The best herbal all natural sleep aid is made with Traditional Chinese Herbs. Try Chinese herbs they are a true natural sleep aid, you can’t the way you feel the day after.

This Year I Will Finally (dot, dot, dot)

Posted by Cathy on

Hopefully you've made some New Years resolutions and hopefully you can keep them. 

One resolution I hear often from patients is "I would like to stop taking so many OTC (over the counter) pain killers."  When I inquire further, I often learn the Tylenol, Advil, or generic  ibuprofen or acetaminophen are used for muscle aches, PMS and menstrual cramps and some use the PM versions of these OTC pain relievers as a sleep aid.  I'm always surprised people use these for sleep aids because their is no evidence that the PM versions of these pills have any active ingredients that will help you sleep.

If you are taking these pain killers for menstrual cramps you should check out our PMS Relief Herb Pac, and if you are taking over-the counter pain relievers for muscle aches I recommend switching to a systemic enzyme supplement.  

If you are taking acetaminophen, whether it be a generic or Tylenol, make sure you heed the BLACK BOX Warning on the box label.  The FDA requires the manufacturers to include this warning because of the number of life threatening incidences resulting in liver failure and death.   650 mg  is the maximum recommended dosage per day, this is two pills at 325 mg.  More than that and you risk serious liver damage.  Please don't buy the 1000 quantity bottles at Costco or Wallmart, simply because 1000 of any pain reliever is just too many.

If you drink on the same day you're taking acetaminophen, you increase your risk for acute (sudden onset) liver failure. Don't be one of the thousands that are rushed to the emergency room each year as a result of acetaminophen overdosing.  Herbs are a fantastic alternative to OTC pain relievers.  Our herbal sleep aid is a much safer and more effective solution. 

Other posts on this subject:

FDA says Sleep Aids have not proven effectiveness     http://www.pacherbs.com/archives/2509

Caution advised when using Acetaminophen:

http://www.uclahealth.org/page.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=502&action=detail&ref=717&start=1&ArticleRefs=717,718,719,720,721,722,723,724,725,726,727,728,729,730,731,732&issueref=199

The Doctor Will See You Now, If There Is Enough Time?

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best natural sleep aidsWhich is more valuable, time or money?

When you go to your doctor, does your doctor have time for you?  Do they listen to you, i.e. why you're not sleeping, why you're so fatigued and does your doctor have time to hear you and respond? 

We all know our health care system has many advantages and disadvantages, I find Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) doctors to be one of the huge advantages.  If you have the opportunity to visit an Integrative or Alternative Medicine practitioner such as a Naturopath, Homeopath or Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturist or Herbalist you can find a plethora of caring, responsible health practitioners that have THE most important piece of the health care solution, they have TIME for their patients.

So many good doctors are hampered by insurance company payment systems they simple can't afford to give you their time.  Today, visiting a Homeopathic office I overheard the questions the doctor of Homeopathy was asking his patient.  In depth questions, about the patients stress levels, menstrual cycle, sleep and herbal supplement use.  Although I only heard  a minute of the conversation I knew this doctor was giving the most important medical attention possible.  He was taking the TIME to really listen to his patients problems. 

One reason I believe so many good people are turning to alternative therapies such as Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Herbalist, Naturopaths and Homeopathic doctors is simple for this reason of "Time".  When a CAM doctor hears you have a sleeping problem they won't just scribble the name of a sleep aid pill on a piece of paper and rush out the door.  Rather they actually take the time to investigate your entire health history and look for the root cause of the problem. 

Time can make all the difference.  Wishing you lots of it in 2011.

Are Chinese Herbs A Better Sleep Aid Than Melatonin?

Posted by Cathy on

I am often asked this question.   My answer usually is something like this. 

Just because you are not familiar with Chinese herbs does not mean they not as effective as the everyday sleep aids you've often heard about.  Simply because Chinese medicine has not been the predominant form of medicine in the U.S. for the past 200 plus years does not negate the fact that over a billion people on the earth depend on this medicines systems and theories.  The continual use of herbal sleep medicine for over 1000 years, gives it both a safety record unmatched by other sleep remedies, and a success rating no other natural treatment can hold a candle too.

In comparison, Melatonin was discovered in 1958,  it took another 25 years to accumulate knowledge about  melatonin and what effect it had on both physiological and behavioral aspects of people.  It's use as a sleep aid started about 20 years ago and clinical studies on it's use as a sleep aid vary greatly.  This may be partly due to melatonin not being a regulated drug with regulated dosage levels, like other hormones sold only by prescription.This pineal hormone may be more important for overall well being, than as a OTC (over-the-counter) sleep aid. 

