Is sleep eluding you?
Tired of counting sheep?
Are you looking to get the effect of an over-the-counter or prescription sleep aid from natural medicine?
Keep reading, because it is possible to sleep and rejuvenate yourself, instead of knocking yourself out with a drug.
Heard it from a Master Herbalist
I heard master herbalist K.P. Singh Khalsa extol the virtues of common kitchen spices for promoting sleep. Once again, I am amazed at how nature provides for us in simple, accessible ways.
Now, I have not tried this, because I don’t need this kind of help. I do recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using kitchen spices or herbs as medicine, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
I am presenting this here in total awe of the healing properties of common substances around us, even those found in our own kitchens.
Nutmeg
Would you believe that the Christmas-associated spice nutmeg is the prime one to sedate you and get you sleeping? However, its action is delayed, taking about three to five hours to take effect.
K.P Singh Khalsa taught that you need more than the sprinkling of nutmeg topping your eggnog. In fact, most people need two to three grams of fresh ground nutmeg in order for it to act as a sleep aid.
He says most people will sleep an entire eight hours with this dose of nutmeg.
To be effective in sedating for sleep, it is possible to take nutmeg hours before going to bed, so that it has its effect when you want it to. As individuals differ, he teaches to adjust the dose and timing to see what works for you.
When you are using nutmeg as a medicine, it is recommended you get the highest quality to ensure its efficacy. Buy organic whole nutmeg which has not been irradiated. Both irradiation and prior grinding cause essential constituents to be lost before you use it. To use the whole nutmeg, grind what you need, weighing it, when you need it.
As nutmeg can decrease blood pressure, use caution if you have any issues.
Poppy Seeds
Culinary poppy seeds contain minute amounts of natural opioids. You can imagine what they do for calming and sleep. In fact, the botanical name of Poppy is Papaver somniferum, alluding to sleep.
K.P. Singh Khalsa says that poppy seeds will put you to sleep quickly. Just ask Dorothy and her friends on their way to Oz!
He recommends four Tablespoons of poppy seeds to be taken at bedtime.
The strength of poppy seeds is that they put you to sleep quickly, however their effect is not long-lasting. Most people with troubled sleep will wake up in four hours after taking the poppy seeds to sleep. One solution is to eat four more Tablespoons to go back to sleep for four more hours.
Be aware that the opium in poppy seeds is enough to influence a drug test. However, the amount is not enough to get you high. In addition, on a test thebaine shows up, a chemical found only from eating poppy seeds and not using heroin.
How about a combination?
I’m sure you thought of this. If poppy seeds put you to sleep quickly and nutmeg keeps you asleep for eight hours, why not take them together?
Yes, if you need extended sleep for rejuvenation, you may take both at bedtime. Then, most likely, you will sleep twelve hours! This sounds like a perfect formula for recovery.
K.P. Singh Khalsa does not recommend cooking them together, because he says they do not taste very good that way.
He did not specify a particular way to take either nutmeg or poppy seeds except straight. I would play with it in beverages, or with food as well as straight.
Keep it in mind
I will certainly keep these recommendations of K.P. Singh Khalsa in mind if I find myself sleepless in Seattle, or any other city for that matter.
Nutmeg and poppy seeds are two spices that I tend to have in my kitchen. Are they in yours?
Will you stock up for Christmas or for a sleepless night?
Please comment below if you have tried either nutmeg or poppy seeds for sleep.
