Phytotherapy for sleep: what is it?

Herbal  medicine  is a form of alternative medicine that uses plant preparations and their extracts to treat or cure a variety of health problems.

Phytotherapy for sleep is based on the active ingredients related to the use of whole plants or parts of plants (such as leaves, flowers, stems, roots, seeds and bark).

These remedies can be used in different forms, such as infusions, tinctures, ointments, essential oils, tablets, capsules, or capsules.

Fighting insomnia with phytotherapy

Lifestyle and bad habits have a lot to do with the problem (overweight, increased screens, stress, etc.). They cause a decrease in concentration and memory. They weaken immunity and increase the risk of obesity, stroke, digestive disorders, adverse effects, and diabetes. 

However, the best thing to do is not to give in to sleeping pills. Effective herbal sleep therapy heals the individual sustainably and without side effects. The interest, in this specific case, is to combine the action of a relaxant, for example with a vegetable decoction (thyme, sage, nettle, rosemary, bark and other dried herbs) and the effectiveness of a sedative.

Valerian, hawthorn, passionflower, linden, St. John's wort and lavender combat nervousness and restlessness.

Lemon balm, chamomile, yellow poppy and poppy decrease the activity of the central nervous system. They allow for a deep and restful sleep. 

Herbal medicine is not without risks. The combination of plants is an art that must be handled with caution. Even more so when it comes to children or pregnant women.

Using Sleep Herbal Medicine for Children

The insomnia occurs when there is a decrease in the quantity and quality of sleep. It can be due to: 

• physical pain;
• an ambient temperature that is too high;
• a change in the dynamics of the family unit;
• an emotional problem;
• an inadequate diet;
• noise pollution.

Once the cause has been identified, the use of herbal medicine can be considered. To do this, it is important to first contact a specialist, such as a pediatrician. It will indicate the dosages to follow and warn of potential risks. 

For newborns, the most effective remedy is orange blossom floral water. This hydrosol calms and soothes tension thanks to its delicate fragrance. It is poured directly into the bottle or bath water. It can also be used as a complement to a suitable massage oil. 

Stress and sleep herbal medicine for pregnant and breastfeeding women

The apprehension of having a new member in the family can significantly affect the quality of sleep. 

From a physiological point of view, it can be the consequence of: 

• more frequent urination;
• gastroesophageal reflux;
• a restless child who takes up more and more space;
• back pain;
• circulatory problems.

Passionflower, orange blossom and hawthorn taken in herbal teas have undeniable therapeutic virtues. From the second trimester onwards, certain sedative plants are allowed: Roman chamomile, linden, verbena and lemongrass.

The nasal walls may swell during pregnancy. Pine or cypress essential oil will help you breathe better. For blood circulation, use red screw. 

It is important to always seek advice from a gynecologist or midwife who will give you more pharmaceutical advice about alternative medicine and its benefits.

Phytotherapy to fight sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a recurring pause in breathing that lasts 10 to 30 seconds during the night.

It can be caused by a loosening of the muscles of the tongue and throat, or it can be the result of neurological failure. In addition to causing headaches, intense fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, it can lead to loud snoring.

There are several techniques to alleviate these drawbacks: CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and the mask CPAP, mandibular orthoses and nasal stent from Back2Sleep or Provent for mild apnea. 

Let's also remember that some houseplants clean the ambient air by eliminating chemical residues. Why can it be said that they are effective against apnea? Because they maintain a good level of oxygen and allow the patient to breathe better during sleep. 

These plants include: the gerbera, golden scindapsum, snake plant, aloe vera, English ivy, Madagascar dragon plant, and chlorophytum.

Garlic and peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils are excellent anti-inflammatories. They clear the airways and improve the quality of sleep.

Herbal Medicine in Other Sleep Disorders

When we  talk about sleep-related pathologies, we usually talk about insomnia. However, hypersomnia has equally harmful effects. The patient experiences loss of attention, headaches, and sometimes even dizziness and nausea.

This can lead to discomfort in social and professional life. To get rid of it, we resort to phytotherapy with stimulating and invigorating plants.

The most effective plants against hypersomnia are: ginseng, rhodiola, licorice, ginkgo biloba, kola seeds and Chinese angelica. Other herbs in herbal tea or infusion have an active ingredient that relieves sleep disorders such as ginger, fennel, turmeric, willow or berries.

It can also happen that the sleep pattern is affected by repeated trips or night work. This results in a decrease in the sleep hormone melatonin. It is present in many foods, such as tomatoes, cherries, nuts, rice, etc. Ideally, you should focus on these nutrients in the evening and eliminate any dishes that are too spicy, rich or sweet, as well as stimulants.

For naturapathy enthusiasts, phytotherapy can be complemented by other alternative medicines such as: aromatherapy, reflexology, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, etc.