Trouble Sleeping? Try This Herbal Combo

We all know what it feels like to be sleep deprived.  You feel a groggy. Little things bother you more than they normally would.  And because your body and your mind suffer when you do not get enough sleep, the physical effects of sleep deprivation can be dramatic.  Memory issues, weight management, physical wellness and even sexuality can be affected by a lack of sleep. 

You are not alone.  The CDC has declared inadequate sleep as a public health epidemic, with more than 3 million cases of sleep disorders medically reported each year.  While sleep deprivation can be an isolated incident, due to stress, trauma, or pain, it can also become a chronic condition, (lasting more than a month) caused by psychological conditions such as stress, trauma, anxiety, or hormonal disturbances.

Fortunately, there is a natural solution to the problem.  By combining three herbs, Hops, Valerian and Passionflower, you can take a safe and synergistic approach to promote sleep and restfulness. While Valerian root can be taken alone, the effects of the herb are best potentiated when combined with Hops and Passionflower, because they magnify the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It can be used daily without side effects to aid in sleep onset and to reduce anxiety.

Let’s look at these three synergetic herbs and how they work together to provide relief from sleep deprivation.

Valerian Root

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) is widely used for its tranquil effect on the nervous system. Valerian effectively reduces anxiety and restlessness and promotes sleep. And several studies have shown it to be as effective as benzodiazepines (any of a class of heterocyclic organic compounds used as tranquilizers, such as Librium and Valium) because it contains valerenic acid, which binds to the GABA-benzodiazepine receptors.  Hops and Valerian root are commonly combined for their beneficial, synergistic effect in the treatment of sleep disorders.  And a valerian and hops tincture combination was found to neutralize caffeine-induced arousal before sleep.

Hops

Hops (Humulus lupulus), along with marijuana (Cannabis sativa) are both from the Cannabaceae family.  Aside from providing bitterness to beer during the brewing process, Hops buds are also used as bitter tonic and as a sedative.  They are rich in flavonoids, which makes them an excellent resource as an antibiotic, antifungal, antioxidant and as a pain reliever. They have been used in herbal medicine to treat anxiety, restlessness, sleep disturbances, muscle cramps, panic attacks, and insomnia due to pain.  Hops can also be useful for menopausal symptoms associated with low estrogen, in small amounts.  These bitter attributes make Hops a wonderful compliment to Valerian root.

Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata L., P. coerulea, and P. edulis), indigenous to Central and South America, is a tropical vine that produces passion fruit, a flavorful fruit that is rich in vitamin C. Passionflower contains chrysin, a natural flavone that has anxiolytic effects equal to those of benzodiazepines.  The leaves have been used for centuries as a sedative and as an anxiolytic (anti-anxiety medication). Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of Passionflower for sleep, generalized anxiety disorder and for reducing anxiety prior to surgery, making this herb an excellent addition to your sleep formula.   

In a world that is constantly on the go, your body and mind need a chance to recuperate from daily challenges and to re-charge. Try these three herbs and rest easy.