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The 12 Cranial Nerves and Their Functions

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Inferior view of the brain and brain stem showing cranial nerves.
Inferior view of the brain and brain stem showing cranial nerves. (Wikimedia Commons Image)

Cranial nerves in humans consist of twelve pairs of nerves that emerge from the ventral side of the brain. The first two pairs arise from the cerebrum while the other ten pairs emanate from the brainstem. As in the case of spinal nerves which are named based on their origin from the spinal cord, cranial nerves derived their name from their close association with the cranium. The holes or openings in the skull serve as their passage to reach their targets throughout the human body. Some of these nerves send messages from our senses while other cranial nerves control muscle movement, glandular secretions and our internal organs.

A cranial nerve may also be classified as sensory, motor or both according to their mode of signal transmission. Motor nerves carry impulses from the brain to target tissues such as muscles and glandular tissues while sensory nerves transmit impulses from sensory organs to the brain. The table below shows an overview of the cranial nerves, their modality and function.

Table 1.

CRANIAL NERVES MODALITY FUNCTION
I. Olfactory Sensory Smell
II. Optic Sensory Vision
III. Oculomotor Motor Eye movement and pupil constriction
IV. Trochlear Motor Eye movement
V. Trigeminal Both Controls muscles for mastication (motor); somatosensory output from face, head and neck
VI. Abducens Motor Eye movement
VII. Facial Both Controls muscles for facial expression (motor); sensory input from anterior 2/3 of tongue (taste) and ear (tympanic membrane)
VIII. Vestibulocochlear Sensory Hearing and balance
IX. Glossopharyngeal Both Controls some muscle for swallowing (motor); sensory input from posterior 1/3 of tongue, tonsil and pharynx
X. Vagus Both For motor, sensory and autonomic functioning of the viscera (e.g. digestion, glandular secretion, heart rate)
XI. Spinal Accessory Motor Controls muscles used in head movement
XII. Hypoglossal Motor Controls muscles of tongue except palatoglossal

 

I. Olfactory Nerve

This nerve functions primarily for the sense of smell. Its name is derived from the Latin words ‘olfactare’, which means to sniff at, and ‘olfacere’, which means to smell. Among all the cranial nerves, this is the only one capable of self-renewal since it has the property to regenerate continually through adulthood. Also, aside from being the smallest nerve, the olfactory nerve doesn’t branch out into left and right entities. Instead, it consists of a collection of sensory rootlets that extend from the olfactory epithelium to the olfactory bulb as it passes through the numerous openings of the cribriform plate in the ethmoid bone. When a person inhales, molecules of air attach themselves to the sensory parts of the olfactory nerve which are located in the olfactory mucosa at the upper part of the nasal cavity. As these nerve endings become stimulated, electrical activity is generated and is transmitted to the olfactory bulb. The cells in the olfactory bulb in turn relay the electrical signal to the brain through the olfactory tract.

II. Optic Nerve

During embryonic development, the optic nerve arises from the diencephalon, thus considered a part of the central nervous system. As with other CNS components, optic nerves are covered with Myelin sheath rather than Schwann cells and are wrapped by meninges. Unlike the olfactory nerve, optic nerves are incapable of regeneration which increases the risk of permanent blindness when severed.

Optic nerve conveys visual information from the retina to the brain. When light reaches the retina, stimulation of the photoreceptors (rods and cones) occurs which triggers the production of electrical impulses. These are relayed to the bipolar cells which contain the optic nerve endings. The bipolar cells in turn transmit the electrical impulses to the CNS via the optic nerve. The optic nerves enter the CNS at the optic chiasm where they become the optic tract. From there, the electric signal is transduced to the lateral geniculate nucleus of each thalamus before going to the visual centers of the brain for interpretation.

III. Oculomotor Nerve

Oculomotor nerve has two components: 1. Somatic motor or general somatic efferent which controls muscles responsible for precise eye movement for visual tracking and fixation on an object and 2. Visceral motor or general visceral efferent provides parasympathetic innervation of the constrictor pupillae and ciliary muscles of the eye which regulate light accommodation by controlling pupil constriction.

