Natural Remedies For Skin Irritation And Insomnia.

Calendula Cream

Calendula Cream is a great natural remedy for insect bites or stings, and skin irritation. Calendula is made from marigolds and has been a skin itch remedy for hundreds and hundreds of years, helping calm the effects of bee stings, eczema and sunburns. The plants skin relieving properties are due to its combination of essential oils, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial traits.
To use calendula cream, apply an ointment that contains two to five percent calendula up to 4 times per day on the affected area. Calendula may not be good for those who have ragweed allergies as calendula and ragweed are both members of the Aster (compositae) family. It’s suggested to apply a small amount and wait to see if any red or itchy bumps occur, which would indicate an allergy to calendula.
Valerian Capsules or Tincture
Valerian Capsules or Tincture are good for treating insomnia. Valerian goes back to the times of Ancient Greece, where it was commonly used as a sleep aid. Thus, it is one of the best-studied herbs for insomnia. Studies have shown that valerian decreases the time it takes to fall asleep without any of the common side effects of prescription sleep aids.
Valerian is a plant-based remedy suggesting that there are a combination of factors for how it works, but the exact way it works to help insomnia is still unclear. Studies done with animals suggest that valerians volatile oils possess sedative properties. Some other studies indicate that the herb tricks the brain into releasing additional gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is a calming neurotransmitter, before blocking it from being absorbed by nerve cells. Thus, the gamma-aminobutryic acid continues to circulate and promote sleep.
The potency of the valerian varies depending on the form, so it’s important to follow the instructions of the label for how much to use. The common therapeutic dose is 300 mg of standardized valerian extract. One option is to take three 100 mg capsules throughout an evening to gently ease your body into sleep. If you are using a tincture, which is a concentrated liquid form of the herb, dilute a droppers worth of valerian in a cup of water. Drink one dose after you’ve had dinner and another before bed. Some suggest keeping a valerian capsule bedside in case you tend to wake up in the middle of the night and are unable to fall back asleep.
It’s important to note that valerian can create a restlessness and/or anxiety in ten percent of people, so when trying it for the first time, take a small amount to see how its affects you and if you experience any restlessness or anxiety.