Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of herbal sedatives over modern pharmaceuticals is quite clearly the fact that only natural ingredients are used. This is somewhat of a reassuring factor for those who perhaps worry about the side effects of modern medicine.
Herbal sedatives are extremely effective if taken in appropriate doses yet this is determined by the individual and his or her resistance to certain herbs.
This article gives you a concise breakdown of the top ten herbal sedatives to help you make up your mind about the most suitable alternative for your individual and specific requirements.
The Most Popular Herbal Sedatives Today
1. Lavender
Purple Lavender in particular is well known for its natural sedating effects. Perhaps not the strongest of natural sedatives, Lavender still remains one of the most popular. Lavender can be inserted into your pillow (or you can buy this lavender pillow) to help you sleep better or used as an ingredient in traditional shortbread cookies or summer cakes. (Buy Lavender Oil on Amazon)
2. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is another great herbal sedative that is probing to be popular in recent years. One particular method used when preparing lemon balm as your chosen herbal sedative is to soak the balm in alcohol such as vodka. This should then be left to ferment over a period of approximately 2 weeks. When ready, the lemon balm should then be strained and into a small bottle and when the time comes that you need a little bit of stress relief, simply measure out a teaspoon of the balm and swallow. (Buy Lemon Balm on Amazon)
3. Californian Orange Poppy
California poppy is a great herbal sedative that also acts as a mild pain reliever. As with nearly all herbal sedatives, consumption of the California poppy should be avoided during pregnancy. (Buy California Poppy on Amazon)
4. Kava Kava
Kava Kava is Polynesian and is well known for its beneficial effects with people who suffer from chronic pain conditions. As with all herbs, this form of sedative should be taken with caution as study has shown that prolonged consumption with alcohol can actually cause liver damage. If large amounts are taken, the consumer may also suffer from skin rashes. However, Kava Kava is extremely effective and when taken using the upmost of caution, your anxiety or sleep disorder will see a huge improvement. (Buy Kava Kava Online)
5. Hops
When we talk of hops, most people will immediately think of beer. Whilst one of the main ingredients in beer is indeed hops, excessive consumption of beer will present detrimental effects towards your health. Hops alone do actually provide humans with a sedating effect but can be quite difficult to consume due to the bitter taste. With this in mind, you should try placing a small amount of hops in some herbal tea and consuming it this way. (Buy Hops On Amazon)
6. Passionflower
This flower has been the subject of recent study and the findings have presented some very interesting results. The findings showed that with 45 drops consumed daily, the sedating effects were not far dissimilar to that of pharmaceutical medicines such as Valium. (Buy Passionflower on Amazon)
7. Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda is actually a root that is quite different from many other herbal sedatives. Most herbal sedatives are consumed at night time but Ashwanda is perfect for those stressful days at work or over the holiday season. Ashwanda was actually awarded “best herb of the year” in 2007 and is very popular in tea for those who work in stressful environments. (Buy Ashwaganda On Amazon)
8. Catnip
This is perhaps one of the most well know herbal sedatives from our top ten list yet many do not realize how beneficial catnip actually is. Once again, this herb should be avoided during pregnancy but is safe in small doses with children. Catnip is ultimately a mild sedative but for those who are not sure, medical advice from your local doctor is advised beforehand. (Buy Catnip On Amazon)
9. Chamomile
This is also another well known herb that can be usually found in the kitchen and even bathrooms. The aromas given off by Chamomile tea is extremely calming and the oils should be retained by covering your hot chamomile cup of tea with a cloth and inhaling the steam. Some people have known to experience allergic reactions towards chamomile so for those who regularly suffer with hay fever or seasonal allergies, chamomile probably isn’t the best choice. (Buy Chamomile On Amazon)
10. Motherwort
This is a great herb for those who suffer with palpitations of the heart. As the name quite clearly suggests, Motherwort is popular with mothers who consistently feel drained. This herb should be taken over long periods of time leading to a stronger and healthier heart. (Buy Motherwort On Amazon)
Herbal Sedatives and Points to Remember
One aspect of herbal sedatives as an alternative to modern medicines is that they need to be treated with an equal level of respect. Most modern pharmaceutical are derived from these very same herbs so as with numerous modern medicines, over-consumption of herbal sedatives should certainly be avoided.
