A very good way , is to put a few drops of Lavender oil on your pillow or around the bedroom . It has been used to induce sleep for centuries .

To Bad you didn’t tell us how old you are. Generally if you have too much on your mind it will affect your sleep. If you are young it might be something else

Okay so… I’ve had insomnia for years. It’s on and off, isn’t ALL the time thank god. But I’ll go through weeks or months without sleeping more than a couple hours a night (if I’m lucky), balanced out with maybe a week in between where I manage to get decent amounts of sleep.

I’ve tried a ton of sleep aid pills already, as recommended by my doctor. Valerian. Melatonin. Nytol. Herbal Nytol. Kalms. None of them worked.

Eventually my doctor prescribed me a stronger sleeping pill called Zopiclone. But, no dice. It didn’t stop me from taking forever to get to sleep, it just made me feel more tired and get more frustrated that I still couldn’t sleep. And it didn’t stop me from waking up eight thousand times during the night, and then being unable to get BACK to sleep again. And on top of that it made me feel like I was hungover in the morning, all groggy and nauseous and dizzy feeling. I tried it for a while but stopped taking it about a year ago because it just wasn’t working. My doctor said there was no point in prescribing different sleeping pills, as it didn’t seem they were helping any way and it would be stupid just to put a ton of chemicals in my body without even getting a result.

This was about a year ago, but my problems are persisting. I’ve taken to sleeping with earplugs because I am a light sleeper, and this helps me marginally in that, I don’t wake up at every little sound. I just wake up when my body decides to instead.

But does anybody have some natural remedies that might work? Like, are chamomile tea and lavender baths before bed really supposed to work? I’m really jaded and sceptical now, but it’s been like three weeks since I got over 4 hours of sleep in one night, so I need your advice.

Thanks in advance you guys.

Perhaps you can find some useful information in a web search for "how to sleep better naturally".

I have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. I have tried using a CPAP machine and I found out I was allergic to the material in the mask and also the nose tubes. So I had to give up using the machine. Are there any other remedies such as like using a cool mist humidifier to help resolve the blockage in the air way.

I wouldn’t advise this, but I have heard people putting a small strip of tap over part of their mouth. Seems to work for some people.

Common cold is the most common dosha disorder affecting human beings. Everyone has suffered from common cold at some point or other in their lives. Its symptoms are too well-known. In Ayurveda, this very ordinary ailment is called as Pratishyaya.

All the three doshas are responsible for the occurrence of common cold. Vata dosha common colds have dry coughs, little mucus discharge, hoarse voice, headache and a runny nose. People with pitta dosha who have common colds will have fever, sore throat, yellowish nasal discharge and continuous blockage of the nose. People with kapha dosha common colds have thick mucus discharges with dull headaches and heaviness of the head.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Common Colds

- Bishop’s Weed (Trachyspermum ammi) Bishop’s weed has the power to open up clogged nasal passages. Its seeds are tied in a cloth and inhaled directly to clear congestions. It is very effective in treating nasal blockages in children.

- Cassia (Cassis fistula) Cassia roots are effective in treating cold. The roots are burnt and the smoke from them is inhaled. The mucus discharge will increase after such a treatment, but within a while it will stop completely.

- Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) Cinnamon is boiled in a glass of water with a pinch of pepper and honey. This reduces the sore throat problems and also prevents the cold from becoming chronic, or developing into something serious like pneumonia or influenza.

- Cumin seeds (Cuminum cyminum) Cumin seeds are antiseptic. So they have beneficial effects if the cold is accompanied with fever. It is also helpful in treating the throat irritations.

- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Ginger extract taken several times a day is an excellent remedy for treating coughs that accompany common colds. Ginger tea is also very effective in treating colds.

- Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) Chewing a few leaves of tulsi (holy basil) will remedy sore throat problems. An extract of the leaves boiled in water can be used as a drink for the same benefits.

- Onion (Allium cepa) Onion has the power to liquefy the phlegm. This makes the sticky mucus runny and it is discharged out of the nose.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Common Colds

- Common cold patients are typically advised to fast for one day so that the body toxins wash out. Then the patients can have hot vegetable soups, or steamed vegetables with little or no spices in them. Foods that are difficult to digest such as cheese, yoghurt, milk, oily and spicy foods and sweets must be avoided.

