Natural ways to get sound sleep : An Indian experience

Research Note - Pankaj Oudhia
© 2001,2002,2003 Pankaj Oudhia - All Rights Reserved

The problem of sleeplessness or insomnia is becoming a common problem around the world. The modern life has given us so much but also given complications like insomnia. In India, the patients of this problem is increasing rapidly. According to Indian systems of medicine, with the help of some natural ways and herbs, one can get sound sleep. Vitex negundo is one of such useful herbs. In Sarguja district of Chhattisgarh (India), the traditional healer advice the patients of insomnia to put three leaves between head and pillow to get sound sleep. This is common practice in India since ancient time. This miracle effect of Vitex (locally known as Nishindi) has not been reported in available literatures. In southern parts of Chhattisgarh , the traditional healers advise the insomnia patients to wear fruits (Full of spines). According to them , this garland helps in getting sound sleep. The Scientific name of Kuthua is Xanthium strumarium (family solanaceae). Here are some effective ways of getting sound sleep.

1. Gentle massage of mustard oil on sole of feet before going to bed daily, helps in good sleep.

2. Take Jaiphal and mix it in water and apply it on outside of eye lids. This will give you sound sleep.

3. Regular intake of fresh carrot juice is also helpful.

4. During meal, take fresh curd with black pepper (Piper nigrum), Saunf and Sugar.

5. Use of Homoeopathic drug Passiflora incarnata is also useful. Consult your Homeopath.

6. Regular intake of fresh honey is also found useful in eliminating this problem.

7. Washing thoroughly the legs up to knees before sleep is one of best natural ways to get sound sleep.

8. I have found long use of Schussler's biochemic drug Kali phos 30x, best for sound sleep. It is good nerve tonic.

9. External application of linseed and castor seed oil on eyelids is also a common practice to induce sound sleep in tribal belts of India.

10. In many parts of India, traditional healers apply the paste of fresh leaves of Bhang (Cannabis sativa) mixed in goat milk on sole of the feet. This induce sleep.

11. In ancient Indian literatures, use of poppy seeds (khaskhas) with sugar is recommended for insomnia patients. An oil prepared from seeds is also reported effective.

12. The herbal mixture having Viola (Banfsha) and Posth(poppy) seeds is very popular Ayurvedic formation for insomnia patients.