The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Janet (Jefferson, Mo) on 01/05/2015
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
I have chronic insomnia--can't get to sleep or stay asleep. I have tried everything. The latest is l-tryptophan. I took 3 capsules w/ a magnesium tablet and slept so very well. Woke up several times, felt like I was floating in a cloud, very relaxed. Next night, took same combo and slept but not as well. Night number 3 it was hours before I fell asleep and then I woke up very early and couldn't drift back off. I feel I'm on the right track here, but how do I tweak it a bit? If I could get back to that first night's reaction, I would call it fantastic and just do that forever.
L-Tryptophan
Posted by Art (California ) on 01/05/2015 2326 posts
Tryptophan is metabolized into melatonin. I have taken melatonin as a sleep aid and it has helped, but the effect is not always lasting so I have gotten in the habit of taking one capsule about two hours before I plan to go to bed and then one more capsule an hour later and then one capsule at bedtime. It is harder to take this way than just three capsules at bedtime, but it seems more effective for me this way because I am quite drowsy by the time I go to bed and I sleep without waking, unless I have to go the bathroom, but I fall right back to sleep after the bathroom.
I imagine that taking it this way would be similar to timed release melatonin, but I have tried timed release melatonin and it didn't work as well as taking the melatonin as above in a one, two, three fashion.
I've never tried it with tryptophan, so I don't know if it would work the same.
I only use this method when I know I want or need to get a good night's rest and it has been fairly reliable toward that end.
Art
Hypnic Jerks
Posted by Hayley (Washington State) on 07/29/2014
I've had severe hypnic jerks at least 6 nights a week for close to 8 or more years that disrupted my sleep to no end. Even when I could sleep, I couldn't because the jerks kept me from falling asleep. I've spend hours researching the underlying cause to no end. Magnesium oil helped to a limited to degree, but that's about it until I read a few comments about Benadryl causing hypnic jerks. After reading this, I researched it, and found it's true so I went off it--I had been taking it on a daily basis for allergies and migraine headaches for years. Since I went off the Benadryl, I've had 3 hypnic jerks in the nine nights I've been off it.
I'm convinced hypnic jerks are a side-effect of a lot of meds, and would urge anyone suffering from them to google everything they take with the word 'myoclonus' to see if it's a side-effect. If it is, and you're able to go off the med, your jerks should settle down as mine did.
Insomnia Treatment Centers
Posted by Kathy (L A, US) on 07/07/2014
Two things you might want to try for insomnia. Lavender essential oil, it's very relaxing and calming. Next, try a process called EFT. Sleep well!
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Rick (Wayne, Va) on 06/24/2014
I have chronic insomnia. None of the supplements/herbs I have tried do anything for it. Some do help me to sleep but then I have diarrhea from them. Does anyone have experience with clay? I hear it goes to the place in most need of healing first--do you think it would go to whatever is wrong and then I'd be able to sleep? I took 1 dose of sodium bentonite clay and had muscle aches, headache, belly cramping. Now I hear that the calcium bentonite would be a better option. Anyone?
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/24/2014
Rick, I have never heard of clay being used for insomnia. Snoop around the internet and you will find the differences in the two clays. But for insomnia, maybe try the ideas on the insomnia page right here on EC.
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Rick (Wayne) on 06/24/2014
I've tried all the things here on ec for insomnia. So far, the only thing that works is magnesium, which gives me diarrhea. I already have ibs-d--I don't need more diarrhea! I am already taking 6 immodium at a time!
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/25/2014
Rick, read up on Transdermal Magnesium, which simply means absorbing magnesium through the skin via baths, spraying etc.
Also, for internal consumption of clay, I use A SMALL PINCH! No need for teaspoons or even half teaspoons internally.
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Gertie (Al) on 06/25/2014
I'm wondering something myself: I have ibs-d, migraines, insomnia, skin issues---could all this arise due to my bad bowels? If yes, then maybe the clay could be a solution. Not the sodium clay, but the calcium type (sodium acts more as a laxative, calcium appears to 'coat' the intestines which allows them to heal + it removes any infection/parasites + it swells w/ fluid to bulk up the stool). Seems like you would take the clay once per day and then, 12 hours later, take a good probiotic. This way the bad stuff would be removed and replaced with good stuff, the walls would heal and not be so irritated/inflamed. Since we hear that most problems start in the gut, would this help fix the gut....and then the rest follows?
