Do you have trouble getting to sleep at night? You're not alone. In fact, insomnia affects more than 30% of the American population. And of that number, 10 million use prescription sleeping medication. So we asked: are sleeping pills the answer?
While those medications work in the short term, they also pose some serious health risks. For example, common side effects include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Heartburn
- Headache
- Stomach pain
The Power of Sedative Herbs
As Dr. Philip Fritchey shares in his book Practical Herbalism: Ordinary Plants with Extraordinary Powers, nervines and adaptogens are two sedative classes of herbs. They work by interacting with the central nervous system, reducing stress, and calming nervous thoughts. And the natural remedy I'm about to show you combines the effects of nervines and adaptogens to create an effective, potent and safe sleep aid.Ingredients Required for Homemade Sleeping Pills
All of the herbs listed below can be purchased from the Bulk Herb Store.- 2 parts powdered Valerian root (no less, no more – Valerian root is powerful)
- 2 parts powdered skullcap
- 1 part powdered lemon balm (Melissa)
- 1 part powdered oatstraw
- 1 part powdered passion flower
- 1/2 part powdered rhodiola root
- 1/4 part powdered hop flowers
- Vegetable capsules
Instructions
Step #1
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Once measured out, mix all the ingredients in a non-reactive bowl. They should be well-combined.
Step #2
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Then place as many capsules as you think you will need into the capsule machine and proceed to fill the machine with your powder.
If you don't have a capsule machine, scoop the powder tightly into both ends of the capsules and close the ends.
Finally, store the capsules in an empty mason jar. They should stay fresh for 6-12 months.