People that have issues sleeping, like insomnia, sometimes choose a natural cure for treating it. Natural cures may include herbal remedies like chamomile tea and lemon balm considered harmless for most people. One should note that just because a remedy is considered natural it does not mean it is safe. Herbal remedies may contain prescription drugs and they are not typically regulated.
Herbal remedies such as valerian root, kava kava, chamomile, lemon balm, St. John's wort and passion flower have been used as insomnia cures for years. Please note the effectiveness and safety of these remedies has not been formally documented nor researched. Existing studies completed on herbal remedies are often hard to interpret. Since they are not based on standardized studies like those done for prescription drugs as prescribed by regulatory bodies such as the FDA.
Many people suffering from insomnia take melatonin to help them fall asleep. Melatonin is actually a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain and it uses tryptophan, an amino acid, as a building block. Commercially produced melatonin is available in supplement form and it has been used for a variety of medical uses including as an insomnia cure. Of the natural remedies used for insomnia cures, melatonin is the best studied, but it still remains unregulated in the U.S. Studies proving the effectiveness of melatonin as an insomnia cure still remains unclear. Completed studies demonstrate the substance does help people go to sleep faster, however it does not appear to have an effect on total sleep time or daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
It is important to stress that melatonin is not categorized as a drug, but rather a dietary supplement, and therefore its effectiveness and quality is not controlled in the United States. (Of the developed nations in the world, the U.S. does not regulate melatonin). Melatonin is a strong hormone and it may produce significant side effects, some are still not known, affecting various parts of the body. Since so much is unknown, people taking melatonin as an insomnia cure are experimenting with their own body.
Natural remedies are not regulated by the FDA and therefore their quality is not controlled. Additionally, if body chemistry can be altered by a given compound, then the potential for serious side effects is present. Even if studies show natural remedies have a positive effect, it is important to note that the tested substances are not always the same ones available to the public. Also, herbal remedies were sometimes found to contain standard prescription drugs.
Don't feel compelled to use drugs - whether natural or chemical as insomnia cures. There are some great non-drug therapies that can be implemented to help you get a better night's sleep.
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