Indian Hemp
The leaves of the hemp plant are a valuable calming and sedative food. Preparations of Indian hemp have been in use as intoxicants in Asiatic countries and Africa since time immemorial. The narcotic and anodyne properties of Indian hemp were appreciated by western medical men in the early years of the last century and were incorporated in the British and United States pharmacopoeias.
It is used as a drug to reduce excitement, irritation and pain as well as to induce deep sleep. The leaves of the plant can be administered to induce sleep where opium cannot be used. Char as, which is an active ingredient of hemp, and gatija, are effective drugs to induce deep sleep.
Lettuce
This salad plant is a highly calming and sedative food. It is valuable in inducing sleep. It contains a sleep inducing substance, called iectucarium’. The juice of this plant has been linked in effect to the sedative action of opium without the accompanying excitement. Liberal intake of this juice is thus highly effective in insomnia. The seeds of lettuce in the form of decoction are also useful in this disease.
Long Pepper
This popular herb is a calming and sedative food. Its use has been found highly beneficial in the treatment of nervous system disorders like insomnia, epilepsy, convulsions and hysteria. It should be taken in doses of three to five decigrams daily, mixed with honey.
Milk
Milk is one of the most common articles of food throughout the world. It occupies a unique position in the maintenance of health and healing diseases. It is regarded as a complete food as it contains protein, fat, carbohydrates, all the known vitamins, various minerals and all the food ingredients considered essential for sustaining life and maintaining health.
Milk possesses calming and sedative properties. It is a rich source of amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid relaxes the nervous system and induces sleep. Milk is thus, very valuable in insomnia. A glass of milk, sweetened with honey, should be taken every night before going to bed in treating this condition. It acts as a tonic and a tranquilliser. Massaging the milk over the soles of the feet has also been found effective in treating this condition.
Nutmeg
This popular spice possesses sedative and calming properties. It is an effective medicine for sleeplessness. The powder of nutmeg, mixed with fresh amla juice, should be taken in treating this condition. This mixture also forms an effective remedy for mental irritability and depression. Nutmeg powder can also be taken mixed with milk.
Nutmeg paste, mixed with honey, can be given with beneficial results as a sedative medicine to those infants who keep on crying the whole night without any obvious reason. It should, however, not be given regularly without medical advice as it may cause serious complications and addiction.