TOM: Vatic Disorders: Insomnia.. Anita

[Guest guest]

so many options, so little time...

a few quick comments:

 

one helpful remedy is Reishi, (Ling zhi, Ganoderma spp), a medicinal

mushroom that as the chinese state, "saves an academic from his own

brain." Take a 15:1 extract, two caps thrice daily. It does not act

as a sedative per se, but simply relaxes the mind and has grounding

effect. Other Indian herbs include Ashvagandha, Jatamamsi, and

Shankapushpi, or western herbs such as Milky Oats, Damiana and American

Ginseng, once again, taken throughout the day, not as sedative. For

sleep specifically something like combined tinctures of Valerian,

California Poppy, Skullcap and Passionflower works well in many case,

1tsp in warm water 1 hr before bed, as can some extra calcium and

magnesium (400-600 mg ea) before bed.

 

Try writing down your thoughts before bed to get them out of your head,

or mentally go through everything you did that day, going backwards to

the time you woke up earlier that day. Turn off electric lights by 9

pm to correct circadian dysfunctions, i.e. no reading or tv watching

late at night. Make sure your bedroom is warm, infuse some lavender

essential oil with an aromatherapy dispenser (also putting a few drips

under your pillow), and if desired, give yourself an oil massage with

sesame oil before bed, massaging over the ears, large joints and feet

specifically.

 

Insomnia is often caused by a reactive hypoglycemia, which is more

likely the case given your physiognomy. Try eating a higher protein

breakfast, and a higher protein supper - avoid sweets and carbs in the

evening. Consider liver detoxification as another option - insomnia is

often a pitta-related disorder: try some Turmeric mixed with a little

ginger power, 1 tsp total in warm water, before meals.

 

best..Todd Caldecott

Caldecott

phyto

http://www.wrc.net/phyto

[Guest guest]

Dear

 

Thanks for your response.

Lots of queries :-)

Could you please tell me where I can find Ashvagandha, Jatamamsi, and

Shankapushpi (in India)? My parents live in Chennai, India and will

be in the US in May. Should the medicines be procured in form of

powder or syrup or capsules? Any ONE of them should alleviate the

problem, is that correct? Where can I find Reishi? How does one go

about making a combined tincture of Valerian,

California Poppy, Skullcap and Passionflower? Also, I was under the

impression that insomnia was a vata disorder - guess I am wrong!

 

Thanks again,

Anita