailment for which mullein can be taken to aid in. This is caused by the high content of mucilage and saponins.

Verbascum is an expectorant, meaning it is used to expel mucus from the lungs and throat; a demulcent, meaning it has soothing elements and reduces inflammation; a vulnerary, meaning it aids in the promotion of cell growth and repair; and an anodyne, which is a pain reliever.

Infusion of the oils of the mullein flower can be used to create drops to help earaches. This infusion is a very strong antibacterial agent and is also extremely effective in the treatment of mouth and gum ulcers. The root is commonly used to relieve pain from cramping, toothaches, and convulsions. Alternatively it can be used effectively as an herbal remedy for migraines when accompanied by ear oppression.

Poultices of the great mullein plant leaves have shown to help with hemorrhoid problems and said to be very valuable in the aid of diarrhea due to its combination of demulcent and astringent properties. This combination not only provides relief but is shown to strengthen bowels at the same time. It is these same properties that make mullein of great use for bleeding of the lungs and the bowels.

The entire mullein plant itself basically possesses sedative and narcotic properties.

http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/great-mullein-herb.html

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Herbal Sleep Aids and Herbs for Insomnia

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
Another natural herb commonly used as a herbal insomnia remedy. California poppy can be found in many herbal sleep aids sold in the United States today. This natural herb can help promote sleep, relaxation and ease mild anxiety. Because of this herb's mild sedative properties, it is also safe to give to children who have trouble sleeping.

http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/california-poppy-herb.html

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Herbs for Insomnia

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a herbal sleep aid. It is a very gentle herb and is considered safe both for adults and children. As a herb for insomnia is most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild, pleasant flavor. It has a mild soothing effect which aids sleep and reduces restlessness. It also has a positive effect on digestion. The active ingredients in chamomile include a volatile oil and a falconoid, apigenin, with other components helping as well. Science has not yet determined the exact mechanism by which this herb aids sleep. Chamomile is a very mild herb and does not lead to dependency. It has not been shown to have any side effects. Individuals with allergies to plants such as ragweed or daisies may have a reaction to this herb. It may increase the effects of other sleep aids and should be used with caution when combined with other drug therapies.

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Herbal Sleep Aids and Herbs for Insomnia

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

This is another herb that has been used for a long time as a herbal sleep aid. Valerian is the most popular herb for insomnia and it is is the natural source of Valium. It eases nervous tension, muscle tension and anxiety. It can be used as an occasional treatment for restlessness, but may be most beneficial for insomnia treatment over the long term. It works well in combination with other sedative herbs. Valerian root does not have the harsh side effects of many pharmaceutical treatments, like Valium, but in high doses this herb can cause nausea, headaches, dizziness, weakened heartbeat and even paralysis. Taken in recommended dosages it is considered safe. Due to the tonic and relaxant effect it should not be taken when driving or when reactions and mental acuity are needed. It should not be combined with pharmaceutical medicines that have similar effects.

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Herbal Sleep Aids and Herbs for Insomnia

Natural sleep aids, or herbal sleep aids, are quickly becoming a popular choice for treating insomnia naturally. In more recent years, studies have shown that some herbs and certain combinations of natural herbs can act as natural sleep aids, and can eliminate the need for taking synthetic medication, which can often come with many bothersome side effects.

With herbal sleep aids, it is possible to achieved the same calming effects you would get with prescription drugs, however, without the possibility of the harmful side effects.

If you struggle with insomnia, it is important to view insomnia herbal remedies as part of a holistic approach to treating and managing your condition. Herbs to help you sleep are only a part of the overall treatment. The use of nutrition, herbal remedies, and finding and addressing the underlying cause of the condition with your health care practitioner, will lead to better health, both physically and mentally.

The Kava Kava Root

Kava kava is often used as a herbal insomnia remedy. This particular herb is extremely popular throughout the South Seas, and is quickly growing in popularity throughout the United States. When used as natural sleep aids, kava kava can impart a natural calm feeling, as it helps relax the body, as well as enhance dreaming. This herb for insomnia is also often recommended for chronic fatigue. Long term use should be avoided due to the possibility of liver damage.

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