Herbal Sleep Aids Ingredients

Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla) is a common flowering plant that is indigenous to various parts of Europe and Asia. Chamomile is widely cultivated in the United States, Australia, South America and northern Africa. The dried leaves and flowers are commonly packaged as a tea. It has been used for thousands of years as a sleep aid. Chamomile tea does not have to be used on a regular basis to be effective as a treatment for insomnia. It can be used any time to provide quick relief for sleeplessness and anxiety. It is most effective when consumed 30-45 minutes before going to bed.

Valerian Root - has been used as a sleep aid for ages, all the way back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. Studies have shown valerian root supplementation can reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and number of times you wake up in the night. Valerian root is believed to work through enhancing the effects of the neurotransmitter Gamma-aminobutyric Acid or GABA. Valerian root is thought to increase the release of GABA, decrease the recurrence of GABA in nerve cells and block the enzyme that breaks down GABA.

L-theanine, is an amino acid found in green tea. It is purported to produce a sense of relaxation within minutes. L-theanine increases the activity of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. L-theanine is also thought to stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter thought to promote calmness.

Passion Flower has been used as a natural anxiety treatment for centuries. Passion Flower may also reduce sedative withdrawals.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) - is a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and decreases anxiety levels. By increasing the amount of GABA through supplemental, it's possible to decrease anxiety and increase relaxation. Combining GABA with valerian root is said to enhance GABA's effectiveness.

Tryptophan - is an essential amino acid. Iit must be obtained through dietary intake due to the fact the body can't create it. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates sleeping. A deficiency in tyrptophan-serotonin can lead to depression and insomnia problems. Supplementing with tyrptophan has been known to increase serotonin levels and improve sleep. In addition, those who simply want to improve their sleeping patterns and quality will benefit from supplementing with tryptophan.

Melatonin - is a neurohormone produced by the pineal grand. Melatonin is involved in the regulation of ones circadian rhythm (24-hour sleep/wake cycle). Melatonin is stimulated and released by darkness and inhibited by light. Taking melatonin before bed reduces the time it takes to fall asleep.

Ziziphus Jujube - is an herb that is thought to have sedative effect, allowing you to relax and fall asleep faster. The key component believed to be responsible for this sedative affect is called Triterpenes.

White Peony - is used to treat and prevent insomnia. White Peony works synergistically with jujube by decreasing the time it takes to fall asleep and increase in the duration of sleep.

Cis-9,10-octadecenoamide - is a fatty acid amide that is referred to in scientific literature as a sleep-inducing-lipid. Cis-9,10-octadecenoamide is thought to work through the serotonergic system in the body to promote drowsiness.

Ashwaghanda - is an antioxident herb believed to improve general health. Ashwaghanda is classified as an adaptagen, which means it helps the body deal with stress and maintain homeostasis. Ashwaghanda is believed to create a calming, sedative effect.

Ocimum Sanctum - is an adaptagen and has been known to normalize cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands during stress. Ocimum Sanctum regulates cortisol levels.

Inositol - Vitamin B8, is involved in maintaining cell membrane integrity and regulating serotonin activity levels. Inositol acts as a second messenger in the serotonin signal transduction pathway, making it vital for proper serotonin production and use. Supplementing with inositol can increase serotonin's activity level leading to increased relaxation and decreased anxiety.

Vitamins B5 and B6 - are required for the converting Tryptophan to Serotonin as well as GABA production.

Magnolia bark - has been known to reduce anxiety levels and cortisol levels, and is a potent antioxidant. Magnolia bark is believed to elevate decreased serotonin levels, which helps regulate mood and sleep patterns.

Scullcap leaf/stem/flower extract- is purported to improve blood circulation, causing more oxygen to to reach the brain and other vital organs. This creates longer periods of restful sleep. It also said to decreases stress and anxiety.

This is an opinion website. The author is not a doctor or medical professional. These are only their opinions based on their experiences. Before using any type of sleep aid you should consult a doctor.