Question:
I have been having bad dreams every night for the past few weeks. I believe it comes from stress in the economic situation. Are there herbs that could help me get a more restful and happy sleep?
Answer:
You are not alone in this! Many of my patients are reporting more sleep disturbances, anxiety and even waking in a panic. Several of them have been laid off and are having trouble finding new jobs. Others work in companies where there is a constant rumor of pending layoffs. Even if their jobs are secure, people are still very worried about their futures.
Most people who know me are aware that I am very much in favor of herbal decoctions over prepared formulas, such as tablets and capsules. But there is one formula that I have found works every time for insomnia, and I have been ordering it two dozen at a time lately: It is Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction). I use the Plum Flower brand, but there are others. Here is my advice regarding this formula.
The instructions on the bottle say to take 2-3 tablets, three times a day. For insomnia, I recommend taking 2-3 tablets at bedtime, and then if you wake in the night before it is time to get up (between 2 and 4 am, not later), take 2-3 more tablets. Used this way, I have not had any reports of grogginess in the morning.
The formula is made of Suan Zao Ren, Chuan Xiong, Fu Ling, Zhi Mu and Gan Cao. The function of Suan Zao Ren in this formula is to nourish the heart and liver and calm the shen. Chuan Xiong is a blood invigorator with many uses, but here it is used to regulate the liver to assure free flow of blood and qi. Fu Ling gently calms the shen, and Zhi Mu clears heat, especially heat from deficiency, which is a major cause of insomnia. Gan Cao, as always, harmonizes the actions of the other herbs and strengthens the middle jiao (spleen and stomach function). Classically, this formula is specific for the type of insomnia caused by deficient liver blood, but I have found it works for any kind of insomnia.
If the anxiety and panic (or nightmares) are extreme, then I would advise using Suan Zao Ren Tang as a decocted formula, adding Long Gu (fossilized mammal bones) and Mu Li (oyster shell). These two heavy, sinking substances are very effective for sedating the mind, but be watchful for digestive disturbances, such as loose stools. When used in a decoction, these two substances should be pre-decocted, cooked first for at least 30 minutes before the addition of the other ingredients. Your herbalist will give you specific instructions for this.
Other herbs I like to use for anxiety and sleep disturbances are Yuan Zhi (especially in the honey-fried form), and He Huan Pi and He Huan Hua. These last two herbs are the bark and flower of Albizzia julibrissin (sometimes called mimosa or silk floss tree), a beautiful pink-flowering tree that grows everywhere in Southern California. Whenever possible, I like to use two or even three parts of the same plant together. I feel that whatever grows together must go together!
Thank you for this timely question.