Herbal Household Remedies

Via: Sleep Apnea Cures

Herbs are a form of medication themselves, and mixing them with prescribed medications without proper knowledge of their effects is extremely dangerous. Under no circumstance, should a patient take a sleeping aid as a way to thwart sleep apnea. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Lets review some herbs that might help with sleep apnea;

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is a natural remedy that has been used for many years to induce sleep and calm the nerves. Natural Factors Valerian contains a 300 mg potency and is recommended for those who difficulty falling to sleep due to stress or anxiety. Valerian has sedative qualities and is listed on the FDA’s list of generally safe products. However, its effects can be dangerously increased if it is used with pharmaceutical sedatives.

Valerian is non-addictive and only rarely causes side effects, such as mild stomach upset in a small number of people. Valerian root supplements can be used in the amount of 300-400 mg taken about 30 minutes before going to bed.

Nonetheless Valerian exhibits additive effects similar to kava when taken in combination with barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Valerian Root has been shown to be effective in promoting sleep induction and sleep quality. It must be used regularly for 2-3 weeks in order to have its effect.

PassionFlower

Passionflower may increase the effects of OTC sedatives as well as those sold by prescription. [Passionflower has been used traditionally for its calming effects, and is said to have sedative and pain relieving activity. It has also been used for menstrual pain, diarrhea and dysentery. Passionflower preparations are made from fresh or dried flowers and other above-ground parts of the plant. Both whole and cut raw plant materials are used.

Passionflower is listed in many national pharmacopoeia as a drug plant. Passionflower extracts are about 80 times weaker than Syrian Rue but seam to produce less nausea and fewer undesirable side effects. Passionflower is best described as a plant that is used for nervous disorders and works by mildly depressing the central nervous system causing relaxation. The major advantage is, unlike many pharmaceuticals, that passionflower is non-habit-forming.

Passion Flower is a woody vine with intricate blue, purple, red, or white flowers. Several species, which act as sedatives and anxiolytics, are consumed as a tea or herbal supplement. Passion flower is not recommended for use during pregnancy . Consult your doctor before using this product.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is another fast-acting stimulant which will enable you to relax and produce a calm and sedated sleep. Don’t be frightened by the word stimulant. Lemon balm is a classic herb with lemon flavored leaves, and is often grown in the garden for its fragrant flowers. It has been used since the Renaissance to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep.

Chamomile

The word “chamomile” is derived from the Greek “chamos” (ground) and “melos” (apple), referring to chamomile’s low growth habit and apple scented blossoms. Chamomile and its constituent substances have been the topics of many scientific studies and the medical effects are considered to be a result the various components which have both similar and partially different effects. Chamomile is best known as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic. Chamomile helps to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. Chamomile combines very well with lemon balm (fresh or dried) for an excellent tea.

Teas which contains chamomile are usually sleep inducive and may keep the trachea open. Teas can be wonderful homeopathy overnight remedies for people who have difficulty sleeping. The homeopathy overnight tea that most people are most familiar with is precisely Chamomile. Chamomile Tea, is an old-fashioned but extremely efficacious remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women. It has a wonderfully soothing, sedative and absolutely harmless effect. Chamomile is known as both a pretty flower and an ancient healer.

Chamomile Flower is also a common ingredient in shampoos and perfumes. Chamomile skin care from CamoCare contains antioxidants that may help fight free radicals that damage skin. CamoCare chamomile skin care contains high levels of levomenol, flavonoids and essential oils to help soothe and restore dry, cracked skin.

John’s Wort

John’s Wort have the potential to make you sleepier during the day. John’s wort also works for treating sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. It can be an ingredient in other sleep aid medication or taken alone in a concentrated pill form.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the natural herbs which work as a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to bath before going to sleep helps the person to have relaxing sleep. Lavender has performed well in several studies, including usage for geriatric and cancer patients.

In conclusion, persons with obstructive sleep apnea often have daytime sleepiness with loss of concentration and memory impairment. An additional concern is the potential for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality resulting from hypoxemia. To take one cup of natural herbs tea one to three times a day it is advisable. However, remember that products only work if taken in the correct dose. Taking a dose that is too high can increase the chance of side effects and adverse outcomes.

Via: Daily Herald

A cup of tea at breakfast or over lunch is one of life’s simple indulgences. It’s even more special - and not much more difficult - if you grow the herbs yourself.

Many of the best tea herbs are easy to grow, beautiful, and naturally resistant to pests. Even if you don’t have garden space, many delightful tea herbs will grow in containers on a porch or windowsill.

“By growing my own tea, I have total freedom to pick the herbs to suit my mood or revitalize my palette,” says avid herb grower Jekka McVicar, author of “The Complete Herb Book.”

Mint is a must, and many herbs in the mint family such as lemon balm make teas of a different flavor. Other choices include lavender, rose hips and ginger. Daisy-like chamomiles can also cheer up any garden and the flowers make a soothing tea.

Once you’ve chosen your herbs, it’s as easy to harvest, dry, store and brew.

Read here, how

Via: Salt Lake Tribune

Grow these herbs to create a soothing homemade tea
By Maria Noel Groves
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 06/11/2008 04:50:58 PM MDT

Creating your own herbal tea can be a cinch with the right herbs. Here are some options for your garden:

ANISE HYSSOP
Agastache foeniculum, Mint Family
Anise hyssop brightens many home gardens with its long-lasting purple spikes. The leaves and flowers taste like licorice and can be snipped into salad as easily as they can be turned into sweet tea. Also consider root beer-flavored sunset hyssop (A. rupestris) and bright pink bubble gum mint (A. cana), says Tammi Hartung, herbalist and author of “Growing 101 Herbs that Heal.” These beauties attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

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