Discover four powerful natural remedies for nightmares in adults that actually work, and a few diet tips for nightmares.
The origin of nightmares is still unsolved, but the most probable hypothesis is that nightmares are the materialization of unresolved and repressed frustrations and fears during sleep. However, there are natural ways to fight nightmares, and below are the most powerful natural remedies for nightmares in adults. But first, a short explanation as to why these medicinal plants are used for nightmares and insomnia.
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Nightmares and Psychotropic Plants
In Romanian folk medicine, sleep has a very special importance. There was a deep-rooted belief that during sleep the human soul reaches other realms, where it can meet with good or evil spirits, who will follow it not only during sleep but also after waking up. The strigoi or moroi would often create nightmares, while “those from the wind” could create nervous disorders, including sleep paralysis. On the other hand meeting fairies, angels, or dead relatives was auspicious during sleep, as they were viewed as guides that helped solve problems.
Thus, the Romanian folk healers have studied and used dozens if not hundreds of useful plant remedies for mental and spiritual protection during sleep, but also for deep rest, and full physical and soul regeneration. If until recently this was only a question of superstition, the research done on the plants used for sleep in folk medicine has shown beyond doubt that they have a beneficial influence on the psyche.
The mechanism of action of psychotropic plants is not yet known (“tropos” in Greek means “movement“, so psychotropic plants are plants that move and produce a change in mood), but it is certain that they have a positive effect when it comes to sleep disorders and nightmares. Here are 5 of the most potent psychotropic plants that have been used as natural remedies for nightmares for ages by folk healers in Romania and the Balkans.
5 Powerful Natural Remedies for Nightmares in Adults
1. Valerian Root Tincture
(Valeriana officinalis)
The soporific effect of valerian root is fast, and in Romanian folk medicine, it is believed that valerian protects against evil spirits and prevents nightmares. Take a dissolved teaspoon of valerian root tincture in a cup of water, 15 minutes before going to bed. Combine with an equal amount of caraway seed tincture (Carum carvi) for even more spectacular results. Have 50 drops of the mixed tinctures in the evening, ten minutes before going to bed. You can gradually increase the dosage to 150 drops for 21 days (if you experience no side effects). Pause for 10 days and resume if needed. Valerian is one of the best natural remedies for nightmares in adults, no doubt about it.
1. Yellow Sweet Clover Powder
(Melilotus officinalis)
Yellow sweet clover is a slightly milder sleeping pill than valerian, as it does not slow down the mental processes and can be taken for milder cases of insomnia and nightmares. It is administered in the form of powder (obtained from the flowering aerial part). Take a teaspoon on an empty stomach, in the evening at 7 p.m., and optionally one more at 10 p.m. Yellow sweet clover is a very useful medicinal plant in treating insomnia caused by menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, palpitations, and restlessness that prevents women from falling asleep. It is also one of the most wonderful natural remedies for nightmares.
3. Butterbur Powder
(Petasites hybridus)
Butterbur grows in the valleys of mountain streams and has a leaf similar to that of the burdock, only that it has an extremely obvious sweet scent. The butterbur leaf has a very special calming effect, clarifying dreams, banishing nightmares, and being of real help to people who wake up at night with a strong state of anxiety, after which they can no longer fall asleep. It is also administered in powder form, usually a teaspoon in the afternoon, at 5 p.m., and another teaspoon in the evening, before going to bed. This treatment lasts for one month and can be resumed after a 5-7 day break. This is one of the most amazing natural remedies for nightmares.
4. Common Wormwood Tincture
(Artemisia absinthum)
Common wormwood is a medicinal plant that does not actually have a sleep-inducing effect, but it is very useful for people who oftentimes have a difficult sleep or nightmares and who have a hard time waking up. You can take it as tincture – 50 drops three times a day, once immediately after waking up. You can continue for two weeks with a two-week break, as it can cause addiction, so beware. This is one of the top natural remedies for nightmares.
5. St. John’s Wort Powder
(Hypericum perforatum)
St John’s wort balances our emotions, simply reducing the mental load, but without adverse reactions, such as apathy, mental confusion, etc. On the contrary, it is a remedy that keeps your mind awake, clear, and aware, thus inducing a sort of immunity to negative emotional states, such as anxiety, depression, and asthenia. You can take one teaspoon of St. John’s wort powder three times a day, with a little water. This is one of the most effective natural remedies for nightmares.
What to Eat to Avoid Nightmares
In addition to the natural remedies for nightmares above, here is how and what to eat to avoid nightmares.
- Sweet fruits – consuming even a moderate amount of sweets after dinner (ideally sweet fruits, except chocolate) helps the brain release certain substances that confer a state of contentment, very suitable for inducing a pleasant and restful sleep.
- Eliminate excitatory foods – theobromine from cocoa, caffeine from coffee, and black and green tea, as well as most taste-enhancing additives and flavors in some foods strongly stimulate the nervous system, and can even induce insomnia and nightmares.
- Calming foods – consume foods with calming effects on the nervous system – namely lettuce, pumpkin seeds, linden and acacia honey, onions, cauliflower, celery (root), potatoes, bananas, mild spices (fennel, dill, marjoram), linden, chamomile or St. John’s wort teas.
- Avoid eating after 8 p.m. – overlapping the digestive processes over the sleep cycle is a no-no. The popular belief that those who eat before going to bed will have nightmares is backed by science, which shows that the activity of the nervous system is disturbed by meals taken late or when we are already very tired.
- Do not starve yourself – drastic weight loss diets can lead to severe insomnia, due to the adrenaline surges. Skipping dinner is not recommended, even when wanting to lose weight, as this will build frustration, insomnia, and even nightmares.
Read Also: 5 Best Natural Sleep Aids with Recipes
Nightmares can be overcome with the help of medicinal plants. If you’ve enjoyed learning about these powerful natural remedies for nightmares in adults, please share this article so more people can use this information. Let us know in the comments below which of these natural remedies for nightmares has helped you. Sleep well, naturally!
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