An Herb to Help You Sleep

If getting enough deep, restful sleep has become more of a dream than reality, consider Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). This herb is a safe and effective sleep aid which can help relieve insomnia. It is available in tincture, extract, or capsule form - use one teaspoon of the tincture in a quarter cup of water, or take one or two capsules at bedtime. Look for valerian products standardized to 1 percent valerenic acid. When used appropriately, valerian has no known side effects, but it is best used only on an occasional basis to maintain its efficacy.