Mart Gnosis

Studies have suggested that valerian root is one of the best natural insomnia cures available.

What makes it superior to other natural and pharmaceutical remedies? For one thing, unlike other sleep medication, valerian is totally non-toxic. And it does not result in impaired ability to drive or operate machinery. For many persons, those are big advantages.

Certain double-blind studies have found that valerian root is a very effective sedative for insomnia patients. More importantly, it was found that using valerian improved the quality of sleep, which puts it well ahead of some other sleep remedies.

Unlike certain pharmaceutical formulations, valerian does not result in lethargy the next day.

The herbal product is usually available in dried form. The roots and rhizomes are used for treating insomnia. Given its advantages, valerian is often prescribed in anxiety-induced sleep disorders.

In some cases though, valerian seems to act as a delayed stimulant. It initially produces a calming effect that’s followed by an energy-surge a short while later. Obviously, that’s undesirable when you’re trying to treat insomnia.

Consuming a dose that’s higher than the optimum can result in grogginess later on. You need to consult your physician before using valerian.

Some practitioners have suggested that using extract from fresh valerian root instead of from dried root causes fewer problems.

You need to use valerian regularly for a month or so before it takes effect. Although it takes more time than other natural insomnia remedies, it does promote deep relaxation and refreshing sleep.

This root grows in dry heath land and in high pastures. You’ll often find valerian root referred to by one of its several folk names like garden heliotrope, red valerian, capon’s trailer and set well, among others.

Overall, given its absence of toxic reactions and its effectiveness at promoting high-quality sleep, valerian root remains one of the best natural remedies for insomnia.

Peter Walters is a successful author who has written extensively on natural cures for insomnia, effective sleep aids, insomnia treatments for fast results and many other related topics.

Losing weight doesn’t have to be boring when you focus on living foods. What does this mean? Simply by making sure your plate reflects a range of colours, you’ll naturally create more balanced and healthful menus.

What are living foods? They are re live, colourful, fresh and raw - fruits, vegetables and salads!

Let’s Look At The Positives

1. Colourful foods have no preservatives and no added colour!

2. Provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, water and trace elements.

3. Have a high water content - an excellent source of hydration for the body.

4. Are visually appetising.

5. Their firm textures demand a good chew, so we eat them more slowly and feel full afterwards.

6. Are quickly and easily processed and assimilated by the body - less work for the digestive system.

7. Are safer - contain less undesirable man-made chemicals.

8. Are as nature intended (unlike processed, pre-packaged modern fast foods!)

9. Are pure energy - living food.

Consuming Cooked Foods

1. Heat destroys the vitalising nutrients in colourful foods. So much so that sometimes, you may as well be eating cardboard for all the good it does your body!

2. The effectiveness of fibre in cooked fresh foods is reduced - vegetables that are floppy and overcooked pass through the body with a reduced ‘cleansing’ action.

3. If you cook vegetables, always steam them lightly and aim to retain their ‘crunch’!

4. Cooked vegetables tend to turn out soft and therefore require less chewing, which means they are usually eaten more quickly, so are less satisfying.

5. Heat also destroys the enzymes in fresh foods, which are essential for digestion. This means the body has to tap into its own precious supply of enzymes to support the digestive process.

6. Heat also destroys the enzymes in fresh foods, which are essential for digestion. This means the body has to tap into its own precious supply of enzymes to support the digestive process.

Kim Beardsmore M.B.A. (H.R.M.), B.Sc. (Biochemistry) is an independent Herbalife distributor, weight loss coach and creator of the online weight loss & health magazine Weight Loss Health. For a free weight loss consultation, newsletter and resources to help you lose weight and keep it off forever, visit http://weight-loss-health.com.au Your online Herbalife store at http://weightlosshealth.herbalcoach.com Herbalife home business opportunity visit: http://www.free2liv.com