Diet Mind Spirit

Passion Flower - is an excellent sedative herb with no side effects even when used in large quantities. It contains harmine, which combats depression and triggers the “feel good” response. Passion Flower reduces spasms and depresses the central nervous system. It contains tranquilizing properties, including mild sedative and anti-anxiety effects. Also, it has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscles within the body, including the digestive system, promoting digestion.

Chamomile - Chamomile has been used used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability. Chamomile oil can also be put in bath water to soothe nerves. There are mild sedative effects associated with chamomile. The FDA considers chamomile to be safe and the herb has no known adverse effects. Don’t tale chamomile if you’re pregnant or suffer from any chronic disorders of the digestive tract, including ulcers and ulcerative colitis.

Oats - oats have a mild sedative effect and has long been used as an herbal treatment of insomnia. Oats are rich in vitamins A, B1, B2 and E, manganese, zinc, calcium, phosphorus. They are also used to treat nervous exhaustion and “weakness of the nerves. Oats are thought to stimulate sufficient nervous energy to make sleep possible.

Magnesium - Magnesium is helpful for relieving restless leg syndrome (RLS) and for treating insomnia. It is needed for bone, protein, and fatty acid formation, making new cells, activating B vitamins, relaxing muscles, clotting blood, and forming ATP - the muscle’s energy source. About half of the body’s magnesium stores are found inside cells of body tissues and organs, and half are combined with calcium and phosphorus in bone. Only 1% of the magnesium in the body is found in blood. Sources of magnesium include green vegetables such as spinach, as well as nuts, seeds, and some whole grains. The magnesium content of refined foods is usually low.

California Poppy - California Poppy was used by the Native Americans as a gentle sedative for children and the elderly. Although California Poppy is closely related to the Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) it has a markedly different effect on the central nervous system. California Poppy is not a narcotic and does not contain opiates like the Opium Poppy and is not addictive. In fact, rather than disorientating the user, it tends to normalize psychological function.

Medicinally, California poppy is a plant with sedative, analgesic and antispastic activities. It is particularly helpful if sleep is difficult from anxiousness and acute pain. It lessens both nerve centered and muscular pain, calms the mind and relieves anxiety.

Note: Please consult your private physician before undertaking any new methods for your insomnia.

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