Herbal Sleep Remedies

Where herbal sleep remedies and other sleep meds are concerned, big Pharma has got its greasy paws deep inside our pockets. Even though their own prescription drugs have their drawbacks. Such as side-effects, limited access and prohibitive costs. Evidently just some of the reasons why  an increasing number of us are turning to herbs. Most of these potions have been tested for centuries by herbalists and naturopaths. As opposed to the standard 6 months of testing for the average pharmaceutical.

The two main reasons that the use of herbal medicine has been actively opposed are borne of ignorance and greed. Due to religious influence, herbal medicine was suppressed in Europe for centuries. Many herbalists were burned at the stake as witches. Simply for their remarkable knowledge of the natural world. Herbal sleep remedies aside.  The teaching and learning about all  herbal medicines was sent deep underground.

This old spiritual stigmatization of  "folk medicine" carried over into the early 20th century. Research of natural herbal cures was dropped for good. Favoring the financially more lucrative chemical approaches. The fact that profit from herbal cures was beyond the reach of the pharmaceutical companies was purely coincidental.

It could well be argued that between them they have successfully managed to stymie over a century of herbal knowledge. Not just herbal sleep remedies.  This hasn't stopped the modern-day pharmaceutical industry from plundering native understanding about herbs. However it has actually restricted the public financing opportunities for existing studies. Ultimately resulting in less competition. So we have a double taboo against researching herb. Made up of an age old religious doctrine combined with industrial commercial interests.

However; let’s not be fooling ourselves: Natural does not always mean safe. Some herbal sleep cures can neutralize other prescription drugs. Especially if  mixed with alcohol or sedatives. Other herbs can greatly increase the effect of antidepressants. Always seek a second opinion from the quack if you have doubts. Don't forget to do your homework prior to attempting any natural solution. Not just for herbal sleep remedies. Simply Google the herb of choice followed by “interactions” if you are taking medication