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 06/25/2014
Gertie, Everyone is different and I have seen people have good success with the clay. However, I don't usually have much trouble with my intestines, but I bought Purified Premium Bentonite in filtered water to absorb toxins, and after ingesting 1 T., was incapacitated for an entire day with terrible stomach pains, even using the psyllium with it, as advised (which I threw away). I have read that others also had this reaction, so just be informed of the possibility. I now only use it externally, as with the recent poison ivy saga.
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/26/2014
Rsw, ONE TABLESPOON CLAY !! No wonder you had digestive distress!! Yes, everyone IS different, but when trying a new thing, please do not shock your system! As I said: you can do a small PINCH!
Sodium Bentonite Clay
Posted by Gertie (Al) on 06/26/2014
I already had some colloidal sodium clay--I took a scant teaspooon at bedtime one night and was miserable! Stomach gurgled all night , overall aches, headache--wow. But, over the next week, my face cleared and my arthritis didn't bother me....So I wonder. I'll try it again, but on a night when I'm off the next day. I don't sleep as it is, sure don't want to not sleep and be in pain.
Skullcap
Posted by Timh (KY) on 06/15/2014 2048 posts
Skullcap is also strong anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant, which may be contributable to the varied beneficial effects reported.
Skullcap
Posted by Casey (Montebello, Ca) on 06/15/2014
Pleae, Timh, be so kind as to tell us the part of scullcap that is effective for the desired effects. Is it the root, or the arial part (flowers and leaves)? Thank you in advance for the clarification. I think many of our readers are wondering about the same question. I have severe insomnia. Thank you again.
Skullcap
Posted by Timh (KY) on 06/17/2014 2048 posts
Casey: The arial parts seem to be the most beneficial.
Mudras
Posted by Bee (New York) on 03/24/2014
Hello, Oh; I just found this modality called Mudra.. I have been practicing it .. You use meditation and hand positions for curing disease or manifesting things.. Well I am not sure its working.. I tried it for sleep and didn't sleep.....anyone know how long it takes to work? I have been doing it on and off days and nights for a week now? Thank You
Mudras
Posted by Mikr62 (Denver) on 03/25/2014
Bee: Hops extract has many favorable reviews on amazon for sleep. Xanthohumol, a close cousin of resveratrol, is an aromatization inhibitor that prevents good hormones from becoming bad hormones, a possible cause of insomnia.
Mudras
Posted by Bee (New York) on 03/25/2014
Mike from Denver..thank you but I was also wondering if the Mudra has worked for anyone or has anyone tried it and has seen any difference in their health..
Mudras
Posted by Karen (New York, Ny) on 03/27/2014
Hi Bee, have you tried taking powdered magnesium in water before trying these exercises at night? I find a deep feeling of relaxation kicks in 20 minutes after drinking magnesium. That might help! The mudras practice looks interesting. Let us know how that goes.
Mudras
Posted by Bee (New York) on 03/27/2014
HI Karen,
I use the magnesium oil on my skin everyday.. Mostly rub it on at night..Do I need more oil or is the drink more effective..?? I am weaning off some awful medication thus the insomnia.. Check utube for Mudras... Thank You for the reply
Mudras
Posted by Karen (New York, Ny) on 03/27/2014
Hi Bee, I have also tried magnesium chloride oil and find that the powder works better on my brain and in relaxing me. If I don't take it at night, I don't sleep as well or feel as rested! I will check out the mudra videos on YouTube, thanks.
Ignatia Amara (Homeopathic Remedy)
Posted by Sean (Ca, Usa) on 10/18/2013
★★★★★
Hello, I've been taking Ignatia Amara when I wake up in the middle of the night and can't go back to sleep (racing thoughts and anxiety).... It seems to work but is it Ok to take it every night long term??? Thank you for your feedback!
Magnesium
Posted by Toourlady (Hayward, Ca) on 09/25/2013
There several forms of Magnesium. One of the most absorbable would be Mg Glycinate capsules, it does not have the laxative side effect.
Magnesium
Posted by Wendy (Westport, Ct) on 10/01/2013
Thanks Tourlady89, I will try Mag Glycinate. Would be nice not to experience side effects from Magnesium! I have also recently tried magnesium oil but waiting around for the oil to absorb into the skin for 20 minutes isn't much fun!
