Re: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis Treatment

Thank you for this information it is very useful. How do you suggest a person administer chamomile to assist with sleeplessness?

Most people simply make a tea from the herb by heating the water up then turning off the heat, adding the herb and letting it steep for 10-15 minutes.  I like to steep my teas longer keeping them covered to reduce evaporative cooling and loss.

My grandfather/grandmother both have issues with sleeplessness and claim that Valerian is not effective enough.

I have never cared much for valerian.  And it can act as a stimulant for some people.

They take Lunesta currently about twice a month. I recommended melatonin as a less dangerous alternative until you mentioned the amount that is created naturally in the body. I would like to try chamomile now, do you have a recommended dosage? Or is there something else that you feel could be more effective?

Lady's slipper is the most effective, but because of its endangered status has become hard to find.

Other herbs that can help with sleep include kava, catnip, scullcap and passion flower.  Combinations often work better.  What will work best for a person though will depend on the person and why they are having problems with insomnia.  Most of the herbs for insomnia work by slowing brain activity to calm the person so they can sleep.  If there is another cause though such as hypothyroidism or overuse of caffeine then these may have to be addressed in a different manner.

Additionally, I have found out that my grandmother had her liver damaged by parasitic worms in her earlier life. I'm not sure if this is accurate, but this is the best information I have. In Russia they allegedly treated it using "something toxic," I wish I had better information for you. I have sent you an email with my request to order the herbs and hope to hear back from you soon.

I check my e-mails shortly.