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This is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
It is essential that you discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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Natural Insomnia Treatment?
Sleep is an essential part of life. We need it to remain physically and
mentally healthy. The effects of sleep deprivation can be disastrous - consult your
doctor. If we're having trouble sleeping then it would be nice to have something natural
and inexpensive to help.
So, could garlic help us to sleep? Or is it more likely to keep us awake?
The evidence is mixed. It has a reputation for doing both!
On the one hand garlic is generally classed as a "hot" herb
and has been known as a stimulant. Some groups have even objected to garlic because of the
"over-stimulation" it can produce by "inflaming" the passions. It has sometimes been
considered an aphrodisiac, which would hardly seem to be
suggestive of a sedative effect!
Yet despite that garlic also has a reputation for helping people to get to sleep, even if
they don't want to. Some people have claimed that eating garlic at lunch time can make it
more difficult to concentrate in the afternoon. This contradiction was
summed up by gourmet Curnonsky who wrote:
"A garlic caress is stimulating. A garlic excess soporific."
It seems that garlic might help you to get a good night's sleep - under certain conditions. For
example, if you have a cold and are having trouble breathing then garlic might be able to assist.
Garlic can help to dry up the nasal passages in some cases, improving breathing and helping
to reduce snoring in some people. This can in turn ease sleep.
Whether garlic works as a sleep aid under "normal" conditions is as yet unproven.
Some people suggest chopping a little garlic, infusing it in simmering milk for a few
minutes then straining to produce a night-time drink. Check with your partner first!
Garlic Central is not a medical site. Information on this page is provided on a
"best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute
personal advice.
Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.
Please read the site terms of use.
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