- Hot foods are advisable when you have a common cold. Hot chicken soup is a traditionally known remedy for common cold.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Common Colds

- Bhringasava is the prescribed Ayurvedic remedy for common colds. This is generally prescribed in quantities of 15 ml thrice a day for seven days.

- The nasal drops called Anutaila are also prescribed by many Ayurvedic doctors. Other common medicines are Vyoshaadi vati, Kantara Arya Ava Lehya, Tribhuvana Keerti, etc. These preparations must be taken in time to prevent the cold from getting converted into flu.

- Trikatu powder is suggested to be taken with honey. This decreases the inflammation of the respiratory tract. Shadbindu taila can be used as nasal drops. This is to be used twice daily as long as the symptoms of the common cold are felt.

(4) Home Medications

- Take a pinch of salt. Put a few drops of mustard oil in it and blend it till the oil loses its fluidity. Dab this mixture on the nostrils, neck and chest. It will tingle a bit, but the relief will be fast.

- Mix some jaggery and black pepper together. Boil this in water. Sip this quickly when hot as you do with tea.

- Squeeze the juice of two lemons in a glassful of water. Put sugar to sweeten the mixture. This must be taken at bedtime to seek relief from the nasal catarrh.

- One more remedy is to blend nutmeg and opium with cow’s milk into a paste. This is to be applied on the nose and the forehead while going to bed.

- Mixing black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom and the seeds of the Nigella sativa (Krishna Jeeraka), and using it as a snuff helps in opening severely congested nasal passages.

- Before going to bed, apply eucalyptus oil on the forehead, chest and the nostrils in the night. Then wrap yourself in a warm blanket and go to sleep. You will sweat profusely in the night, but let that happen. In the morning, the common cold will disappear, and so will any fever if present.

- It is not advisable to remain in a cramped room when you have a common cold. Open the windows and let the air pass, but don’t do this if it is cold outside. Take some walk in the fresh air and get enough rest.

Another point to note is that common cold is infectious. Hence, if you have got common cold, you should take all due precaution that it doesn’t pass on to others. Do not go near infants and children as they are the most vulnerable to attracting common cold. Also use a handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. Keep your utensils separate.

Dr.Anna Hardy
http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/common-cold-cure-herbs-and-ayurvedic-remedies-common-cold-treatment-111446.html

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. It can occur anywhere in the body and, based on that, there are several types of arthritis. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is the common ailment of pain in the joints observed in elderly people. Other common types of arthritic ailments are rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

The word arthritis is derived from two root Greek words – arthros meaning ‘joint’ and itis meaning ‘inflammation’. Hence, arthritis literally translates as inflammation of the joints.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease, which means, it is a disease in which the human body attacks itself. It begins in one or two joints where an acute pain is felt. This is the most miserable phase of arthritis. Over time, this pain may disappear, but it could cause permanent deformities in the bones and joints.

In all types of arthritis, the following symptoms are observed:

- The initial pains are felt as fleeting pains in the joints, which seem to be no more than a twitching pain.

- Pains alternate between various joints quickly.

- If the arthritis becomes acute, then on a particular day there is very sharp pain in a joint, and it becomes absolutely normal the next day. The next day another joint could be affected in a similar fashion.

- The pains could increase in the winter season or in cold nights.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Arthritis

- Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

Alfalfa makes the food residues in the body alkaline, which helps in assimilating them easily into the blood. This is effective in reducing the rheumatoid pains. Tea is made from the seeds of the alfalfa for consumption.

- Castor seeds (Ricinus communis)

The seeds of castor are beneficial in arthritic pains that are of a gouty or rheumatoid nature. The seeds are made into a poultice and applied over the affected joints.

- Celery (Apium graveolens)

The high sodium content of celery is useful in relieving the pains of arthritis. Freshly extracted juice of the celery plant must be taken for the best results.

