Herbal Remedies

Valerian To make a relaxing and sedative tea, pour boiling water over 1/2 to 1 teaspoon fresh roots, steep, then strain. Drink two to three times a day and once before bedtime. Capsules, extracts, and tinctures are also available. Although valerian is not related to Valium, a popular prescription tranquilizer, it is a legendary folk treatment and a proven sedative. Because they can make you drowsy, do not drive or operate heavy machinery after drinking valerian or passion flower tea.

Passionflower Take 4 to 8 grams a day in capsule form or make a mildly sedative tea. Pour boiling water over 1 to 2 teaspoons minced herb, steep, then strain. Drink two to three times a day and once before bedtime. Extracts are also available. Vervain For a mildly sedative and analgesic tea, pour boiling water over 1 teaspoon minced herb (the whole plant), steep, then strain. May induce sweating. Capsules, tablets, extracts, and tinctures are also available.

Kava This Pacific Islands relative of black pepper is sold in capsule form in American health food stores, usually under the name of kava kava. The pulverized rootstock is traditionally mixed with water and imbibed by islanders as a social and ceremonial drink. It has a mild sedative effect. Excessive use of kava can result in muscle weakness, sensitivity to light, double vision, and possibly liver damage.

Epsom salt bath Pour 2 cups Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) into a warm-water bath. Bathe for no more than 30 minutes. The salt cleanses and tones the skin and may lower blood pressure. A regular warm-water bath also tends to soothe the body and mind.

Tip: Mother Was Right

A cup of herbal tea has long been used to calm nerves and aid sleep. Some scientists now suggest that just enjoying the tea may be enough to induce a sense of peace.