The somatic motor component is further divided into inferior and superior divisions. The inferior division innervates the medial rectus, inferior rectus and inferior oblique muscles while the superior division supplies the levator palpebrae superioris and superior rectus muscle. The table below shows a summary of the function of the eye muscles controlled by the somatic motor component.

Table2.

Eye Muscles Primary action Secondary action Tertiary action
Medial rectus Adduction – —
Inferior oblique Extorsion Elevation Abduction
Inferior rectus Depression Extortion Adduction
Superior rectus Elevation Intortion Adduction
Levator palpebrae superioris Controls movement of the upper eyelid

 

Table adapted from http://www.med.yale.edu/caim/cnerves/cn3/cn3_3.html

The other two eye muscles not included in Table2 are the Superior oblique (Intorsion, Depression, Abduction) and Lateral rectus (Abduction) which are controlled by the Trochlear Nerve (IV) and the Abducens Nerve (VI) respectively.

IV. Trochlear Nerve

This nerve has only a somatic motor component which controls one eye muscle – the Superior oblique. As mentioned above, superior oblique carries out three different functions: intorsion, depression and adbuction.

Though this nerve only supplies one eye muscle, it has several characteristics that distinguish it from the other cranial nerves.

1.This is the only nerve that exit the brain dorsally.

2.This is the only nerve that decussate or cross which makes the nerve fibers supply the superior oblique muscle on the side opposite their origin.

3.This has the longest intracranial route.

4.This has the smallest number of neurons.

V. Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve, as the name implies, is consists of three large branches: Ophthalmic and Maxillary which are both sensory, and the Mandibular branch which has both motor and sensory functions. The Ophthalmic branch innervates the forehead and the eye while the Maxillary branch supplies the cheeks. The Mandibular branch on the other hand controls the lower jaw and lower portion of the face. Since this nerve has both sensory and motor functions, it is responsible for sensing facial touch, pain, and temperature and controlling the mandibular muscles during mastication.

The three branches meet in an area called the Gasserion ganglion. The fused branches extends backwards to the brainstem, inserting itself into the pons. Inside the brainstem, the signals that pass through the trigeminal nerve arrive at a structure called trigeminal nerve nucleus. From there, the information is sent to the cerebral cortex where perception of the sensation is achieved.

VI. Abducens

This nerve has only a motor component which innervate the lateral rectus muscle of the eye. To make a lateral movement, inputs from the higher centers of the brain in the form of electrical impulses synapse at the lateral gaze center. From there, the signal travels through the longitudinal fasciculus to reach the abducens nucleus, which then sends the message to the lateral rectus muscle via CN VI , causing the muscle to be abducted.

VII. Facial Nerve

The facial nerve is a mixed nerve having both the sensory and motor components. It has approximately 10,000 neurons in which 70% of these are myelinated and control facial expressions. The other 30% are somatosensory and secretomotor in function. The table below shows the nature and function of the facial nerve.

Table3.

Branchial motor
(special visceral efferent)		 The largest component of the facial nerve 

 

Supplies voluntary control of the posterior belly of the digastric, stylohyoid and stapedius muscles as well as muscles involve in facial expression such as the buccinator, occipitalis and platysma muscles
Visceral motor
(general visceral efferent)		 Comprise the parasympathetic constituent of CN VII 

 

Provides parasympathetic control over the submandibular, sublingual, and lacrimal glands

 

Innervates the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and hard and soft palates
Special sensory
(special afferent)		 Consists of fibers that transmit sensation of taste from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue as well as from the hard and soft palates
General sensory
(general somatic afferent)		 Conveys sensory information from the skin of the concha of the auricle and from a small area of skin behind the ear 

 

Acts as a supplement to the Mandibular component of the Trigeminal Nerve to provide sensation at the wall of the acoustic meatus and the outer surface of the tympanic membrane

 

VIII. Vestibulocochlear Nerve

This is a sensory nerve that consists of two components – vestibular and cochlear. The vestibular nerve detects head and body motion while the cochlear nerve detects sound. Thus, the vestibulocochlear nerve functions for hearing and balance. Balance is achieved by conveying information to the vestibular component of the CN VIII which are done by the semicircular canal and the otolithic organ. The former detects angular acceleration while the latter detects linear acceleration.

