When most people think of an aromatic smell and fragrance, like those found in soaps, sachets, and shampoos, lavender comes to mind. However, it’s much more than just a fragrance – its an herb that acts as a natural remedy to a variety of different ailments and conditions.

Some medical conditions that lavender is believed to help treat includes insomnia, depression, mood disturbances, and anxiety disorders. All of this centers around the research that has shown that lavender creates a soothing, calming effect.
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Valerian is a perennial that is located in Europe, North America, and some areas of Asia. It’s the rootstock portion of the plant that contains all the numerous active compounds that some believe give Valerian it’s medicinal characteristics.

The effects and benefits of Valerian can be widely positive, especially for those that have trouble sleeping. The health benefits of Valerian may outweight it’s possible side effects, so you can make the determination for yourself.

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Valerian has been used as an herbal sleep aid for decades.  It’s a root and has a characteristic smell of old socks, coming from isovaleric acid.  While valerian helps occasional sleeplessness, it’s also very helpful when taken long-term.

Many studies have demonstrated that the valerien root is an as extremely safe and effective way to get your body to relax and go to sleep.  Those that have taken valerian remark that they feel less nervous and anxious,  and sleep better.

Valerian is believed to be a better sleep aid than prescription medications because of it’s lack of side effects.  Many prescriptions have a negative effect on concentration and alertness, while valerian does not.

Having trouble sleeping? Herbal supplements can help you get a good nights sleep. Here are the top 5 herbal sleep aid supplements…

Top 5 Herbal Sleep Aids:

1. Chamomile
   Chamomile is one of nature’s oldest and gentlest herbal sleep aids. It is most often drunk as a tea, which has a mild and pleasant taste. In addition to promoting calm and restfulness, chamomile is also used in cases of stomach irritation.
2. Valerian
   Valerian is a root that has long been used as an herbal sleep aid. It has a characteristic smell, like old socks, which comes from isovaleric acid. Valerian can be used to help occasional sleeplessness, but is also particularly helpful taken long-term.
3. Melatonin
   Melatonin is a hormone that the body produces at night. It is sometimes called the “sleep hormone” because it is so important to healthy sleep. People who are blind, who suffer from jet lag, or who live in places with extended sunlight hours may have trouble sleeping because their bodies do not produce enough melatonin.
4. SAMe
   SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is an amino acid derivative, and is found normally in the body. It is typically used as an antidepressant, but is also commonly used to treat chronic fatigue syndrome or as an herbal sleep aid. Its actions in the body help to promote healthy sleep cycles, especially when taken daily for several weeks.
5. Tryptophan
   Tryptophan is an amino acid that is a precursor to seratonin. Low seratonin levels can cause irritability, anxiety, and sleeplessness, so adding more tryptophan to your diet can help you relax and will promote healthier sleep patterns.

So before you head to the doctor for a prescription, try herbal products.

Welcome to Herbal Supplements 101.

Herbal supplements 101 has been setup to provide information for people that are taking, or want to take, herbal supplements. There are so many types of herbal supplements available, we aim to educate you so that you know what herbals you should take.

We’ll be covering topics like herbal weight loss, disease treatment, general health and reporting on herbal supplement news.

Stay tuned for coming posts!