Recipe

Remedies for Insomnia

Accompanying article: Insomnia

1. Herbal tea.
Herbs are most effective when “pulsed” or taken once per hour for two or three times. Thus, as a sleep aid, enjoy the same herbal blend after dinner and again before bed. My favorite insomnia formula is a teaspoon each of chamomile, passion flower, skull cap and valerian. Steep in a cup of boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, sweeten to taste and savor hot or room temperature.

2. Hot milk.
Possibly the most comforting and soothing bedtime toddy is a cup of steaming milk. Use the best quality milk available (preferably fresh, unpasteurized goat milk or quality soy milk) warm it and sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup per cup of milk. Whisk until frothy to aerate the milk. Serve with a dash of freshly grated nutmeg or cinnamon. When nerves are especially jangled, sweeten with molasses and season with vanilla. Serve hot.

3. Smell an onion.
This is a simple but effective remedy. Just before climbing into bed, slice an onion, hold it to your nose and deeply inhale. This always makes me yawn. Or, if your tendency is to awaken in the middle of the night and remain wakeful, then put an onion slice in a covered jar and keep it on your bed-table. When you awaken, sniff and then snooze.

4. Dream Pillow.
Fill a tiny pillow with aromatic herbal sedatives and relaxants and place it under your head at night. You'll be amazed at how these sweet floral scents invite repose. You don't have a small pillow? That's no excuse, fill a clean sock with dried herbs or purchase a dream pillow from a gift shop. Combine all or several of the following herbs: basil, catnip, hops, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram and mint.

May you be well nourished,

Rebecca Wood