Insomnia affects more than 30% of the population in the U.S. and more than half of Americans complain about not getting enough sleep.  In most cases, people turn to pharmaceuticals to help them, which contributes to the immense increase in the sales of sleeping pills.

However, these medications have been found to do more harm than good in the long run. Researchers have found that their use can cause the following side-effects:

• Diarrhea
• Difficulty keeping balance
• Dizziness
• Burning or tingling in limbs
• A headache
• Heartburn
• Stomach pain and tenderness
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Mental slowing/problems with attention and memory
• Unusual dreams
• Weakness
• Changes in appetite
• Constipation
• Daytime drowsiness
• Dry mouth and throat
• Flatulence
• Impairment the next day

Insomnia is the inability to sleep due to various factors, like waking up too early, frequently waking up during the night, or facing difficulties to fall asleep. It can be a result of biological, psychological or social factors. It is different than sleep deprivation, as it is considered to be caused by internal factors only, not things like loud noises, for instance.

Yet, the outcome is the same as both lead to a lack of sleep, that in turn causes:

• Poor memory
• Lower cognitive function
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Lack of concentration
• Moodiness
• Irritability and anger
• Fatigue during the daytime
• Headaches or migraines
• Upset stomach
• Lack of energy
• Lack of coordination

Finding a natural alternative to sleeping pills, in order to avoid their side-effects, but still prevent these symptoms of the lack of sleep, should always be your priority.

You will be pleased to learn that nutmeg is one of the most potent natural cures for insomnia and sleep deprivation, and a strong sedative. Stress is believed to be one of the main causes of insomnia, and it is rich in myristicin, a natural organic compound that inhibits the release of enzymes that cause stress.

According to NDTV Food:

“Said to be a native of Indonesia, found in the Spice Islands, it is the seed of the fruit of an evergreen tree known as Myristica fragrans. It now grows in Malaysia, the Caribbean, and Southern India as well. It is also the only tropical tree in the world which is credited for bearing two distinct spices -- nutmeg and mace.

The nutmeg tree is also valued for its medicinal properties. The leaves and other parts of the tree are used in extracting essential oil as well as nutmeg butter, which are used for the purpose of beauty and have other health benefits. Nutmeg is packed with nutrients: minerals such as magnesium, manganese, and copper; and vitamins such as B1, B6, etc.”

Moreover, despite its other beneficial properties,

“nutmeg has a calming effect when consumed in smaller doses. Various ancient medicinal practices credit it for its sleep-inducing and de-stressing effects.”

All you have to do is to add a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg powder to a cup of water and drink it an hour before bedtime. Note that you should never exceed the dose, and avoid it in the case of pregnancy.

You will feel the difference within a few days!

Source: www.icookieat.com