For us to hear and recognize the sounds around us, the cochleat component of the CN VIII should be stimulated. This happens when sound waves collected by the outer ear travel through the ear canal and cause vibrations of the ear drum. The vibration of the ear drum moves the bones of the middle ear which in turn pass the vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. As the fluid inside the cochlea moves, it causes the cilia to vibrate and stimulate the sensory cochlear nerve. When stimulated, the nerve sends signal to the area of the brain where the signals are processed into the sound we hear.[ad#co-1]

IX. Glossopharyngeal Nerve

As the name implies, CN IX innervates the tongue and the pharynx and has both the motor and sensory components. The functions of each component are summarized in the table below.

Table4.

Branchial motor
(special visceral efferent)		 Provides voluntary control of the stylopharyngeus muscle which elevates the pharynx during swallowing and speech
Visceral motor
(general visceral efferent)		 Parasympathetic component which innervates the parotid gland and the smooth muscle of the pharynx, larynx, and viscera of the thorax and abdomen
Visceral sensory
(general visceral afferent)		 Controls the baroreceptors of the carotid sinus and chemoreceptors of the carotid body
General sensory
(general somatic afferent)		 Transmits sensation of pain, temperature, and touch from the skin of the external ear, internal surface of the tympanic membrane, the walls of the upper pharynx, and the posterior 1/3 of the tongue
Special sensory
(special afferent)		 Carries sensation of taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue

X. Vagus Nerve

The term ‘Vagus’ is a Latin word which means ‘wandering’. Vagus nerve fits its name since it wanders from the brainstem and extend to organs found in the neck, chest and abdomen. Table 5 summarizes the vagus nerve’s components and their respective functions.

Table5.

Brancial motor
(special visceral efferent)		 Supplies voluntary control to the striated muscle of the pharynx and larynx (except for the stylopharyngeus muscle and the tensor veli palatini muscle) as well as the palatoglossus muscle of the tongue
Visceral motor
(general visceral efferent)		 Parasympathetic control of the smooth muscle and glands of the pharynx, larynx, and thoracic and abdominal viscera down to the splenic flexure resulting to increased GI tract secretion and motility, higher bronchiolar secretions and bronchoconstriction in the lungs and slower heart rate.
Visceral sensory
(general visceral afferent)		 Transmits sensory information from the larynx, esophagus, trachea, abdominal and thoracic viscera, aortic arch and the aortic bodies
General sensory
(general somatic afferent)		 Carries sensation of pain, temperature, and touch from from the larynx and pharynx as well as information from the skin of the back of the ear and external auditory meatus, parts of the external surface of the tympanic membrane
Special sensory
(special afferent)		 Transmits sensation of taste from the epiglottic region

 

XI. Spinal Accessory Nerve

This is a motor nerve consisting of cranial and spinal parts that control muscles of the neck and shoulders to move the head. The cranial part (special visceral efferent) innervates muscles of the pharynx and larynx while the spinal part (special visceral efferent) controls the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The trapezius muscle moves the scapula, acts as a support for the arm, assists in breathing, keeps the head in position and produces bending and rotational head movement. The sternocleidomastoid muscle on the other hand flexes the neck and turns the head obliquely.

XII. Hypoglossal Nerve

As indicated in its name, this nerve innervates the muscles found below (hypo) the tongue hence consists only of the motor component. It provides voluntarily control over the three out of four extrinsic muscles of the tongue which include genioglossus, styloglossus, and hyoglossus. Genioglossus muscle is responsible for protruding (or sticking out) the tongue while styloglossus draws up the sides of the tongue to aid in swallowing. The hyoglossus muscle on the other hand retracts and depresses the tongue for chewing and speech.[ad#afterpost]

Is Body Building Safe for Seniors?

