Insomnia is a common problem in this day and age. There are many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications for this issue, but most have side effects or can cause a dependency. Herbal alternatives have minimal side effects and are less likely to be habit forming. The following are just some of the herbal remedies available for insomnia.

Valerian
Valerian is the most common herb suggested for insomnia. It makes a person feel tired and relaxed. It doesn’t force a person to go to sleep the way a sleeping pill does. It just makes you want to sleep, and helps you fall asleep easily. Valerian can be found in almost any store where vitamins and herbs are sold. The herb has an unpleasant smell, which is normal. Valerian is also a muscle relaxant.

Passion Flower
Passion flower also calms a person without forcing them to go to sleep. It is a relaxing herb. It calms the mind and makes a person feel tired. It also relaxes muscle spasms, which is why it is also used as a cough suppressant.

Hops
Hops has a sedative effect. It is good for nervousness and worry. It relaxes the mind. It is very helpful for insomnia. It has a bitter flavor.

Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a relaxing herb. It has a gentle effect. It brings on a feeling of sleepiness, and calms the mind. It is also used as a headache remedy.

The above herbs can be used in combination with each other, but it’s a good idea when first trying herbs to try them one at a time, so you know which herb has which effect on you. The above herbs should not be taken in combination with any over-the-counter sleep aids or prescription sleep aids, however. You should also not try to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking an herbal sleep aid. Drowsiness could impair your judgment and coordination.

Menorrhagia is the medical term for heavy menstrual periods. A period is considered too heavy if you soak more than one pad or tampon per hour, if you have large blood clots, or if it interferes with normal everyday activities.

There are many possible causes of menorrhagia. Cancer or uterine fibroids are two possible causes. A woman should definitely be checked out by a doctor to make sure it isn’t caused by something serious. Other causes of menorrhagia are excessive estrogen, Vitamin K deficiency, and thyroid conditions. But there are many possible causes.

A healthy diet can help correct some of the above causes, and help lessen the menstrual flow. There are certain types of foods that are beneficial for this specific problem.

High fiber foods
Fiber helps rid the body of excess estrogen. Good sources of fiber are whole grains, legumes (beans), fruits, and vegetables.

Foods containing chlorophyll
Chlorophyll helps lessen blood flow. It can be found in dark leafy green vegetables such as spinach, green cabbage, romaine lettuce, kale, and collard greens. It can also be found in green peas, green beans, and broccoli. Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. Another good source of chlorophyll is spirulina, which can be taken as a powder mixed into juice, smoothies, or yogurt. Spirulina can also be taken in pill form if you don’t care for the flavor.

Lemon juice and apple cider vinegar
Having a teaspoon of one or both of these in water 2 to 3 times per day helps with excessive menstrual bleeding. No one knows for sure why it works, but it may have something to do with balancing the body’s pH level. It may also have to do with certain nutrients in the lemon juice or vinegar.

Foods with Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps with blood clotting, which can lessen a heavy period. Foods with high amounts of Vitamin K are kale, spinach, collards, turnip greens, and mustard greens. Another source of Vitamin K is yogurt made from either cow’s milk or soy. Yogurt itself doesn’t contain Vitamin K, but it has healthy bacteria that help to produce Vitamin K in the intestines.

Iron rich foods
Not only can excessive bleeding cause iron deficiency, but iron deficiency can increase excessive menstrual bleeding. Making sure you get enough iron may help decrease heavy menstruation. An obvious food source of iron is meat, but other rich sources are legumes (beans), whole grains, and dark leafy green vegetables. Some cereals are also fortified with iron.

In addition to the above, eating a healthy balanced diet in general, getting enough exercise, and reducing stress can help with excessive menstruation.

Related link:
Herbs for Menorrhagia

Maca root, or Lepidium meyenii, is a radish-like root that comes from Peru. It was used by the Inca hundreds of years ago. It is known for increasing energy, stamina, libido, and fertility.

Maca is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body resist stress and increase energy. It is also a hormone balancer, though it does not contain hormones. It helps to normalize hormone levels. It provides what the body needs to balance the endocrine system.

Maca root contains many vitamins and minerals. It’s calcium content is high. It also provides potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, fatty acids, vitamins B1, B2, B12, and vitamin C. It also contains amino acids, trace minerals, and fiber. Maca root also has two unique compounds called macamides and macaenes, which are believed to be responsible for its libido increasing effects. Its nutritional content helps rebuild weakened immune systems and nourish the body.

Other beneficial effects of maca root are increased sperm count and testosterone levels, increased fertility in men and women, improvement with erectile dysfunction, and decreased menopausal symptoms. Maca also helps promote a feeling of physical and mental well being, as well as helping to alleviate depression and anxiety. It is also used to improve mental clarity and memory.

In Peru maca is eaten as a food, and is used in recipes for cakes, cookies, porridge, shakes, and more. Elsewhere maca is available to buy in powder form, which can be mixed into beverages or food, and pill form.

Acerola cherries are a type of fruit that grow naturally in the West Indies, Central America, and South America. They are also known as Barbados Cherries or West Indian Cherries. They look like regular cherries, but are known for their high vitamin C content. One cup of acerola cherries contains over 2700% of the RDA of Vitamin C.

Acerola contains the whole vitamin C complex, unlike synthetic Vitamin C made with only ascorbic acid. Acerola cherries also contain antioxidants, bioflavonoids and carotenoids. High levels of Vitamin A, potassium, and folate can also be found in this bright red super fruit. In smaller amounts, the acerola cherry also contains protein, iron, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

Acerola, with its high Vitamin C content, is very helpful with certain health problems, such as preventing colds and flu, keeping gums and teeth healthy, and preventing easy bruising and bleeding. The Vitamin C in acerola cherries can also help prevent hair loss, prevent premature aging of skin and organs, and help heal wounds and burns. In addition, acerola cherry has been found to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is useful in treating headaches and painful swollen joints. In laboratory studies it has been found to contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, and have a possible anti-cancer effect.

Traditional uses of acerola cherry include helping to heal sore throats, fever, constipation, diarrhea, scurvy, liver disorders, and infections. Acerola cherry can be found in many forms. Pills and powders are the most common. Acerola can even be found added to chewable Vitamin C tablets.

Acerola cherry is a common food in certain parts of the world, and is considered relatively safe. However, people with latex allergies have sometimes been found to be allergic to acerola also. Safe dosages for children or pregnant women are not known.