Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 44
Chamomile and passion昀氀ower:
Calming more than curative
Chamomile is often used as a bedtime
tea and is widely associated with
relaxation. Passion昀氀ower is another herb
traditionally used for calming the nervous
system. Both are sometimes considered
when sleep problems are linked to worry,
tension or dif昀椀culty switching off.
Valerian:
The best known herbal sleep aid
Valerian is one of the most
commonly discussed herbs for
sleep. It has traditionally been
used to promote relaxation and
support sleep, and some people
report that it helps them fall
asleep more easily.
However, research 昀椀ndings are
mixed. Some studies suggest
valerian may have a mild
sleep promoting effect, while
others show little or no bene昀椀t
compared with placebo. It also
may not work immediately. If
valerian helps at all, it may take
two to three weeks of regular
use before any noticeable
change occurs.
Valerian can also cause side
effects such as headache,
dizziness or stomach upset in
some people. Because it may
cause drowsiness, it should not
be mixed with alcohol, sedatives
or sleeping tablets unless
advised by a health professional.
The evidence for chamomile and
passion昀氀ower appears more promising
for anxiety and relaxation than for
insomnia itself. That distinction matters. If
someone is sleeping poorly because they
feel anxious or mentally overstimulated,
a calming ritual may help create the right
conditions for sleep. But if insomnia is
chronic, complex or linked to another
health issue, herbs alone are unlikely to
resolve the problem.
A warm cup of caffeine free herbal
tea may still be a helpful part of a
bedtime routine, but it should be viewed
as a supportive habit rather than a
guaranteed treatment.