- Garlic (Allium sativum)

The benefits of garlic in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are acknowledged all over the world. It relives the pains of arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. There are very little or no side-effects in using garlic as a remedy.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Arthritis

Constipation can aggravate arthritic pains. Hence foods that are difficult to digest must be avoided.

The following foods must be avoided if you have continuous arthritic pains:

- Animal fats

- Fried foods

- Foods rich in carbohydrates like potatoes

- Tomatoes

- Peppers

- Salt

- Sour foods, including curds

Taking five cloves of garlic early morning is a good diet remedy for reducing arthritic pains. Bitter vegetables have also been found to have excellent properties in the treatment of arthritis. These include bitter gourd and bitter drumsticks.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatment for Arthritis

Mahayogaraja Guggulu is the drug of choice in arthritis. Its dosage depends on the climate. In winter season, the dosage is double of what it is in the summer. In summer the dosage is two tablets twice a day. The preferable mode of taking these tablets is on an empty stomach, and they should be taken with milk or warm water.

For bigger joints suffering from arthritis, Brihadvata chintamani is given in a dosage of 250 milligrams twice or thrice a day. If the spine also develops arthritic pains, then the dosage increased for a week; then returned back to normal. For chronic arthritis, Maharasandhi kwatha is prescribed.

Mahanarayana taila is prescribed for external application over the affected joints. The application must be done with a gently massage. In the winter months, the oil must be warmed before application for better results.

(4) Home Medications

Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-

- Applying a paste of limestone and honey on the affected joints externally provides relief.

- Mash some mustard in warm water and apply this solution on the joints. This must be done repeatedly to get results.

- Put two teaspoons of cumin into a glass of water. Bring this to a boil. When the water is still hot, soak a towel in it and foment the affected region with this towel. This will provide relief from the pain within a few hours.

- Asafetida mixed with egg yolk can be applied on the affected joints to seek immediate relief.

- Prepare a pancake from wheat flour. Roast it on one side, but leave it uncooked on the other. Then put some heated mustard oil on the uncooked side. When it is hot, tie it like a tourniquet on the affected joint, or provide fomentation with it. This provides quick relief.

- Mix some cardamom in milk. Put a pinch of turmeric in this milk. This is to be drunk every night while going to sleep. This makes the person sleep peacefully in the morning.

Simple yogic asanas and light exercise helps proper digestion of the body and also protects it from autoimmune problems. Hence, these are beneficial in arthritis.

If you have recurrent pains in the joints, then do not keep the joint covered. As far as possible, keep the joint exposed to the air. For example, if you have pain in the knee joints, then do not wear tight denim clothing; shorts would be a good idea. This will provide freer circulation of blood in the joint and reduce the pains.

Tom alter
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/arthritis-cure-herbs-and-ayurvedic-remedies-arthritis-home-remedy-109244.html

Day in and day out we often find ourselves complaining about how tired we get throughout the day. One thing is for certain, if we don’t take action on anything nothing will ever change. The way most of our nine to fives lives work it is no wonder we have tendencies to stress and fatigue. It seems as though out diets have been getting worse and worse as the need for quick eating at cheap prices have helped fast food companies flourish in today’s world. So what can we do to sustain our energy levels, sleep better, live better and improve our general well-being? Well, the answer isn’t so simple however we can improve peices of our help through basic steps.

Along with exercise when the time allows, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Here is a list of some simple and natural remedies to help with the fatigue of life.

1. Stop drinking soda or atleast drink healthier soda. Often times these carbonated beverages are filled with sugars, preservatives and caffiene all of which are bad for the human body and promote stress and fatigue. Many do not realize this but drinking soda can lead to tooth decay, breakdown the interior walls of the stomach, increase the chance of diabeties, increase stress and lessen the quality of sleep you get.

To provide a healthy alternative, try drinking a tonic call Kombucha Tea. Kombucha is a natural tonic that has been known as a healing tonic in the East. Kombucha is flavorful and quite the healthy alternative to caffinated beverages such as soda. Kombucha is also known for its versatile and healing properties. It is also possible to brew kombucha from home with the right know-how.