Magnesium
Posted by Tim (Chicago, Illinois) on 04/10/2014
Liquid forms of magnesium chloride or magnesium citrate are great, and there is also a pill form of Magnesium Glycinate that's also very effective. Magnesium definitely helps to cure insomnia, that's for sure! Best, too, if you take small doses throughout the day, not just at night when you want to go to sleep. Take it throughout the day so it can build up in your system. A lot of times people (and people in general) with insomnia are deficient in magnesium.
Selective Insomnia
Posted by Father's Daughter (Chicago ) on 08/31/2013
Please, share any ideas you might have.
My elderly dad stays by me over the weekends and sleeps well. During the week he stays at his home with a caregiver and cannot sleep at night. He wakes up, becomes panicky and rude, tries to get out of bed (unsafe for him due to balance problems, leg surgery, etc) This past week he basically lost on a whole week of sleep. What could be the reason in his room (he has lived there for many years) that it becomes such a huge problem? It has been happening with different caregivers. I replaces new roomdarkening blinds already.
Please, share any insight you may have.
Selective Insomnia
Posted by Timh (Ky, Usa) on 09/01/2013 2048 posts
This seems environmental. Two likely factors. One, evaluate the cleanliness of the indoor air. Consult a professional if possible. If nothing else, upgrade your air filter. Buy an indoor standing air purifier. Second, For people who are aging or ill, electric power lines can cause harm to health. Local lines are not as bad as those large regional lines that carry high voltage. There is info on the net and here on E.C. about electromagnetic radiation and health.
Sleep Disorder Remedies
Posted by Val (Texas) on 08/08/2013
I have had poor quality sleep for some time now. I wake up 2 to 3 times at night. I am constantly tired at work. I've started doing light exercise (walking) right after dinner and that seem to help some by making me tired enough to fall asleep-but I'm still waking up throughout the night. Sometimes I even wake up teary eyed, coughing and gagging so much that I have to get up and blow my nose or drink some water. I read something about dust mites but I've fallen asleep on my sofa a few times & it happened there also. I take ACV on a regular basis for health benefits but it has not helped my sleep. I am a 30 year old 125 pound female; so weight is not a problem & I have no other health issues. Anyone have any ideas?
Sleep Disorder Remedies
Posted by Timh (Louisville) on 08/10/2013 2048 posts
@Val: Looks like you are in need of general body detox and cleansing. Parasites and pathogens accumulate in the body over time until symptoms like you reported flare up. For starters, I would recommend oil of oregano (softgel caps) in the am and oil of garlic (softgel caps) in pm. Vit-C will help, take 500 mg w/ bioflavinoids at least 3 x daily. 250 mg Magnesium before retiring will help for sleeping.
If this doesn't help, do an herbal parasite cleanse as well as a candida cleanse (info here on E.C.).
Light Therapy
Posted by Trudy (Va) on 08/02/2013
Does anyone know if light therapy works? If so, what kind of thing are you looking for when shopping for a light box? I'm still searching for a solution to my chronic insomnia. I go to bed fairly early, but don't fall asleep. If I stay up later, I don't fall asleep. When I do sleep, I sleep in snatches of 15-20 minutes and wake up. I actually sleep better on the couch with the tv on--the show occupies my mind and stifles the chatter. After an hour or so of this, I can usually get up and go to bed. Even then, if I do go back to sleep, I'm only sleeping for short periods of time before waking. I leave the house for work at 6 a.m. , so I can't try going to bed at what most think of as bedtime. Also, I get up at 4 to feed the livestock (so I get early morning sun/light) and get ready for work, so what's early for you may be late for me.
Light Therapy
Posted by Steve (Nevada) on 08/02/2013
Not sure if light therapy would help with insomnia. I think a sleep formula might be more helpful.
Light Therapy
Posted by Innanalives (Middletown, Delaware) on 08/03/2013
Poppy oil capsules work very well for chronic insomnia. Dreams are life-like and you wake up feeling refreshed. Please be advised that blue lights from appliances can cause insomnia...
Light Therapy
Posted by Trudy (Va) on 08/04/2013
I have tried everything (sleep formula) that has been suggested on earth clinic. That's why I'm asking about the light therapy. I've tried sounds, herbs, finger-dcounting, pillow method, mag oil---the only thing I've seen so far that I haven't tried is what someone just suggested--poppy oil capsules. Never heard of that one. Will get some and try it. I need relief. The onlyh sleep I get is with ambien, and it's not restorative. Other than that when I take an imitrex and hydrocodone for chronic migraine. Thank everyone for the suggestions, I jsut wish I'd get something new to try as nothing has worked and ted has not responded. I think I have something very basic going on that has not been addressed, but can't think of what. I have never been a good sleeper and have always had ibs-D (over 50 years).
