Insomnia

Melatonin improves sleep; it has a calming and relaxing effect. Take 0.5-10.0 mg of melatonin daily, 1 hour before bedtime, for many months.

Valerian is a nervine; it has a calming and relaxing effect; improves sleep. Take 2-3 g of dried valerian root or 300-600 mg of standardized valerian root extract daily, containing 0.8% of valerenic acid, 1 hour before bedtime for many months.

5-HTP promotes serotonin production; it has a calming and relaxing effect; improves sleep; reduces the time required to get to sleep and the number of awakenings. Take 50-200 mg of 5-HTP 1/2 hour before bedtime for many months. Works better with magnesium.

California poppy is a hypnotic; improves and induces sleep. Take California poppy daily, in divided doses, for many months, as suggested on the label. May be used by children.

Corydalis improves sleep; it is a sedative. Take 6-9 g of corydalis dried rhizome daily, in tea form, in divided doses, for many months. Use this product under the control of an experienced practitioner.

Kava is a nervine; improves sleep; reduces anxiety; it has a calming and relaxing effect. Take kava daily, containing 140-280 mg of kavalactones, in divided doses, for many days. Use this product under the control of an experienced practitioner.

Lavender flower improves sleep; it has a calming and relaxing effect. Take 10-30 g of lavender flower daily, in tea form, in divided doses, for many weeks.

Lemon balm is a nervine; improves sleep; it has a calming and relaxing effect. Take 2-4 g of lemon balm in tea or capsule form or standardized lemon balm containing 1 mg of citral daily, in divided doses, for many months.

Tryptophan promotes serotonin production; it has a calming and relaxing effect; improves sleep; reduces the time required to get to sleep and the number of awakenings. Take 1-2 g of tryptophan before bedtime, for many months.

American skullcap is a nervine; improves sleep; it has a calming and relaxing effect. Take 3-6 g of American skullcap in capsule form or 15-30 g of American skullcap in tea form daily, in divided doses, for many weeks.