Comparing the two as sleep aids is a bit like comparing apples and oranges.  One is a hormone the other botanical medicine, one has only two decades of use while the other over a thousand years. One has thousands of conclusive studies…. do I need to continue? 

Unleash the power of herbal medicine and learn about and try the most famous herbs used in the world to help you sleep.

Sleep Aids Valerian and Hops Check Dosage

Posted by Cathy on

Natural Sleep aids with Chinese herbsIf you are looking for a natural sleep aid to help you stay horizontal through-out the night, we've got news for you.  The traditional herbs used in the West for help sleeping are valerian and hops. Maybe you've heard of them.   In one of the most thoroughly conducted research studies on these herbs, it was discovered  these herbs only work when extracted together.  

These top researchers in Switzerland conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study to demonstrate the fixed combination of chemical constituents from the plants.  What the researchers found is that only when these two herbs are used in a fixed combination at 500 milligrams valerian extract siccum to 120 milligrams hops extract siccum,  did they reduce sleep latency.  The valerian extract alone was no better than a placebo.  Always check product dosages for the best results.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history of using herbs together.  When using Chinese herbs as an over-the-counter sleep aid, either mixed at a Chinese pharmacy or in prepackaged packets like our iSleep Herb Pac, it is most common to have herbs combined together to create a synergistic action that is much more effective than any one herb working alone.  Chinese herbs are always used in combination formulas for the very same reason this study demonstrates.  They simply work better, together.  Studies can prove this, but it is really history of over a thousand years of using herbs cooked together which has provided this knowledge.  

 

For more info on this study:

Koetter U, Schrader E, Kaufeler R. et al. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder. Phytother Res. 2007 May 8.

The Top 5 Natural Sleep Aid Tips

Posted by Cathy on

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?

Ever count sheep?  Who came up with that idea anyway?  I use to try it and it drove me crazy, I always lost track of how many sheep.  I guess that was the point.. but it never helped me get to sleep.

Here's what I've learned after countless insomnia consults.   Prescription sleep aids may work for some but before you resort to that extreme give a few of these natural sleep remedies a try.

1.  Darkness counts.  Make the bedroom as dark as possible.  No computers in the room, no clock radio light.  If you want to sleep you need to maximize that melatonin production so you need blackness.   When you can't see your hand in front of your face, your sleep space functioning as a natural sleep aid.

2.  Stop Nappiing!!  No more than 1 short.. 30 minutes or less nap, per day.  Sorry folks, if you really want good quality sleep you've got to maximize the efficiency of 7 hours straight.   You shouldn't  need a nap if you have at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.  Power napping  (30 min or less ) is approved but more than that you are sabotaging your night time REM.


3.  Change your mind, 7-8 hours is not a pipe dream.  Although many of us would like to will ourselves to sleep,  this method is fairly ineffective.  But if you truly set a natural sleep goal, this will be a positive influence.   As you go to bed, give yourself the positive affirmation that you will sleep all night. Don't doubt yourself, you may be surprised how strong the mind can be.

4.  Love your mattress, or whatever you sleep on.  If you don't love it,  change it.  Com' on, you spend months/years of your life sleeping.  Do it in style.   

5.   The temperature is one of the most important natural sleep remedies.  We have all experienced the" too hot" summer night or too cold winter morning.  Make it right and enjoy the best sleep you can.  (If night sweats are your "too hot" moment check out our natural Menopause Relief, it will naturally adjust your internal thermostat.)

Bonus tip:   A few drops of Lavender essential oil on your pillow  and behind your ear lobes provides a natural calming effect.

If you are still suffering with poor sleep, try our all natual sleep aid.  Our herbal blend is not a secret, it is written in every Chinese herbal formula book on the planet.  It has been used for centuries.  Drink a small cup of iSleep before bed and we guarantee you will improve the number of hours you sleep.  Best part… it's an all natural sleep aid!

Learn to Unplug and Recharge By Sleeping

Posted by Cathy on

“I can’t speak for all women, but I want to get more sleep, says Arianna Huffington, the Co- Founder and Editor-In-Chief of the Huffington Post  a nationally syndicated columnist, and author of twelve books.   Arianna Huffington was a speaker at The Womens Conference 2009 and had this to say about sleep. . .

“The prevailing culture tells us that nothing succeeds like excess, that working 80 hours a week is better than working 70, that being plugged in 24/7 is expected, and that sleeping less and multi-tasking more are an express elevator to the top.”