2. Another way to fight fatigue is to dump that coffee. Coffee can be a great way to wake in the morning but because of its high caffiene content, an individual is almost certain to have a caffiene crash by mid day and be sluggish until bed time. Coffee can promote stained teeth and bad breathe as well as increase stress levels due to the high level of caffiene. All in all there is not much nutritional value in such a drink, in fact, it can strip away nutrients in your body as well as dehydrate you.

A suggestion for a healthy replacement of coffee would be a tea known as Yerba Mate. Yerba Mate Tea is grown sustainabley in the rainforests of South America and has been known for its various healthy aspects. Yerba Mate itself carries a plethora of nutrients and minerals all of which are needed to sustain healthy living. Yerba Mate Tea, like Kombucha and Tahitian Noni Juice have been known to aide in numerous ailements. Yerba Matte has also been known to provide a huge burst of healthy, non-irratible energy that lasts throughout the day!

A supplement also found to be quite helpful in reducing fatigue is called Noni Juice. Noni Juice has been revered for centuries to provide good health for many who have taken the juice. Many have claimed that Tahitian Noni Juice has helped them with joint discomfort, arthritis, bad sleep, low energy levels and so forth.

These are just some basic concepts in finding alternatives to common unhealthy habits we as a society have deemed the norm. By looking outside the box there are many healthful opportunities that we commonly miss out on. By changing a few aspects of our diet we can reduce stress, reduce fatigue, improve our comfort, think clearer, act smarter, do more, live better and lead more active lives.

Common problems can occur however when we don’t research the supplements we take and we don’t actively take part in our health. It is important to be health-wise and to take an active role in learning and discovering ways to change your life for the better. It is truly amazing how such minor day to day changes can make all the difference in our health and general well being. Listening to your body more often is the key to great health and wellness and the ability to create more energy in your life.

Gabe Killian
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/three-alternative-natural-remedies-to-better-your-health-55999.html

Children are the most precious gift for both mother and father. Everybody wishes to take the best possible care of their children. There are some common ailments like nappy rash, chapped skin, sunburn, cough, toothache etc. which puts parents into worries and take away their sleep. This article discusses how aromatherapy can be helpful in treating these common ailments.

1. Nappy rash and sore chafed skin

Commercial baby oils are made with mineral oil, which can eventually be drying to delicate skin on other hand sweet almond oil is much kinder. To make aromatherapy baby oil, add four drops of rose or camomile oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of sweet almond oil. This is very soothing when stroked on nappy rash or irritated skin.

2. Chapped skin

Because children are always in a hurry they don’t always dry them properly. This can lead to chapped, sore skin, especially in winter. Add six drops of benzoin or myrrh oil to carrier oil and rub into the affected areas several times daily.

3. Sunburn

However careful you are with protective creams and lotions, sometimes a little patch of skin seems to burn. Apply neat lavender oil if the area is small. For larger areas, make up a spray by adding 12 drops of lavender oil to ½ pint (300 ml) of cold water. Spray the affected areas as needed. This is really good for sore skin because it is very soothing and avoids having to touch the affected area.

4. Coughs

Add three drops of eucalyptus and three drops of thyme oil to 4 fl oz (100 ml) of carrier oil. Massage, or rub, it into your child’s chest and throat. These oils are also helpful when inhaled in steam and you can use them in a vaporizer in your child’s bedroom at night. Simply place it beside the bed.

5. Toothache

The old remedy for toothache – oil of cloves – is helpful to get relief from pain. It has an anesthetizing effect on the nerve, lessening pain and bringing a lot of relief until you can get your child to a dentist.

Dip a cotton bud in neat clove oil then apply to the offending tooth. Repeat as necessary. For a teething baby, rub the sore gums with a little neat camomile oil several times a day.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read useful articles on Hair loss remedy to control your hair fall. Know how Herbal remedies are helpful in promoting good health. Also read about Natural weight loss to shed your extra body fat.

Nick Mutt
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/natural-remedies-for-common-childhood-ailments-551360.html

a nice warm bath and drink chamomile tea. xj

Basically if someone’s having trouble sleeping and they don’t want to take any sleepng pills or anything like that what is a good idea to help someone get to sleep?

Warm milk, a warm bath, then a massage. If they don’t fall asleep, they will still get rest, so it’s ok.