I really struggled with insomnia until I realized a lot of it was anchored in pain. Not enough to make me really uncomfortable, but enough to make me restless – where I would wake up and glance at the clock a dozen times a night.

Some of the following herbs are not specifically sedatives but can also help with pain. Other herbal categories you might look into are relaxants and nervines.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata): This herb works well with the ‘I’m too tired to go to sleep’ type of insomnia. It helps with cerebral irritation and agitation, soothing nerves and calming anxiety. This is not an herb for pregnant women. Like skullcap, the tea (water extraction) is more sedative than the tincture (alcohol extraction).

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica): This herb is great for generalized pain. It is a sedative, antispasmodic, and pain reliever. It is not for pregnant women, either, but can be used in very low doses for children for a limited time. California poppy is not in the same genus as its relative opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), so fewer concerns about respiratory depression or legal issues.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria): This herb is great for kids that are struggling with sleep, especially if combined with chamomile. It is …. icky tasting, though. (Hey it’s been a long weekend and sometimes words are hard!) It’s a very mild herb, but again, not for pregnant women.

Mint (specifically Mentha piperita – peppermint): No, I’m not kidding! Mint is really lovely relaxant and can work great in a formula for sleep. There are a couple of notes, though. Do not use mint for sleep if there is any type of reflux or GERD. Mint can also relax the esophageal sphincter (the muscle at the bottom of your esophagus/top of your stomach) and allow for reflux, especially if you are lying down. It can also help cover less than tasty herbs like skullcap and catnip.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): For insomnia caused by stress, this is an amazing herb to use. It is somewhat bitter and unlike some sleep remedies, does not tend to make you groggy in the morning. I have not found it helpful for sleep, but I’m one of those people that have issues (those of you in the back that know me stop laughing!). Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen, the class of herbs that help to achieve balance, conserve energy, and reduce stress symptoms.

All of these herbs are not for pregnant women without approval from a physician.

Next week, my plan is to blog about flower essences for sleep. I do have some medical issues to deal with this week, so it may be a little late. I would appreciate any prayers/good vibrations/thoughts this week. I may be using a lot of these to help with sleep!