Anxiety and depression have plagued humanity throughout history, making for sleepless nights. Insomnia herbs have been used as a cure for just as long. When modern medicine became the norm there came an overabundance of drugs and sleep aids to help give post-modern man his craved-for sleep--as well as other dangerous side effects. And so we have come full circle back to the insomnia herbs of yesterday, and have rediscovered that old cures are often still the safer choice.

Caffeine is a habit-forming drug. While it keeps you active on otherwise drowsy mornings, it will also prohibit you from being able to have some needed rest at night. Because of a restless sleep, you'll be drowsy again the next day, and also anxious and ill-tempered and you'll make a rabid dash to the nearest Starbucks the first opportunity you get.

It's an addictive cycle, and it must be stopped. If you cannot wean yourself off caffeine totally, at least try to cut back on your intake. Doing this includes stopping yourself from having colas, chocolate, and yes, the ubiquitous Starbucks. Have some insomnia herbs instead.

Valerian root is the best there is. It is "the safest and most effective sleep aid with no side effects," according to British scientist turned herbalist Dr. Malcolm Stuart, who says the best time for a drink would be around 8 PM. Thirty minutes before retiring, use one to two teaspoons of the dried root to make a sleep-promoting tea. Unlike synthetic sleep aids, valerian causes no side effects. And as opposed to its counterpart synthetic drugs, which may cause a habit on the drug, you will not develop a dependency on this natural cure.

Just like valerian root in terms of its sleep-enhancing effects is catnip. This herb is also used as a cure for insomnia, but it is also thought to be a solution to nervousness, anxiety, and even migraines. Taking catnip is again almost like valerian--one to two teaspoons of the dried herb for one cup of boiled water and set aside to percolate for approximately ten minutes. Do not boil the herb along with the water as this may reduce the potency of some of its active ingredients.

Chamomile is weaker and is safer for children to take, most especially when the young ones are hyperactive. The usual dosage is two teaspoons of dried chamomile flower for every cup of tea.

Lavender also makes for a very soothing concoction at bedtime (three flower heads to one cup of boiling water, soaked like catnip), and taking a whiff of a few drops of its oil or putting it in your bubble bath has the same relaxing effect. It can be also rubbed onto your skin in a massage and its flowers and seeds stuffed into your pillows.

In Chinese medicine, the longan fruit and sour jujube seed are likewise known to calm the spirit. The former is used to treat insomnia, while the latter complements stronger herbs.

While the insomnia herbs cited above may be consumed alone, you may also create an herbal cocktail if you wish. Try blending valerian with chamomile, catnip, or some other mild herbs like hops and passionflower. Add a small amount of the natural sweetener stevia if you like if you find the taste somewhat too robust for your palate. Don't drink excessively to spare yourself from sleep-interrupting trips to the loo.

While there is nothing basically wrong with depending on insomnia herbs, homeopathy, and aromatherapy to induce sleep, it is still best to go the natural way and allow your body to drift off to sleep alone, the way it's wired for. To make your body perform at its best, a lifestyle overhaul should be done.

To prevent sleep disorders, having an exercise routine, managing stress properly, and committing to a healthy diet filled with fruits and vegetables is the the healthiest way to go, aside from using your favorite cocktail of insomnia herbs. While you're at it, let's have a cup of our anti-insomnia brew! Cheers!