Nicola Jane Swinton
Herbal Medicine for the treatment of Insomnia – a literature review
Abstract
The aim of this study is to ascertain whether herbal medicine is effective in the treatment of insomnia, to convey a deeper understanding of the condition and to assist herbalists in its management. It further aims to identify any successful key herbs and relevant therapeutic approaches, including dietary and lifestyle advice.
A systematic literature review (utilising critical appraisal) was conducted as the primary research technique. Drawing on studies and articles published in both conventional and holistic literature, it yielded a wealth of data, which was considered to be of direct relevance to the subject in hand.
A review of traditional and modern herbal texts, including Humoral medicine provided a balance to the clinical research uncovered by the online literature search. The focus of this was mainly on standardised extracts and isolated constituents e.g. the valepotriates and valeranic acids of Valeriana officinalis L. (Valerian). It is evident from the findings of this review that insomnia is an extremely prevalent and well documented condition, which appears to be very much on the increase, possibly through some correlation to the modern western lifestyle.
The conclusion found that herbal medicine can be effective, in the treatment of insomnia, with the particular benefit of avoiding the side effects incurred with the commonly prescribed “sedative / hypnotics”. However, insufficient clinical research using whole plant remedies (as prescribed by western herbalists) has been conducted. V. officinalis L. was the most evaluated herb by scientific research and the most indicated herb by herbal texts for the treatment of insomnia. In combination with other herbs such as Humulus lupulus L. (Hops), standardised extracts proved efficacious, as did a Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm) encapsulated organically grown dried leaf preparation and inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lavender). Further research using whole plant preparations as prescribed by western herbalists would be advantageous.
