Medicinal Uses of Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is medicinally amazing for tension, restlessness, anxiety, headaches, and depression. Lemon balm helps promote a calming and relaxing feeling, so it is also good to take in addition to other herbs for insomnia. If taken as a herbal tea infusion for a long period of time, there should be wonderful results for uplifting the spirits.

Herbal tea infusion with Lemon balm:
*Infuse 2-3 teaspoons of the fresh lemon balm leaves (lemon balm does not dry well, it is best used fresh. If it is dried, use a similar dosage as the fresh) per 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 15-20 minutes and strain. Drink 1 cup of the herbal tea 2-3 times per day.

This herb has a mild sedative action, so if you are someone who often suffers from fatigue, it is best to take this only in the evening.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Uses of Chamomile

Chamomile's highly scented flowers possess powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. If taken as an infused herbal tea, it can help with a number of problems: improving appetite, easing anxiety, lessening tension headaches, calming and healing the stomach after nausea, relaxing the body to get rid of insomnia issues, and calming children with teething problems.

To make a Chamomile herbal tea infusion:
Boil 1 cup of water per 1-3 tsp. dried chamomile or 1-3 tbsp. fresh chamomile. Let it steep for 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink 3 to 4 cups per day. Children over the age of 4 years can take a third to half of the adult dosage.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Valerian: good for the central nervous system

Valerian is a strong medicinal herb for the central nervous system. It is good as a sedative for insomnia, helps with sudden emotional distress, headaches, intestinal cramps, nervous exhaustion, and as a pain reliever.

Since you use the root of Valerian for medicinal purposes, you do not make an infusion tea with it, but rather a decoction.

To make a Valerian decoction, place 1-3 tsp. of the dried root in a small saucepan and over with cold water. Heat slowly and simmer, covered, for 20-45 minutes. The longer you simmer the herbs, the stronger the tea will be.

Another option is that you can crush 1 tsp. of the dried root and soak it in cold water for 12-24 hours. Then drink.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Passionflower Herbal Infused Tea

Having problems with falling asleep? Passionflower is traditionally given to aid those with insomnia as well as those that suffer from nervousness or anxiety. Thus, if you think your insomnia might have an emotional basis, passionflower tea is the ideal medicine for you. You can also combine it with another important relaxing herb, valerian.

Herbal Infused Tea for Insomnia:
*Infuse 2-3 tsp. of dried passionflower leaves (or 2-3 tbsp. fresh) in boiling water. Let it simmer for 20-ish minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup an hour before bedtime.

*For anxiety, take the same dose twice more during the day. It may take several weeks to achieve the optimal effect.

For additional information, see: references and warnings

Medicinal Recipe: Insomnia Tea Ideas

Use any of the following for insomnia (or combine some), simply make a tea and sip slowly 30 minutes before bed:

*Valerian root (reduces tension and anxiety)
*Chamomile (reduces anxiety and promotes restful sleep)
*Catnip (reduces anxiety and promotes restful sleep)
*Passion flower (promotes calm and relaxation)

Infuse an herbal tea: boil water and pour over the selected herb(s). Let it steep for 20-25 minutes. Sweeten with honey or stevia to taste. One cup of water per 1-3 tbsp. of fresh herb(s) or 1-3 tsp. dried herb(s).

You can make a large batch of the tea and drink a cup of tea each night. The tea will stay good stored in the refrigerator for approx. 4 days.

Medicinal Recipe: Nervous Insomnia

A medicinal infused tea for nervous insomnia.

Ingredients:

Dill seed (2 parts)
Anise seed (2 parts)
Chamomile (1 part)
Hops (1 part)





Directions:
1) Boil water. Add the correct amount herbs. When lukewarm, add 1 tsp. honey. Drink 1/2 cup to 1 cup each night. Sip just before retiring.
2) For amount of herbs, use 1-3 tablespoons of fresh herbs per cup of water or 1-3 teaspoons of dried herbs per cup of water

For additional information, see: references and warnings