“I beg to differ.  There is nothing that negatively affects my mood, my productivity, or my effectiveness more than lack of sleep. I’ve had to learn to unplug and recharge. To trade multi-tasking for uni-tasking — and, occasionally — no-tasking. It’s left me healthier, happier, and more able to try to make a positive difference in the world.”

“My eyes have been opened to the value of regularly closing them.”

I couldn’t agree more with Arianna!  Our fast paced, high tech world that never sleeps is creating a world of insomniac’s who wish nothing more than… well a good nights sleep.  Weight gain is blamed on lack of sleep, as is an increase in depression and death, (due to drivers falling asleep behind the wheel).  .

Consider the Nurses’ Health Study conducted by Harvard University found that getting too little sleep is linked to a greater risk of getting breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

If you suffer from a lack of sleep check into natural sleep aids such as iSleep Herb Pack, an all natural sleep aid used in Asian cultures for generations.   Because, a good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures for just about anything that ails you.

Prevent Hypertension with Watermelon, A Natural Botanical Medicine

Posted by Cathy on with 1 Comment

watermelon a chinese herb call xia gua for heat and hypertensionThe first documentation of it's kind (in the U.S.), watermelon is shown to be an effective natural herbal alternative for high blood pressure, a precursor to heart disease. Even though watermelon has been used in Traditional Chinese herbal medicine for centuries it is not well known in the West as a medicinal food or herb.

Scientists at The Florida State University have been studying watermelon, a fruit also use in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  It is both a functional medicinal food and herb with vasodilatory effects.  This means the properties of watermelon extract may help reduce the risks of  pre-hypertensions from progressing to heart attacks and strokes.   

"FSU Assistant Professor Arturo Figueroa and Professor Bahram H. Arjmandi found that when six grams of the amino acid L-citrulline/L-arginine from watermelon extract was administered daily for six weeks, there was improved arterial function and consequently lowered aortic blood pressure in all nine of their pre-hypertensive subjects (four men and five postmenopausal women, ages 51-57)."

"Given the encouraging evidence generated by this preliminary study, we hope to continue the research and include a much larger group of participants in the next round," he said.

Why watermelon?

Interestingly, Chinese herbal medicine classifies watermelon as a cooling food/herb to clear heat, (hypertension is an example of excess heat) and to drain fire (heat)  from the body.  This Chinese herb is known as Xi Gua,  and typically the rind is used, but the ripe fruit may also be used and even the seeds. 

Watermelon frost has also been used as a traditional herbal remedy for mouth ulcers (sores), open wounds, sore throats, gum infections, toothaches… you get the idea.  What is watermelon frost?  Well, you remove the fruit part or insides of a watermelon,  then pack it with salt, put it in a bowl, seal well and after a few days, a ‘frost’ appears on the skin. This is the active ingredient  that can be used as an herbal medicine.

"Watermelon is the richest edible natural source of L-citrulline, which is closely related to L-arginine, the amino acid required for the formation of nitric oxide essential to the regulation of vascular tone and healthy blood pressure," Figueroa said.

Once in the body, the L-citrulline is converted into L-arginine. Simply consuming L-arginine as a dietary supplement isn't an option for many hypertensive adults, said Figueroa, because it can cause nausea, gastrointestinal tract discomfort, and diarrhea.  In contrast, watermelon is well tolerated. Participants in the Florida State pilot study reported no adverse effects.  Watermelon also provides an abundant amount of vitamin A, B6, C, fiber, potassium and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Watermelon may even help to reduce serum glucose levels, according to Arjmandi.  "The optimal dose appears to be four to six grams a day" according to Figueroa.

Findings from Figueroa's latest pilot study at Florida State are described in the American Journal of Hypertension. A copy of the paper ("Effects of Watermelon Supplementation on Aortic Blood Pressure and Wave Reflection in Individuals With Prehypertension: A Pilot Study") can be accessed online.

http://www.sciencecodex.com/florida_state_study_finds_watermelon_lowers_blood_pressure

Good News, HRT and Breast Cancer Decrease, But Hot Flashes Increase

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herbs for hot flashes and menopauseA dramatic decrease in use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during the past two years has also coincided with lower breast cancer incidence  according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.  HRT was the recommended treatment for decades for menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog and vaginal dryness to name a few. 

However, since 2002 when the Womens Health Initiative clinical trial announced an increase risk in breast cancer, stroke and heart attacks due to HRT,  doctors have limited their prescription writing of HRT.  It is fantastic to see a study showing breast cancer diagnosis dropping in the past two years, but many women have such debilitating menopause symptoms they still need something to help them cope.  It's unfortunate more women do not understand the benefits of herbal remedies for menopause, which can provide the comfort they desperatly seek. 

