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Insomnia

12/18/2013

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Insomnia is the deeply irritating difficulty in falling or staying asleep, or having disturbed sleep patterns that fail to refresh you.

Life events can result in short term insomnia whereas chronic insomnia is defined as occurring on at least three nights a week for more than one month.

Causes of insomnia range from sleep disrupting behaviour such as exercise or drinking caffeine just before bedtime to alterations in the biological clock such as jetlag. Psychological disorders such as depression and medical conditions such as arthritis and asthma can become troublesome at night.

Sleep deprivation can harm health.  Effects on mental health include a decrease in thinking ability and memory, and an increase in low mood and anxiety. Poor sleep quality increases the likelihood of being overweight or obese. Sleep increases the production of leptin, an appetite suppressing hormone, so decreased levels of leptin result in increased appetite.  Reduced hours of sleep increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension and reduced immune function.

Dr Mark Porter (Times 2, Dec 17th 2013 £) writes that drugs used to treat insomnia can be taken for a few days to alleviate short term insomnia resulting from stressful events. These drugs should not, however, be taken long term as they result in the symptoms of tolerance and addiction. In fact, according to a BMJ study, the benefits of drug treatment are limited: they result in only 25 minutes extra sleep but cause problems of day time fatigue and impaired thinking.

A much more attractive option is to take Herbal Medicine together with making lifestyle changes to improve sleep hygiene.  Herbs which have sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, nervine and adaptogenic actions can be taken in combination to provide a gentle, effective and non-addictive treatment for insomnia.

The combination of herbs selected reflects the entire range of presenting symptoms and is tailored for each individual. Some of the herbs which have been shown to be effective include chamomile (Matricaria recutita), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), passion flower (Passiflora incarnate), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), hops (Humulus lupus), valerian (Valeriana officinalis), St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), and ashwaganda (Withania somnifera).  

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December 12th, 2013

12/12/2013

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Herbs for the Thyroid Gland

Thyroid gland disorders are increasing in part due to environmental pollution. Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism are not specific and the condition often goes undetected.  Herbal medicine can reduce some symptoms and improve the function of the thyroid gland in both hyper and hypothyroidism.

Bugleweed (Lycopus europaeus)

 In a 2013 study, 403 patients with mild hyperthyroidism were given an extract of bugleweed. There was a statistically and clinically significant improvement in the symptoms without any major side effects. Because of bugleweed’s effectiveness in alleviating mild hyperthyroidism, some experts believe it can gradually replace regular doses of maintenance medications like methimazole or PTU.

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera)

This is an herb with antioxidant properties that acts on the thyroid gland to optimise thyroid hormone production.

Bacopa (Bacopa monniera)

Researchers confirm the potency of bacopa as a thyroid stimulating drug to fight hypothyroidism. It has been found to regulate thyroid hormone concentrations by as much as 41% without adverse effects.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb. As a result many people with hypo or hyperthyroidism can benefit from taking this herb.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)

This seaweed contains high levels of natural iodine which stimulate the thyroid gland. Bladderwrack can help in restoring the normal functioning of the thyroid gland as well as reducing the size of thyroid goiters.

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Flaxseeds are rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fatty acids. A University of Maryland Medical Center study found that consuming foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids such as flaxseed helped boost the production of thyroid hormones.

Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)

Black walnut is considered as one of the richest sources of iodine. Research shows that it is an essential nutrient with a vital role in optimising the health and functioning of the thyroid glands.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Research shows that this herb is useful in normalizing the activities of overactive thyroid glands. It reduces the production of thyroid hormones by inhibiting the action of TSH and eases the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiac)

This herb is effective in the symptomatic treatment of hyperthyroidism when nervousness and palpitations are part of the patient’s symptoms.


 http://www.naturalcuresnotmedicine.com/2013/12/herbs-for-thyroid.html#fFeVccTf3um7CjvL.99

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    Gina Webley
    BSc PhD PGCE MNIMH

    Medical Herbalist

    Tweets by @webleyherbalist

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