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Page 38
| Materia Medica |
| Many plants have been used by the various herbal traditions of the world to help with sleep problems. However there are so many that here we will focus only on those commonly used in the West and currently widely available. |
| Practitioners of Western herbal medicine have many plants in their dispensaries, but more importantly they have a grasp of how to use them that goes beyond simply focusing on symptoms or diseases. Their focus is on wellness and prevention. To this end herbs are seen in terms of their actions, that is the physiological effects they produce. In the language of this system, herbs that might facilitate the sleep process are often described as hypnotics or nervines. |
| Hypnotics |
| Hypnotics are herbal remedies that will help to induce a deep and healing state of sleep. Herbs that help you sleep have modes of action that vary from mild muscle-relaxing properties through volatile oils that ease psychological tensions to remedies that contain strong alkaloids that work directly on the central nervous system and put you to sleep. Some of the most effective plant hypnotics are illegal because of |
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