Do you happen to be struggling with the various problematic effects that come with consistent insomnia and being unable to acquire a decent night’s sleep? While many pharmaceuticals are currently available to help alleviate such issues, many people would prefer to approach the problem from a more traditional, natural stance. Please continue to learn about the five best traditional Chinese herbs that may be able to help you finally achieve that perfect night’s sleep. And if you’d like additional assistance in improving your ability to relax and sleep while restoring your overall sense of health and wellness, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the trusted professionals at Original Breath today.
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How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine View Sleep and Insomnia?
Getting regular sleep is essential for maintaining a happy, healthy life. Insomnia can cause significant disruptions to people’s health and happiness, especially over an extended period. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) characterizes the best sleep as occurring in three specific phases; falling asleep quickly, staying in a continuous state of deep sleep, and waking up refreshed. It is believed that sleep is largely intertwined with two specific forces; Blood and Yang Qui, which flow throughout the body in different ways throughout the day to promote functioning.
5 of the Best Chinese Herbs to Promote Sleep and Combat Insomnia
Insomnia can be triggered by a wide range of factors that are thought to negatively impact the flow of the two forces described above, including overthinking, anxiety, excessive dreaming, waking up too early, and more. Thankfully, there is a wide range of herbs that TCM has utilized for thousands of years to help negate the impacts of insomnia and poor sleep. Below are five of the best-known options that you should consider trying for yourself.
Xie Cao (Valerian Root)
Xie Cao, otherwise known as Valerian root, is an herb native to many parts of Asia and Europe that is most commonly used to treat sleep disorders, like insomnia. While the flowers of the Valerian plant are delicately scented, the root has a robust earthy odor due to the range of oils and other compounds it contains, which provide sedative effects that are useful for inducing deep, peaceful sleep.
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Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae)
Suan Zao Ren, also known as Semen Ziziphi Spinosae or Sour Date, is a well-known herbal medicine from China that’s been used in TCM to treat insomnia for thousands of years. It works by nourishing and bringing balance to the liver and heart to help promote natural sleep while relieving restlessness. According to ancient theories and prescriptions used in China, Sour Date effectively works in raw and prepared forms to help alleviate sleep disorders while creating a sedative effect. Clinical studies have not opposed their efficacy, though additional research would be beneficial.
Do you struggle with the problematic effects of insomnia and a lack of sleep in your daily life? Consider reaching out to the industry specialists at Original Breath today to learn about their wide range of services and what they can do for you.
Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae)
Da Zao, also commonly referred to as jujubae or the Chinese date, is both a medicinal herb in TCM and a deliciously sweet fruit. It offers a range of potential benefits, but one of the strongest includes its ability to help calm the mind and quiet neural activity in the brain while helping induce and maintain sleep. Scientific studies have confirmed that jujubae and a range of the bioactive compounds it contains can extend the average sleep time in animals. Additionally, other research has shown that it can increase the average time spent in slow-wave and REM sleep.
Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Bai Zhu has been recorded as a Qi-tonifying (or Qi-balancing) herb with significant applications for various digestive conditions within TCM. According to principles of many Chinese medicinal theories, harmonizing conditions within the stomach can be a practical key in helping people maintain a state of quality sleep throughout the night, especially for those who suffer from restless sleep due to excess food accumulation within the body. The primary chemical components of Bai Zhu are atractylenolide II and III, which have shown positive modulation of specific chloride components, suggesting that it may also be an effective herb for clinical sedation.
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Fu Ling (Poria)
Fu Ling, also commonly referred to as poria, is a type of mushroom fungus that has long since been used in TCM to treat a vast array of ailments and complications, including restlessness, insomnia, and other sleep problems. More scientific research needs to be conducted regarding poria to better understand its overall effects. However, it seems to be relatively effective when utilized for sleep disorders and does not create any known side effects.
Where Can You Get Your Hands on These Herbs?
Luckily for you, you don’t have to waste your time driving around town to search through every specialty shop or large international market to acquire these particular herbs. At Original Breath we offer a fantastic product known as Calm (ES). These premium health herbal supplements contain each of the herbs listed above, along with several others, to provide a specialized formula that can help combat the impacts of insomnia and encourage a whole night of restful, peaceful sleep.
Reach out to us today to learn about Calm ES and our other specialized sleep-enhancement product Myocalm Plus. We also offer a range of top-quality massage, acupuncture, trigger point, and cupping services. Come learn about the various health benefits we are able to produce in your life.
Are you currently suffering from issues related to pain, digestion, immunology, fertility, or other chronic problems that need the care of a trained and trusted specialist? Schedule an appointment at Original Breath today to learn about our wide range of excellent services and how we can help you achieve optimal wellness.