If you don't sleep well, soak through pajamas at night, hot flash during the day and often feel dazed and confused you could add a few Chinese herbs to your diet, by way of a tea.  You will have a decline of symptoms within a few weeks, within one month you will feel significant,  real relief.  But many women want a quick acting pill and that is not how herbal medicine works.  Our bodies  normally slowly enter the peri-menopause stage and then the complete end to menstruation.  Coping with the symptoms that arise from hormonal changes is not easy and it can take a little time to readjust the thermostat of the body.  Our herbal remedy for menopause does work. Our herbs have been written about and used continuously for over 2000 years.  More information about our Menopause Relief Herb Pac coming soon.

As always, thanks for reading our blog.

Study information can be found at:  J Natl Cancer Inst. Published online September 23, 2010.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/729378?sssdmh=dm1.639367&src=nldne&uac=139834FJ

Jujube, What Makes It Such a Great Sleep Aid?

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What is this funny little fruit, known as jujube, and why is it known for promoting a deeper, more restful sleep?  In Chinese herbal medicine it is the seed of the fruit or spiny zizyphus.  Laboratory studies of zizyphus extract have confirmed the sedative effects.  In fact,  the latest research from France concluded the seeds of the fruit are rich in fatty acids and a host of other beneficial compounds which can benefit those who are looking for a natural sleep aid.

Jujube seeds are about the same size as a typical apple seed.  The seeds have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and in other ancient cultures for  hundreds of years.  The seeds are most commonly used for their sedative effects especially common as a sleep aid.    Yet, unlike so many other sedative plants or man made drugs, zizphus is extremely safe.     Drinking zizphus tea has been reported to have no toxicity even in huge doses such as 50 grams per kilogram of body weight, even for 30 consecutive days.

Modern pharmacology evaluation of zizyphus seed oil and zizyphus extract suggest that with prolonged feeding (to mice)  they can reduce serum triglycerides and cholesterol (mainly LDL), and reduce fatty degeneration of the liver. These same properties have also been attributed to the triterpenes of ganoderma and ginseng.  Connect here to articles on ginseng and ganoderma.

Jujube has increasingly become popular as a source of over-the-counter natural sleep aid.  In this just released study, different extracts of the Zizyphus exerted antioxidant activity. Hence, it is possible that the antioxidant activity of Zizyphus might be due to the presence of different vitamins and fatty acids.   The study also showed that Zizyphus decoction (cooked in water) exerted an immmuno-supressive activity.  Jujube is one of the main ingredients in our natural herbal sleep tea. For more information on our iSleep Herb Pac sleep aid click  here.

References:

Wu Shuyun, et al., Effects of zizyphus seed oil and zizyphus extract on decrease of serum lipoprotein and inhibition of platelet aggregation, China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 1991.

The study quoted can be found at:  http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6882-10-54.pdf
Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) modulates antioxidant activity and human T-cell proliferation
Authors:  Chahid Benammar1§,2, Aziz Hichami2, Akadiri Yessoufou2, Anne-Marie Simonin2, Meriem
Belarbi1, Hocine Allali 3, and Naim A Khan2

Sleep Tips From The Mayo Clinic, Is Sleeping Now a Luxury?

Posted by Cathy on with 1 Comment

herbs for sleep Is Sleep a luxury?  As our world has become more modern, more convenient and more well, fast paced sleeping seems to be, more of a luxury than a necessity.  We can take pills to quickly put us to sleep and all kinds of drinks and foods to keep us awake.  We can regulate our bodies for 20 hour work days and 4 hours of rest,  or any combination thereof.   With hundreds of TV stations on 24 hours, movies on demand, internet, anytime, anywhere, there just seems like so many better things to do than sleep.  Even little kids know that it's usually much more fun to stay up late, than to go to bed.

Yes,  but our genetics tell us we need 8-9 hours of sleep every night. Sorry, overriding genetics on this issue will only deteriorate your health.  Here are the  highlights from an eight page report about sleeping well from the Mayo Clinic.  

  • Sleep isn’t a luxury, it is a necessity.
  • Restful sleep is just as important to health as adequate nutrition and exercise.
  • Sleep is necessary to think clearly.
  • Studies have shown that being well rested improves the body’s response to infection.
  • Evidence suggests that brains are hard at work during sleep, possibly forming the pathways necessary for learning, making new memories and insights, and coming up with creative solutions to problems.
  • Inadequate sleep is linked to depression and irritability as well as diabetes, weight problems and cravings for high-calorie, high-carbohydrate foods.
  • Sleep problems often can be treated, sleep aids can be both behavioral and medications.
  • In fact, sleep problems often can be traced to treatable health issues. Examples include poor pain control, frequent nighttime urination, or illnesses that cause coughing or shortness of breath.
  • Insomnia and depression often go hand in hand: Many people develop insomnia prior to being depressed. Studies show that unresolved insomnia increases the risk of depression. It’s not clear if one causes the other, but each can worsen if untreated.
  • Antidepressants may have stimulating properties and make insomnia worse. Prescription sleep aids are designed for short term use.

