Traditional herbal remedies for insomnia

According to Traditional Medicine Practitioner Le Xuan Hai, Chairman of the Oriental Medicine Association of Dong Da District, Hanoi, insomnia in Oriental medicine is called "sleeplessness". This condition can be caused by many reasons such as weak heart and spleen, weak kidney yin, stagnant liver qi, leading to intermittent, shallow sleep, greatly affecting health and quality of life.

Insomnia seems to be a simple disorder, but if it lasts for a long time, it can cause many serious consequences. People with long-term insomnia often have memory loss, poor concentration, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Some cases of insomnia are caused by medical conditions, while others are affected by stress and psychological pressure. If not treated early, insomnia can become chronic, leading to depression, anxiety and physical weakness.

To effectively treat insomnia, it is necessary to clearly identify the cause and choose the appropriate method. Below are three traditional Chinese medicine remedies to help improve insomnia according to each specific cause.

Insomnia due to liver stagnation

Symptoms: Irritability, stress, anxiety, insomnia with headaches and dizziness. Main cause is due to liver qi inhibition, causing sleep disorders.

Prescription: 12g of Saposhnikovia, 8g of mint, 8g of Atractylodes Rhizome, 12g of Poria, 12g of Rehmannia glutinosa, 6g of licorice, 3 apples, 1g of roasted ginger, 12g of Pinellia ternata, 6g of tangerine peel, 12g of Ophiopogon japonicus, 8g of Scutellaria baicalensis.

How to use: Boil with 5 bowls of water, reduce to 3 bowls, divide into 3 times to drink during the day.

Insomnia due to weak heart and spleen

Symptoms: Prolonged insomnia, restless sleep, easily startled, forgetful, palpitations, poor appetite, pale complexion, body fatigue.

Prescription: 12g of angelica, 12g of rehmannia glutinosa, 12g of ophiopogon japonicus, 16g of atractylodes macrocephala, 16g of lotus seeds, 12g of jujube seed, 12g of poria cocos, 4g of cinnamon bark, 12g of codonopsis pilosula, 12g of astragalus root, 4g of licorice, 3 jujubes, 4g of atractylodes macrocephala, 12g of longan.

How to use: Boil with 5 bowls of water, reduce to 3 bowls, divide into 3 times to drink during the day.

Insomnia due to kidney yin deficiency

Symptoms: Nervousness, anxiety, heat in the body, constipation, dizziness, back pain, rapid heartbeat.

Prescription: 20g of rehmannia glutinosa, 12g of Chinese yam, 12g of Alisma orientalis, 12g of Ophiopogon japonicus, 12g of Achyranthes bidentata, 12g of Cornus officinalis, 10g of Moutan bark, 12g of Poria cocos, 12g of Poria cocos.

How to use: Boil with 5 bowls of water, reduce to 3 bowls, divide into 3 servings to drink during the day. Note: Limit spicy foods, avoid cold foods.

Recommendations

In addition to taking medication, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve sleep, keep a relaxed mind, limit stress, and avoid thinking too much before going to bed.

You need to build a scientific lifestyle, sleep on time, avoid heavy exercise in the evening, instead you can read books, crochet or listen to soft music.

People should limit stimulants, avoid coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, especially in the evening. Avoid drinking a lot of water before bed, limit waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, making it difficult to fall back asleep.

You should not use electronic devices in bed, blue light from phones and TVs can disrupt the production of melatonin - a hormone that regulates sleep.

Never use sleeping pills without permission, drug abuse can lead to dependence, causing long-term sleep disorders. If insomnia persists, the patient should see a doctor to find the cause and receive timely treatment.

Insomnia not only affects health but also reduces the quality of life. Oriental medicine treatment not only helps improve sleep but also supports body balance and improves overall health./.