NaturalMedications

Sleeplessness: Two raw onions eaten before bed with a healthy portion of bread and butter is said to aid sleep. However, due to the sensitive nature of many sotmachs, I would recommend valerian, catnip and peppermint tea as a good substitute.

Sedative Tincture - Place 1-1/2 ounces of chamomile and 1-1/2 teaspoons of powdered peppermint into 1/2 quart of vodka. Allow to steep for 2 weeks, shaking daily. Strain and bottle. Use as a sedative for adults. Dosage is 1/2 dropper full under the tongue, as needed.

To induce sleep - Mix together 2 tablespoons chamomile, 2 tablespoons skullcap, 1 teaspoon

goldenseal, 2 teaspoons elder flower, 1/2 teaspoon peppermint powder, and 1 tablespoon pennyroyal. Add mixture to 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer until liquid is reduced by half. Bottle and label. Dosage is 1-2 tablespoons to one cup of hot water. Sweeten to taste. Take at bedtime to induce sleep.

To induce sleep - Mix 2 tablespoons dried peppermint with 1 tablespoon each of rosemary

and sage. This really soothes the nerves and allows you to relax enough to go to sleep.

Valerian Tea - Caution -- Take this only once a day (at bedtime to induce sleep) Pour 1 pint boiling water over 1 teaspoon powdered valerian root. Cover and steep 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten. Add a pinch of mace as flavoring if desired. Drink warm. Valerian is not a very pleasant smelling herb, but it is very effective. The valerian maybe added to other, better tasting herbs and will be just as effective. Simply add the herb of your choice to the water along with

the valerian.

Sleep Mixture - Mix 1 tablespoon each of dried hop, chamomile, and lavender flowers, skullcap, and powdered valerian root. Put in size #00 capsules. Take 2 capsules every couple of hours (not to exceed 6 capsules), shortly before you retire for the night. This should not be taken longer then 2 days. If the problem persists after two days, please consult your physician, to find out the reason for your inability to sleep. This is to be used only as a temporary measure.

For trouble getting to sleep - Pour 1 pint of boiling water over 1 ounce of feverfew flowers. Cover and steep until cool. Strain and sweeten with honey. Drink cool.

Good Sedative - Mix together 1 tablespoon each of bee balm, hops, peppermint, chamomile,

and crushed fennel seed. Add 1 tablespoon of the mixture to 1 cup boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and strain. Sweeten with honey. Drink 1/2 hour before bed.