Foods that Cure Insomnia
It is not merely the question of what one should eat to remedy his or her insomnia - people should also understand that what NOT to eat is as important; so caffeinated food and drinks should be avoided.
However, it has been found that certain foods that cure insomnia do exist. Oats, for example, are one of the foods that cure, or help remedy insomnia. Oats can have a mild sedative effect that can make some insomniacs lethargic. Despite the health benefits (besides fiber, oats are rich in vitamins and minerals), oats have been used to calm the nerves. Also, oats does not have any adverse side effects. Eating celery has also been found to be helpful. Celery can help calm a person, making them more somnolent. Celery seeds, on the other hand, can cause potassium loss (being a strong diuretic). So, when taking celery seeds to remedy insomnia, a person has to eat a lot of potassium-rich food to replace what was diminished. Celery seeds are not advisable when pregnant. Wild lettuce, as well, can also help make people sleepy. It has a mild sedative called lectucarium that can remedy insomnia. It is also none addictive.
Foods that cure insomnia can also include California Poppy. This mild analgesic and sedative was used by the Native Americans to calm the nerves, normalize brain functions, numbs certain pains, and relieves stress and anxiety. Although a close relative to the Opium Poppy, the California Poppy is not addictive and is not a narcotic. However, people should still take precaution with this remedy. Children and senior citizens should avoid this. Certain dangers also abound when taken in large quantities. Catnip, like California Poppy, can also help a person with their insomnia. Catnip, however, have more adverse effects than California Poppy. Catnips can cause mild headaches or nausea for some people. Both catnip and California Poppy should not be taken while pregnant.
Chamomile also has lethargic effects. A sleep-inducing and muscle relaxing chemical called apigenin is found in chamomile. Though there are no adverse side-effects when it comes to chamomile, pregnant women should take precaution when taking regular amounts. Also, when a person has digestive or stomach problems, drinking or consuming chamomile should be avoided. Along chamomile, Hops (a major ingredient of beer) has been found effective for insomnia and anxiety. As a potent sedative, hops can have a relaxing effect on the brain. Slightly considered as a central nervous-system depressant, clinically-depressed people should avoid taking this (and pregnant women should also avoid it).
Another food that cures insomnia is lemon balm, long considered as a mild tranquilizer and a well-known ingredient for herbal remedies for insomnia. Usually drank as a tea, it is also been found to be quite effective as bath salts. Same goes with lavender: in drink or food form or in any other form (such as oils, incenses, bath salts, candles, etc). Both lavender and lemon balm have no adverse side effects, but it can interfere with any thyroid medication, and should not be taken when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Drinking a warm glass of milk has also been found effective. It has been said that stimulating stomach activity forces blood flow away from the brain and into the digestive system, making a person lethargic.
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