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Body building is an intensive activity that many perceive to be only performed by the young and fit. This is not always the case as there is a small growing number of seniors engaging in this impressive activity. Although the lifting of weight can be deemed hazardous, with the proper guidance and care, these risks can be reduced.

Senior citizens face many risks due to their failing health, and to some, letting a senior citizen enter a body building gym is tantamount to manslaughter. However, with the proper care, these risks can be mitigated and body building made safe for senior citizens.

As a person ages, the ability of the heart to supply blood to the body gradually weakens. Cardiovascular endurance is a necessary trait to have when body building and at first glance, it may seem that senior citizens are incapable of exerting the suffice energy required to fully build their body. There are, however, ways to allow them to maximize, and gradually increase their cardiovascular potential. Senior citizens starting out in body building would do well to augment it with another set of exercise. They could do body building and other exercises on alternate days, or could perform them on different parts of the day. Walking, swimming and tai chi are good exercises to alternate with body building since they are low impact exercises that promote relaxation and relief for the body. It can also allow muscles strained from bodybuilding to remain used, but not overly so, enhancing the building effects while minimizing the stress.

The weight room is a veritable garden of danger. Weights may fall on limbs and feet, cables may snap, these and other hazards make the entrance of an elderly person such a risk. However, constant vigilance and proper supervision can minimize these risks. A senior citizen should never engage in a bodybuilding workout without the express, given, written approval of their doctor. They should never engage in any activity inside the weight room without supervision of a trained physical fitness expert and without a skilled medical person nearby.[ad#co-1]

Aging brings loss of coordination, slowing of reflexes, and loss of muscle strength. It is for these reasons that a competent spotter, someone fully capable of easily lifting whatever weights a senior citizen is lifting, is vital. Sudden muscle jerks,  a mistimed pull or a slipped grip can all lead to grave physical injury and may result in death. Having someone on hand in case of these emergencies capable of preventing weights from crushing the life out of a senior citizen can make body building for seniors exponentially safer. Weightlifting should be always taken slow when dealing with seniors.

A proper weight plan should also be implemented. This should consider the senior person’s physical condition and limitations in order to improve their capability to mold their body the way they see fit. A complete physical and a complete examination of the senior’s medical history is thus a necessity.

The weight room is a hazardous place for the careless. Young or old, if you take bodybuilding lightly, It is more likely that you will suffer bodily harm. Bodybuilding can be made safe by taking the proper precautions. Although at first glance it may seem dangerous, with constant vigilance, proper care and a suited fitness plan, body building can be made safe for senior citizens.[ad#afterpost]

References

  • Senior Bodybuilding: Keep It Light And Stay Safe.  Retrieved June 13,14 2011 from http://www.fitness-equipment-health.com/senior_bodybuilding.html
  • Sutton, Lisa.  Senior Fitness retrieved June 14, 2011 from http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/training_for_seniors.htm
  • Caramel,  (2010) Is Body Building Safe for Seniors? Retrieved June 16 2011 at http://www.brighthub.com/health/fitness/articles/78796.aspx

Benefits of Exercise for the 60-Plus Men

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Tai chi
Outdoor tai chi practice in Beijing's Temple of Heaven

Exercise has long been touted for its numerous health benefits. Exercise can help one enjoy a strong immune system, large reserves of energy, and the advantage of feeling and looking good. Exercise has been said to prevent aging and delay the damage it does to our body. But would exercise still have the same beneficial effects for those who are already aged? What could be the benefits of exercise for the 60-plus man?