We believe in natural sleep aids here at Pac Herbs.  Our iSleep Herb Pac will help you rest and feel rejuvenated the next day. Get the sleep your body needs to stay healthy, because sleeping is not just a luxury but a necessity for wellness.  Checkout our all natural iSleep Herb Pac, an herbal formula used in Asian cultures for thousands of years.





Stay Healthy As the Seasons Change, Try Some Chinese Herbs

Posted by Cathy on
health news, use Chinese herbs and Chinese medicine as the seasons change

As the weather begins to change and children return to school, colds and flu become prevalent once again.  Take a minute to adjust your diet and even add a Chinese herb or two to keep you healthy as the seasons change.  Here's a few suggestions for foods and herbs.  
 

Foods – Eat more cooked and fewer raw foods. Sour, astringent foods like lemon, lime, pickle, vitamin C, seaweed, and sourdough bread can all benefit your health. Enjoy spicy/pungent foods like onion, garlic, radish, horseradish, and cabbage. Hearty concentrated foods like root vegetables, soy products and barley are also foods for the Fall. Pumpkin, winter squash (I'll soon be posting a new recipe for winter squash soup), and sweet potato are all great choices. Almonds, apples, and pears (especially Asian apple pears) are beneficial to the respiratory system.

The Chinese herb know as Astragalus, or Huang Qi  is a Chinese herb that is often used to boost immunity and aid resistance to illness by increasing phagocytosis and your white blood cell count. Chinese research has shown it to have a protective effect against the common cold when taken consistently for two to eight weeks. Astragalus works best as a long-term preventive measure. It is best to take it as a tea through the cold and flu season to enhance immunity and prevent illness. For more information on Astragalus in an immune boosting soup,  check my previous post here.


Protect – As the weather changes, it is easy to catch colds and flus. Protect the back of your neck from the winds with a scarf or collar. Isn't this one of those duhh's…. but why do so many people ignore this?

Insomnia Thoughts, Chinese Herbs Will Change Your Mind

Posted by Cathy on

Natural sleep aids like Chinese herbs work bestTip of the day:  The best treatment for insomnia according to researchers is to change your thought patterns.   Once you change your thoughts your behavior will follow. You see, what you think is what you get.  So it makes sense that insomnia really is, all in the mind. 

 Hint:  If you need a kick start to change your mind set without hitting the heavy prescription sleep aids, try our iSleep Herb Pac.  It contains nine herbs and is based on an ancient Chinese herbal formula called Suan Zao Ren Tang.  Famous minds have used Chinese herbs to help them calm their busy brains and induce a restful night of sleep for centuries. Nothing new under the sun here. Just natural substances found in plants, working together to help reduce stress and calm your head.  It will work for you too, without addiction or side-effects.    

By Jan Yager, Ph.D.
ConsumerAffairs.com

You’ve heard that expression, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” Well, it turns out that getting enough sleep, and other kinds of rest, just might postpone when your death occurs as well as increase the effectiveness and joyfulness of your life.

Consider this: the Nurses’ Health Study conducted by Harvard University found that getting too little sleep is linked to a greater risk of getting breast cancer, colon cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation causes drowsy driving which can lead to accident fatalities. As reported by The National Sleep Foundation at their website devoted to drowsy driving, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1,500 deaths and 71,000 injuries are caused annually because of falling asleep at the wheel.

In another study, a review of information about 28,000 children and 15,000 adults found that too little sleep doubled the chances of being obese. Obesity has, in turn, been linked to a variety of life-threatening illnesses including sleep apnea, a condition in which we stop breathing during sleep. As pointed out in “Sleep Apnea Tied to Increased Risk of Stroke,” especially for men over the age of 40, having sleep apnea more than doubles their potential for a stoke.

Preventing an early death or decreasing the likelihood you will become obese aren’t the only reasons we need to get enough sleep and rest. We also need it so we can be alert at work, making it less likely that we’ll make mistakes, have accidents, or fall asleep during meetings, which could embarrass you or, worse, get you fired. Also, too little sleep can increase someone’s tendency to fly off the handle or to be overly emotional, reduce memory retention and increase depression. Simply put, too little sleep reduces the overall quality of our lives.