Natural sedatives are plants that act as a remedy for better sleep. They are suitable for adults, children, the elderly, and even cats and dogs. However, the dosage varies depending on each one’s weight.
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Natural sedatives for sleep
They have narcotic and relaxing effects and help facilitate nighttime sleep. They are also relaxing remedies that tone the body, calm the nerves and eliminate anxiety without causing side effects.
Unlike pharmaceuticals, they have the ability to depress the central nervous system (CNS), producing tranquilizing effects. The person taking them feels relaxed and less anxious, making it easier for natural sedatives to aid sleep.
They are also effective against anxiety. Due to their effect on the body, they are often used as anxiolytics and hypnotics for adults.
Strong natural sedatives
Valerian is well known for its relaxing and toning effects. It helps improve sleep quality, and although many people claim it is not as strong as chemical sedatives, after a couple of hours, it significantly enhances sleep.
Linden is another well-known plant for reducing stress and anxiety. While it is not soporific, it promotes rest and relaxation, which is essential for bedtime. Insomnia is often caused by nervousness or persistent thoughts about problems, so drinking a linden tea before bed works wonders.
Lemon balm has hypnotic properties and, like linden, relaxes the body. It can be prepared as a tea and is beneficial against anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances. It can be used to combat insomnia as well as headaches or migraines.
Orange blossom is mild and delicate. Dried petals are used, and their flavor is almost imperceptible, so they are often combined with other calming herbs. Typically, orange blossom tea is prepared with linden or valerian. A more concentrated form is orange blossom water, obtained by distilling the flowers of the bitter orange tree, lemon tree, and other citrus plants.
Passionflower is a great addition to other relaxants to enhance their effects. It effectively combats insomnia and helps the body reach the REM stage of sleep. Passionflower’s properties lower blood pressure and heart rate, symptoms that often appear with anxiety attacks and stress. Also called the passionflower, it has anticonvulsant properties and improves overall nervous system conditions.
For adults
Elderly individuals can use any of these plants. There are different ways to consume them. Herbal shops offer teas, dried leaves and flowers, or ready-to-swallow tablets.
If you choose valerian, be aware that it has a strong and unpleasant taste, so teas may not be the preferred option for most people.
With the other options, taste will not be an issue. You can buy natural sedatives and take them in the way you find most convenient. However, always check beforehand. The herbalist preparing your order can recommend one that suits your taste and desired effect, preventing any unpleasant surprises.
Regarding relaxation and sedation, valerian capsules provide the best results for most people. However, you can also try:
- Ashwagandha.
- Hawthorn.
Ashwagandha
Rich in active compounds that act on the GABAergic system with hypnotic effects. The withanolides in ashwagandha offer properties and benefits that regulate sleep and make it deeper. It also acts as an anxiolytic, so it should not be taken alongside similar medications.
Hawthorn
It can be consumed as tea and enhances the effects of other natural sedatives. It is cardiotonic, supporting heart health while also reducing anxiety. Hawthorn calms and tones, making it a recommended tonic for the sympathetic nervous system.
It can alter blood pressure, so it should not be used in people who are not adults and in good health.
For children
It is essential to be cautious with children, as their doses are smaller and they are more sensitive to tranquilizers. Occasionally, a natural sedative may be given to children, but if the problem persists, it is best to consult a specialist.
Taking these sedatives can improve sleep quality and rest duration. Ideally, prepare an infusion after lunch and dinner for the child to drink calmly.
The best natural sedatives for children are linden, orange blossom, and chamomile, in that order. Valerian may be too strong for them.
How to take natural sedatives
If you have never taken any of these, it is better to start with a small dose rather than exceeding it. However, they are all very safe, and the worst that can happen is mild drowsiness or prolonged sleep. The only precaution is ensuring you are not allergic to any of them, as this could trigger allergic reactions.
For everyone else, there are several ways to take sedatives:
- Infusions.
- Capsules or tablets.
- Drops.
Infusions with sedatives or relaxants are simple to prepare. Just boil some water and add the herbs using an infuser. You can also heat the water in a microwave.
Relaxing capsules for sleep should be taken about 20 minutes before bedtime. This allows time for the effects to kick in and help you rest. The usual dosage is 1 or 2 per day, but always follow the bottle’s instructions.
Drops are more concentrated, and the recommended method is adding 5 to 10 drops of essential oils to water or a glass of warm milk right before bed. As with sleeping pills, always follow the instructions on the product, as compositions vary by brand.
Do they require a prescription?
They do not require one. These are products sold in herbal shops and health stores. Some pharmacies and parapharmacies also carry similar medicinal preparations. This means you can buy strong sedatives without a prescription.
Alternatives to sedatives
Many people have stopped using pharmaceutical drugs that cause addiction and long-term side effects. Additionally, prescription drugs require constant medical supervision.
One option is to try the remedies mentioned above. Another is taking melatonin pills for anxiety, which also regulate sleep cycles. This hormone is naturally produced by the body and can be taken to help regulate biological rhythms, transitioning from wakefulness to prolonged drowsiness and sleep. However, it needs to be taken daily to be effective and reduce sleepless nights.
My name is Edwin. I’ve been struggling with sleep for several years, constantly feeling tired and unable to work. I need to improve my health, and I prefer natural solutions.
I’ve been unable to sleep well for several years, with a lot of physical and mental exhaustion. I am very irritable, out of control, and very stressed and anxious.
I’ve spent decades without being able to sleep to the point where I decided to sell my bed and turn the room into a playroom.
I’ve been a year without sleeping well since the doctor took away my sleeping pills, and since then I haven’t slept a full night. This makes me even more agitated, and I’m desperate because I can’t sleep at all, and I know this isn’t good for my health. Could you suggest something that doesn’t require a prescription?
Hello Francisca, the medicinal plants we’ve mentioned are usually effective. It’s generally good to take two valerian capsules half an hour before sleeping since it’s relaxing and sedative. You can also buy a mix of natural sedatives in bulk at herbal stores.
If you use them during the colder months, a hot infusion at night also helps with sleep.
I would also recommend doing some exercise in the morning or early afternoon to eliminate stress, toxins, and allow your body to enter the sleep phase.
On the other hand, it’s normal to experience a rebound effect or side effects with sleeping pills. Melatonin helps in some cases.
Friend, take melatonin… I took sleeping pills for years, and one night I started taking melatonin. After a week, I began to sleep better and with better quality.
I would like to talk with you, if possible, write to me. I also have sleep problems.
Hello, while these tips will help a lot… how can one go YEARS without sleeping and not see a doctor? My God, that’s no life… it’s urgent to see a specialist. I say this with all respect and love in the world… I hope you don’t take it badly… these infusions won’t solve the problem… it will only be temporary relief… blessings.
Take melatonin, with that you’ll sleep the whole night… in a week.
Since I haven’t been able to sleep lately, I took some valerian drops, but it was worse. I felt so desperate, I couldn’t sleep at all. It was terrible. Why did this happen?
Nothing works for me, neither medical nor natural… I’ve been going for almost 15 years only getting half an hour of sleep at a time. I’ve seen doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, and naturists… I’ve tried all the therapies imaginable, and nothing helps. I have no choice but to spend the time I’m awake painting or writing my books. Some nights, I can’t concentrate, and migraines kill me, but after so much time, I’m throwing in the towel. One day, I’ll end up in a pine box, and I’ll finally be able to rest. Until then, I’ll try not to despair too much.