There are many misconceptions that prevent the elderly from enjoying the benefits of exercise in their twilight years. They may avoid exercise because they perceive that it is futile, that exercise would be meaningless for them who are already old. They may perceive that engaging in exercise activities would only put them into greater risk of injury. That they are too old and tired to try exercising, and that they would just get worn down more and accelerate their demise. They may have physical disabilities that prevent them from experiencing a wide range of motion, thus they see no benefit in even attempting to exercise.

Those who believe these misconceptions should see the truth; that exercise at whatever age can accrue numerous health benefits. Exercise, whether for the young, the middle aged or the elderly is sure to improve one’s life. Let us take a look at some of the many health benefits of exercise for the 60-plus man.

As a person ages, his metabolism gradually slows down. This leads to accumulation of fat, leading to obesity and other health disorders. A feeling of bloating, constant fatigue and lack of vigor characterize obese elderly men. Exercise helps burn those excess calories off that would eventually lead to weight loss which can help prevent the occurrence of many health concerns.

Aside from burning fat, exercise can also fine-tune the machinery of the body, making it more capable of performing daily tasks.  Exercise in 60-plus men can lower incidences of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease. Exercise can help strengthen their muscles and bones, preventing osteoporosis and muscle atrophy. Muscle and bone strength will also be beneficial in improving their mobility, flexibility and coordination to reduce their risk of incurring grave injury.

Aside from these great physical benefits, exercising can benefit the mental welfare of seniors. Exercise helps in prolonging their sleep as well as improving sleep quality. Engaging in exercise can also improve an elderly person’s mental well-being. It promotes a positive outlook in life, enhancing one’s self confidence, self-esteem and thinking. It also makes the brain active, increasing oxygen blood flow and enabling the elderly to avoid debilitating mental disorders.

Cardio exercises for seniors are sure to improve daily energy; rejuvenating them and making them feel young again. Strength training would enhance their ability to withstand and prevent injuries, making them more nimble, less clumsy, and more balanced and coordinated.

Exercises need not be tiring activities for seniors. Daily activities like walking, gardening and doing chores are already forms of exercise. Swimming, dancing and yoga are just some of the more low impact exercises the elderly may want to try to improve their health.

Exercise for the elderly induces many benefits. All that is needed is the willpower to start and try exercises that allow them to gradually improve their health. Growing old need not be and unhealthy prospect, and with the many benefits of exercise for the 60-plus man, it may lead not to a feeling of life slipping away, but of new life starting.

Reference

  • Sarah Kovatch, M.F.A, Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., (2010) Senior Exercise and Fitness Tips How to gain energy and feel stronger retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/life/senior_fitness_sports.htm

How To Get Rid Of Lower Back Fat

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There is something in our bodies that makes us store fat against our will. Scientists feel it’s because of the ‘thrifty gene’ theory according to which, early man used to face long periods of starvation before he could lay hands on a prey. The body adapted to such scarcity by saving energy as fat which could be used slowly over a long period. Though times have changed and now we have more than enough to gorge on, the human body is still in the mode of hoarding fat.

From double chin, potbelly to bulky thighs and saggy chest, there are several places where fat accumulation is absolute. Another place where fat can prove to be very stubborn is lower back also called “love handles”. Here we tell you how to get rid of lower back fat and acquire that perfect ’V’ shape that most male models are popular for.

Replace it with muscle

As you know whenever you do any exercise, it will reduce fat and replace it with muscles. Since the love handles are near your stomach and back, you have to build core muscles. This will not only give you a toned tummy, a stronger back but also lends a trimmed waist. Sit ups, using weights, front squats, and deadlifts are some of the exercises you can use. Exerting your core means more energy is required which will come from the fat which slowly and steadily gets replaced by muscles.

Lie down on your stomach and extend your arms above your head while keep your legs straight. Lift your right arm and left leg as high as you can. The position depicts a flying superman. Hold it as long as you can and repeat it with another side. Start with 10 reps and keep increasing as you go along.

Stability ball exercises can be another good option. Place your hips on the ball just under the highest point and stick your feet against a wall. Place your hands on the sides of your head and bend forward over the ball just like while doing stomach crunches. Lift yourself up by contracting your lower back muscles. Hold as long as you can and repeat.

