There are two basic approaches to using herbal remedies for insomnia and sleep disturbances. The “Western” approach of North America and Europe is somewhat more simplistic than the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach, although both approaches can be effective.
The Western Approach
The Western approach may use single herbal remedies for insomnia or combinations of herbs,usually in pill form. The most popular Western herbal remedies for insomnia are:
- Valerian Root
- Passion Flower
- Kava Kava
- Hops
Generally, the goal is to produce a sedative effect, which works well for some individuals. This approach can have some disadvantages in that the sedating effects may not be as strong as desired, or may be too strong and/or too lasting.
Although generally considered safe, there are reports of toxicity with all herbs. In particular, Kava Kava products have been associated with liver toxicity, largely due to the use of stems and leaves by supplement makers, as opposed to solely the root of the plant as dictated by traditional uses.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM for Short) takes a somewhat more complex approach to insomnia, and the remedies are nearly always combinations of herbs, usually brewed as a tea, or given in a tincture form added to warm water for easier absorption and assimilation by the body.
As with all health problems, TCM views insomnia as an imbalance or improper functioning of the body. In particular, insomnia is an imbalance of the interaction between the physical body and the spirit. The TCM herbal remedies for insomnia are thus designed to re-balance the body and the spirit, as opposed to simply providing sedation of the nervous system.
The Physical Body
Both TCM and modern Western medicine recognize physical factors that are culprits in cases of insomnia and sleep disturbances. For example, people known to have liver disease often report sleeping disorders. The exact cause is unknown, but is thought to be related to the production and metabolism of the sleep hormone melatonin.
Liver disease, which can also be thought of as a physical imbalance in TCM, may shift the timing of the rise and fall of melatonin levels and alter the normal sleep and wake cycles. Altered liver function and associated alterations in the timing of melatonin levels may be a reason why simply supplementing with melatonin does not work in many cases of insomnia. For this reason, TCM herbal remedies for insomnia often focus on rebalancing the physical body.
Stress, caffeine, and alcohol are the most common contributors to insomnia. Although alcohol is a sedative and is commonly used to help initially promote sleep, it actually hinders restful sleep in most individuals later in the sleep cycle. TCM views excessive alcohol intake as very physically unbalancing, and rather predictably recognizes its role in insomnia.
TCM herbal remedies for insomnia usually include one or more herbs to support the physical body. These include:
- Poria
- Patrinia
- Licorice Root
The Spirit
Disharmony of the spirit is commonly associated with insomnia and sleep disturbances in the TCM diagnostic system. In our Western vernacular, this is often referred to as “stress”. Insomnia that is aggravated or caused by stress usually manifests as an inability to get to sleep because of a racing mind, or as waking up in the very early morning hours (usually between 2:00 and 4:00 A.M.) with disturbing thoughts or a similarly racing mind.
Since this racing mind phenomenon is commonly associated with sleep disturbances, it is therefore also a focus of TCM herbal remedies for insomnia. Specifically, imbalances of the spirit tend to produce non-restorative sleep. Although you may sleep through the night, you do not reach the deeper, restorative phases of sleep and when you wake up in the morning, you feel like you haven’t slept at all. Thus, in the morning, you may feel more tired than when you went to sleep.
In TCM, classical herbal remedies for insomnia will usually include ingredients to balance the spirit. These include:
- Zizyphus
- Poria
- Szechuan Lovage Root (Chaunxiong)
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Suan Zao Ren Tang is one of the most revered of the TCM herbal remedies for insomnia. The first written documentation of this herbal remedy formula appeared in China during the Han Dynasty approximately 220 A.D. – and has been in use for nearly 1800 years!
The traditional formula contained:
- Zizyphus – to enhance circulation and oxygenation to calm the body.
- Anemarrhena Rhizome – to reduce excessive heat in the body and reduce thirst (so you won’t wake up from thirst).
- Poria – to reduce phlegm (which contributes to sleep apnea), and to tranquilize the mind.
- Szechuan Lovage Root – to enhance circulation and to relieve pain.
- Licorice Root – to help digestion, relieve pain, and to moderate the effects of the other herbs.
Modern TCM Changes To Suan Zao Ren Tang
Although not a part of the original remedy, the increased stress of modern life has prompted some TCM herbalists to add Patrinia to Suan Zao Ren Tang. Patrina is said to be calming to the spirit.
Problems with Herbal Remedies Manufactured In China
Although the TCM remedies originated in China, manufacturing standards in China have not always kept pace with the modern world.
Contamination problems effecting manufactured goods ranging from toys to pet food to toothpaste have made many Westerners rightfully wary of products from China.
TCM Remedies Are Now Available From U.S. Manufacturers
Fortunately, the growing popularity of TCM in the United States has led to the formation of new companies that produce time-tested herbal remedies using American quality control standards.
One of these companies, Herbalogic, specializes in a select few TCM remedies, including a product called “Deep Sleeper”, an herbal remedy for insomnia and anxiety relief.
Deep Sleeper
Deep Sleeper uses the updated version of the Suan Zao Ren Tang formula that includes Patrinia.
While other herbal remedies for insomnia are simply sedatives, Deep Sleeper provides balance and support for the body and the spirit, both of which are involved in restful sleep.
While no remedy is foolproof, the herbs in Deep Sleeper combine synergistically to not only provide gentle sedation, but to also address several other common causes of sleep disturbance.
Deep Sleeper is one of the most complete herbal insomnia remedies available today.
And unlike most TCM remedies currently available, it’s made in America for your safety and protection.
Click here to visit Herbalogic’s Deep Sleeper herbal remedy for insomnia product page.