Flourish Health & Wellbeing eMag - Latest Edition - Flipbook - Page 45
What about Chinese herbal medicine?
Chinese herbal medicine has also been
studied for insomnia, with some reviews
suggesting it may improve sleep quality
compared with placebo. However,
Chinese herbal medicine is highly
individualised, and products can vary
widely in formulation, quality and dose.
Kava:
Potential bene昀椀ts, important
safety concerns
Kava has been studied more
extensively for anxiety than for
sleep. Some evidence suggests
it may help reduce anxiety
symptoms, which may indirectly
support sleep for some people.
However, kava also carries
important safety concerns.
Kava products have been linked
to rare but serious cases of
liver injury. The risk may be
higher with certain extracts,
high doses, prolonged use,
alcohol use or when combined
with other medicines. Kava
should not be taken with
benzodiazepines or other
sedating medications unless
speci昀椀cally advised by a doctor.
For this reason, kava is not a
casual “try it and see” sleep
remedy. Anyone considering
kava should speak with a GP,
pharmacist or quali昀椀ed health
professional 昀椀rst, particularly
if they have liver disease, drink
alcohol regularly, take medication
or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Anyone interested in this approach
should consult a quali昀椀ed Chinese
medicine practitioner and let their GP or
pharmacist know what they are taking.
This is especially important for people
using prescription medicines, blood
thinners, sedatives, antidepressants or
medicines for chronic health conditions.
Natural does not always mean safe
One of the most important messages
around herbal sleep remedies is that
they can still have side effects and
interactions. Herbs may affect the way
medicines work, increase sedation,
contribute to next day drowsiness or
place extra strain on the liver.
Extra caution is needed for people
who are pregnant, breastfeeding, older
adults, children, people with liver or
kidney disease, and anyone taking
regular medication. It is also important
not to combine multiple sleep products
without professional advice.
Product quality can also vary. Unlike
prescription medicines, herbal
supplements may differ in strength,
purity and consistency. Two products
with the same herb on the label may not
have the same active ingredients or dose.