Also, you have to concentrate on losing fat from all over, not just from lower back to achieve greater success because our bodies are not accustomed to shedding fat from just one particular area. A cardiovascular workout like jogging, cycling and even brisk walking can do wonders.

Anybody who has been to a gym knows that you also need to give equal thought to rest to let the muscles build up. Have eight hours of sleep so that your body recuperates from the workout and builds muscles more easily.

Follow a healthy diet

No amount of fat loss is possible by relying only on exercise. You have to keep a check on what you eat because if you continue to gorge on unhealthy food, the new fat will start replacing the one you burn in the gym and you are back to square one. Increase the amount of protein, minerals and vitamins in your diet by including egg whites, fruits and vegetables. Another good way to lose weight is portion control. Divide your three big meals in six smaller meals because this will help your body break up the food easily and hence the speed of metabolism increases which is what you should be aiming for if you want to lose weight.

Drink lots of water because it aids in fast disposal of stored fat. Prefer lean meats, fish and whole grains and cut back on salt, sugar, cheese and butter.

So grab those barbells or get a gym membership card now and start working out to get rid of that ugly lower back fat.

Benefits and Side Effects of Castor Seed Oil

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Castor beans
Castor beans

Castor seed oil is derived from the seed of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis). Many people all over the world use castor oil for its many health benefits. Castor oil however, also has several side effects that many users should be aware of.

Ricinus communis can naturally be found all over the tropics, but it originated from India, Eastern Africa and the South Eastern Mediterranean. It is easily cultivated and can grow to tree-like size. The seed contains a large percentage of oil (40-60%) that contains numerous triglycerides, particularly the compound ricinolein. It is this compound that is responsible for castor oil’s potency as a laxative.

Health Benefits

Castor oil has many health benefits. Cold pressed castor oil has traditionally been used as a skin application to treat rashes, eczema, wounds, and burns. When used on the skin, it can also improve texture and conditioning. It can also reduce outbreaks of acne and pimples. To apply for this use, simply dab a piece of cotton or cloth containing a few drops of castor oil into the area to be treated.

Castor seed oils can also be used to massage swollen joints and tendons, reducing swelling and easing pain. A castor oil wrap can be made by treating a piece of cloth with castor oil, and placing a plastic wrap over it. It can be placed over a tender region, especially sore muscles and arthritic joints. A heat source (warm bottle of water or a heating pad is then placed over the wrap to maximize the effect.

Castor oil has been used in Italy during Mussolini’s fascist regime to induce diarrhea as a form of torture. It can, in moderate amounts, be a very effective laxative. A teaspoon of castor oil taken with lukewarm milk, ginger juice or orange juice can purge the body of toxins and intestinal parasites.  The effect starts an hour after taking the concoction. The effect may be unpredictable and can sometimes cause abdominal pain.

Abdominal cramps and headaches can be alleviated by rubbing the oil on the affected area.

Castor oil can be rubbed on the sides of the nose, under the eyes and behind the ears to relieve sinusitis.

A small portion rubbed into the breasts of a lactating woman is traditionally believed to improve the quantity of milk produced.

Applied to hair and scalp, castor oil effectively reduces dandruff and improves hair growth and luster. It can also reduce hair loss.

Applied to fungal infections like athlete’s foot, castor oil is an effective remedy.

Side Effects

The health benefits of castor oil are numerous; however, ingesting castor oil can also lead to several side effects. Castor oil contains the toxic compound ricin which can cause death when ingested in high amounts. Moderately high doses of ingested castor oil exaggerate its laxative effects, causing extreme diarrhea and vomiting. Use of castor oil in persons with intestinal infections or inflammations would further complicate the illness. Pregnant women should take very special care when using castor oil, since it can lead to abortions or premature births. Children should also never take castor oil since it is easy for them to overdose, leading to death. People with kidney disorders should also avoid using castor oil.

