There are certain natural foods, which may work as sedatives. These stimulate activity and levels to neurotransmitters, such as serotonin that calm the brain Honey and other carbon rates are considered b!) some to. Affect serotonin, inducing tranquility and sleep in most people. Glucose ma!) also work directly!) on the neurons in the brain's h pothalamus. There are certain other toods that contain peptides or release peptides in the gut that can send messages From the intestinal tract directly to the nervous s!)stem and brain.
Therein are described some of the more important foods that induce tranquility and sleep:
Aniseed
Tea made from aniseed can calm the nerves and induce sleep. This tea is prepared by boiling about 375 mI. of water in a vessel and adding a teaspoon of aniseed. The vessel should be covered with a lid and the tea should be had hot or warm. The tea may be sweetened with honey and hot milk may also be added to it. This tea should be taken after meals or before going to bed.
Bottle Gourd
This common vegetable is relaxing and sedative. It imparts tranquility and a feeling of relaxation after eating it. It is thus an effective remedy for sleeplessness. A mixture of bottle gourd and sesame oil can also be beneficially massaged over the scalp every night before retiring, to induce sleep. The cooked leaves of bottle gourd, taken as a vegetable, also' serve as a sedative and calming food.
Celery
Celery is of great value as a calming and sedative food. The juice of Celery leaves,
mixed with a tablespoon of honey, makes an effective remedy for sleeplessness.
It should be taken at night before retiring. Celery seeds also exercise calming and soothing effect. The essential oil contained in them has a specific effect on the regulation of the nervous system and has a great calming influence.
Dill
Dill is a calming and soothing food. It is derived from dill, which means to lull, indicating its old reputation as a soothing herb. It is an ancient remedy for sleeplessness. The ancient Greeks used to put leaves of this plant in their cap or covered their heads with them to inert duce sleep. The Hindu physicians in ancient
India also knew that keeping few sprigs of dill leaves near the pillow, while going to bed, induces one to sleep soundly. In fact, the Hindi name of the plant is derived from the word 'Soya' which means slept.
Honey
Honey is as valuable as calming and sedative. It has hypnotic action and thus it is valuable in insomnia.. It should be taken with water, before gibing to be, in doses of two tea spoons in .a. big cup of. water. Babies generally fall asleep after taking honey. It should, however, not be given to infants below one year of age, as there is a danger of potentially deadly botulism.
Milk
Milk possesses calming and sedative properties. It is a rich source of amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid relaxes the nervous system and induces sleep. Milk is thus, very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilizer. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective in treating this condition Its case of chronicihsomnia, the patient should take 0.25 grams twice a day, both in the morning and at night before retiring.
Nutmeg
This popular spice possesses sedative and calming properties. It is an effective medicine for sleeplessness. The powder of nutmeg, mixed with fresh amla juice, should be taken in treating this condition. This mixture also forms an effective remedy for mental irritability and depression. Nutmeg powder can also be taken mixed with milk.
Oats
This popular cereal induces tranquility and sleep. It possesses calming and sedative properties. These properties emanate from oatmeal. A tea made from oats is especially valuable in cases of chronic headaches. It also makes a good bedtime drink for those who are unable to sleep as well as for those who are suffering from nervous exhaustion. Excessive use of oats should, however, be avoided as high doses may cause gas, abdominal bloating and pain.
Poppy Seeds
Poppy seeds are found in poppy heads. They form part of many prescriptions for tonics. The plant is endowed with roots of strong fragrance. Poppy seeds are of great value as a calming and sedative food. The seeds can be beneficially used as a valuable medicine in sleeplessness. About 30 grams of milk extracted from the seeds mixed with honey can be used for treating this condition. A teaspoon of poppy seed oil taken every night is also very effective in sleeplessness.
Rauwolfia
This popular Indian medicinal plant is a calming and sedative food.)t is Hms effective in treating insomnia. The hypnotic action of the drug appears to have been known since ancient time. The very first dose of Rauwolfia
enables the patient of a phlegmatic qnd goty nature to go to sleep.
The powder of the root in a quantity of 0.25 grams to 0.50 grams should be mixed with some scented substance like cardamom and given to the patient at bedtime. The patient will have sound sleep during the entire night.
Thiamin-Rich Foods
Of the various food elements, thiamine or vitamin Bl is of special significance as a calming and sedative substC1Il;ce. Its use has therefore been found very valuable in inducing sleep. This vitamin is vital for strong and healthy nerves. A body starved of thiamine over a long period will be unable to relax and fall asleep naturally. Rich sources of this vitamin are whole grain cereals, pulses and nuts.
Valerian
Valerian is an ancient popular medicinal plant, with strong calming and sedative properties. It is a traditional remedy for functional disturbances of the nervous system. It was perhaps the earliest treatment of neurosis, accompanied by physical diseases with mental symptoms or social maladjustment, especially in interpersonal relationships.
The herb is particularly useful in treating cases of hysteria, restless and irritable conditions. The drug exercises depressant action on the overall central nervous system. It has gained importance in recent years owing to its beneficial effects in epilepsy.
The herb reduces excitement, irritation and pain. The fresh juice of the plant can be used beneficially as a narcotic in insomnia. The juice of the fresh rhizomes and roots is considered more effective in the treatment of nervous disorders as its medicinal properties get reduced on drying. An infusion of valerian is prepared by infusing 80 grams of the herb in half a litre
of boiling water. The latter should be taken in small quantities, three or four times daily. |
