ABOUT VALERIAN, CHAMOMILE AND PASSION FLOWER HERBAL SLEEP AIDS

Valerian, Chamomile and Passion Flower have a neuro-calmative affectation which causes the brain to induce laxation and, subsequently, sleep. Chamomile and Passion Flower are less potent than Valerian Root. Excessive Valerian dosage could have a psychtropic effect (see below). Valerian dosage should not exceed 1200mg in any one 24 hour period and should be use prudently. take these herbs with prescription neurodepressants such as Neurontin (Gabapentic) or sleep inducers such as Ambien or Lunestra. Do not take any calmative herb (or medications) with alcoholic beverages. Do not drive a car after using calmatives, neuro-depressants or sleep inducing preparations. Children under 14 should not be given Valerian and only low amount of Chamomile or Passion Flower. Calmative herbs can be added to decaf tea and beverages.

Calmative herbs in capsule form should be taken 1 hour before bedtime. Calmative herbs in tea should be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. This is a guideline. Since absorption varies between persons, you may need to adjust these times. Never drive a car or operate machinery after taking any sleep aid. Do not consume alcohol with sleep aids as alcoholic beverages exacerbate the nervous system. If you mix Valerian, Chamomile and/or Passion Flower in tea,be sure it is decaf tea. Better: especially formulated relaxant teas are available at your health food store. Between the time you take a calmative herb (or any sleep medication) and go to bed, do something relaxing like listening to music, reading or meditating. Avoid stimulating activity such as watching TV, exercising, or word puzzles. Drink calmative tea slowly, sipping rather than gulping.

Dosage Valerian is capsulized usually between 400-500mg. One capsule should be sufficient to provide restful sleep with the ability to awaken for alarms or any emergency. If Valerian is supplemented with Chamomile and/or Passion Flower, the supplemental dose of those added herbs should not be more than 100mg. combined. This is also true for tea. Never should more than 1000mg. of Valerian be consumed in one 24 hour period. Consuming more than 1200mg. of Valerian could result in unconscious state that would prevent awakening for respiratory constriction such as choking or gagging. If you require two capsules of Valerian to sleep (about 1000mg), do not take supplemental relaxants such as Chamomile or Passion Flower. Always use the least dosage that provides desired relaxation. Never mix sleep aids. Never use (mix) herbal sleep aids wit over the counter or prescription sleep aids. Do not use herbal or other sleep aids if you are taking prescription medications without the knowledge and consent of your doctor.

Consult your physician if you have chronic sleep problems as this could be an indication of a more serious condition. Herbal Remedies have not been approved by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, prevent or cure any ailment.