Castor oil is highly effective for a number of illnesses. The myriad uses of castor oil makes having a bottle handy in every household a good idea. However, bottles of castor oil should always be kept out of reach of children. Correct castor oil dosage should be followed since it also contains a very potent toxic substance. Proper care should always be used when ingesting castor oil, preferably under a physician’s or herbalist’s guidance.

References

  • Wedin, G.P., Neal, J.S., Everson, G.W., and Krenzelok, E.P. (1986). Castor bean poisoning. Am J Emerg Med.
  • Fae, Rita (2007) The benefits of Castor Oil retrieved from http://www.lifescript.com/Health/Alternative-Therapies/Supplements/The_Benefits_Of_Castor_Oil.aspx

Herbal Teas for Insomnia

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Sleep is one of the vital needs of our body. Sufficient sleep can boost our immune system, relax and clear our mind and reinvigorate our body to perform daily tasks. Lack of sleep can lead to health disorders, mental imbalance, and loss of energy. Insufficient sleep is caused by many factors such as stress, problems, neurotransmitter imbalance, excitement, and emotional and psychological anxiety as well as some external factors like loud noises, bright lights, and movement. These factors can cause insomnia or chronic lack of sufficient and healthful sleep.

There are several herbal remedies that can help you deal with insomnia. One of these herbal remedies is tea which can be prepared by simmering the choice plant part in a cup of water.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) tea is a long known and popular herbal tea used for relaxation and sleep. It calms and soothes a person, acting like a mild sedative and allowing the body to become receptive of sleep. Tea made from chamomile flowers can be taken 2-3 times per day or an hour before going to sleep.

Valerian tea

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) tea together with chamomile tea is the two best herbal teas for insomnia. Valerian tea reduces the time it takes for an individual to sleep, and prevents frequent waking. This sedative also calms and soothes the nerves, giving a long, uninterrupted and relaxing sleep. Much more potent sedative than chamomile, valerian root tea doses should only be taken to induce sleep, preferably 30 minutes to an hour and a half before bedtime.

California poppy tea

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is an analgesic, mild sedative that helps promote relaxed sleep. It is used to relieve minor anxiety in both adults and children. It gives relaxing, healthy sleep that leaves the user energized upon waking.[ad#728-90 after post]

Hops tea

A hop (Humulus lupulus) is primarily known for its use in making beer, yet it is also capable of inducing sleep. It can help calm the nerves, relieving stress, calming fears and worries and reducing nervousness. A cup of hops tea should be taken 2-3 times throughout the day for a calming effect and a relaxed sleep during the evening.

Lavender tea

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is an herbal tea that cures sleep disorders. It improves mental wellbeing and protects the body against mental disturbance. Taking 2-3 cups of lavender tea per day can steadily improve sleep.

Passion flower

Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) is an herbal tea that invigorates the nervous system relieving the effects of stress, exhaustion, and anxiety. It protects against sleep disorders, and can be taken frequently to fully exploit its benefits.

Combine herbs

Blending a combination of herbs could also provide an herbal remedy for insomnia. In addition to the plants mentioned above, strawberry, lemon balm, fennel, peppermint, basil, hibiscus and licorice are all plants with insomnia relieving effects.

There is no best herbal tea for insomnia. Preference and cause are two factors to consider when choosing the herbal tea right for you. Insomnia due to indigestion can be relieved by tea made from peppermint, basil, linden, chamomile, papaya leaf, hibiscus, lemon balm or a combination of these herbs. A combination of valerian and chamomile tea can help you relax before bedtime while chamomile together with strawberry, catnip and peppermint helps reduce stress.

The sheer number and variety of herbal tea that can remedy insomnia is of great benefit to its sufferers. Knowing the benefits of each tea, and finding one right for your palate and condition can be made easier by consulting any herbalist or alternative medicine practitioner. Taking tea, together with a moderate lifestyle and proper diet could make fulfilling sleep obtainable for anyone.[ad#afterpost]