Disturbing thoughts have plagued man for millennia, inducing sleepless nights. Insomnia herbs have been in use for just as long. When modern medicine came into the picture, there came a proliferation of chemicals and sedatives to help give space-age society its clamored-for rest--as well as other addictive side effects. A search for safer alternatives takes us back to the insomnia herbs of ancient times, and we have rediscovered that nature's compounds are often still the safer alternative.

Caffeine is an addictive drug. While it keeps you energized on nonetheless lethargic mornings, it will likewise prevent you from having some wanted sleep at night. Because of a restless night in bed, you'll be lethargic again the following day, and also nervous and touchy and you'll dash madly towards the neighborhood Starbucks the first chance you get.

It is self-propagating, and must be stopped. If you can't cut your dependency from caffeine totally, at least try to reduce your consumption. Doing this includes cutting off the consumption of colas, chocolate, and yes, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Have some insomnia herbs instead.

Valerian root is the best choice. It is "the safest and most effective sleep aid with no side effects," according to British scientist turned herbal guru Dr. Malcolm Stuart, who says the best time to drink it would be around 8 PM. Thirty minutes before going to bed, use one to two teaspoons of the dried root to make a sleep-promoting tea. Unlike sleeping pills, valerian causes no side effects. And unlike its equivalent pills, which may trigger an addiction, you will not develop a dependency on this natural cure.

Alike to valerian root in terms of its sleep-inducing effects is catnip. Not only is this herb used as a answer to insomnia, but it is also thought to relieve nervousness, anxiety, and even migraines. Taking catnip is again just like valerian--one to two teaspoons of the dried herb for one cup of boiled water and set aside to soak for about ten minutes. Do not boil the herb along with the water as this may destroy some of its active ingredients.

Chamomile is milder and is safer for children to take, more so when the young ones are hyper. The usual dosage is two teaspoons of dried chamomile flower for a cup of tea.

Lavender also makes for a very soothing brew at night (three flower heads to one cup of boiling water, soaked like catnip), and inhaling a few drops of its oil or mixing it with your bubble bath has the same relaxing effect. It can also be rubbed onto your skin through a massage and its flowers and seeds stuffed into your pillows.

In Chinese Traditional medicine, the longan fruit and sour jujube seed are both known to relax the soul. The former is used to treat insomnia, while the latter complements stronger cures.

While the insomnia herbs cited above may be taken alone, you may also mix an herbal cocktail if you like. Try blending valerian with chamomile, catnip, or some other mild herbs like hops and passionflower. Add a small amount of the natural sweetener stevia to taste if you find the taste somewhat too robust to your taste. Don't consume it excessively to spare yourself from sleep-interrupting trips to the bathroom.

While there is nothing fundamentally bad with using insomnia herbs, homeopathy, and aromatherapy to induce sleep, it is still best to go the natural way and permit your body to fall asleep on its own, the way it's built to do. To make your body to perform at its prime, a lifestyle realignment is in order.

To not have sleep disorders, having an exercise routine, proper stress management, and sticking to a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables is the the healthiest way to go, aside from taking your favorite serving of insomnia herbs. In the meantime, why don't you have a cup of soothing chamomile-valerian tea? Cheers!