Light Therapy
Posted by Trudy (Va) on 08/05/2013
My question was 'does light therapy work'. Thank you for your reply, but I am not willing to go vegan. I have free range, pastured hens for eggs. I grow a garden. I buy a side of pastured, grass fed beef for my freezer. Yes, I'm sure I eat gmo food--it's near impossible not to, but I do my best to avoid it. My diet is very good--home-grown foods for the vast majority. Also, one cup of coffee in the morning then only water. I can't be outside b/c I work, so that's my question--do light boxed help with insomnia?
Light Therapy
Posted by Mt (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 08/05/2013
Due to IBS you may have a vitamin/ mineral imbalance. See this link for deficiencies in Vitamins B:
http://www.longevinst.org/nlt/newsletter19.htm. You should get a book describing the vitamins and minerals required by the body.
If you do not have enough sun exposure, you may be vitamin D deficient.
For IBS you should try to eat green bananas -the starch from these bananas can heal the intestines. Do you eat raw garlic/ onion? Do you avoid gluten? Do you drink spring water?
Read about calamus roots-it is a good way to heal the digestive system.
Light Therapy
Posted by Amy (Colorado) on 08/06/2013
Yes, light therapy can help but you have to be careful because there are all sorts of light therapy and some can be pretty startling. I would look for they light therapy that uses a moving bed along with gradually using all spectrums of light. Some light therapy abruptly flashes light and can be very startling and more harmful than good. There is a great place in Niwot, CO.
The other thing you may want to try is healthy probiotics. If you have taken antibiotics or eaten a bunch of meat with antibiotics, this can cause a lack of healthy enzymes in your stomach which can cause problems with sleep. It could have been a long time ago that you consumed the antibiotics, but if you never replaced them with healthy antibiotics, it can still be a huge problem You want to get the best possible probiotics you can, because if you only take mediocre ones, that will not help. I took 2 at least 20 minutes before I ate in the morning and 2 at least 20 minutes after I ate before I went to sleep and within 3 doses, I slept great. I finished a bottle of 90 and was fine for a while.
Mental Chatter Remedies
Posted by Trudy (Va) on 07/31/2013
I'm still struggling to get some restorative sleep. I have tried everything suggested at Earth Clinic and many others. One real problem for me is that my mind chatters constantly--I don't rehash daily events, but skip from topic to topic almost like I'm writing a story. Also, I have pretty bad neck pain that prevents me from sleeping. I take astaxanthin & serrapeptase for the pain. Also, I take coffea cruda for the mind chatter. Please help me. I emailed Ted over 2 months ago and have not heard back. Thanks.
Mental Chatter Remedies
Posted by Suzy (Eugene, Or) on 07/31/2013
I found to have a CD player set up to repeat helps! I have a Dr Wayne Dyer CD-- The I am Mediations... It is not really music but tuning forks.... So you can listen to it and not really get caught up "the lyric or the tune" I made my own CD mix with the second track on the CD repeated 3 times (as the trak is 20 minutes long). Then I play that with my CD set to repeat.
Mental Chatter Remedies
Posted by Trudy (Al) on 08/01/2013
I have several cds and other wav files with white noise, sleep sounds, binaural beats, etc. Nothing has worked yet. I am very good at picking out patterns, so I know where I am in the sequence and talk to myself about how long it will be before x occurs, etc. I am right this minute listening to Ted's cat purring while I'm at work. Can't hurt and if it helps the arthirits pain I'm all for it.
Valerian Root
Posted by Jennywren (Perth, Western Australia, Australia) on 06/01/2013
★★★★★
YAY. I'm not sure about Valerian Root, but I swallow one Valerian capsule (from the chemist) if I have trouble getting to sleep and it works great for me.
Magnesium
Posted by Carmela (Cambridge, Ma) on 05/20/2013
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have an issue at night where if I wake up to go to the bathroom, I can't get back to sleep for exactly two hours, no matter what. Yes, 2 hours. I have timed it! I finally found something that works: Magnesium citrate. If I take a teaspoon at night, I can get up to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night and get back to sleep almost immediately. The side effect of powdered magnesium is intense gas and stomach pain, which I have had on several occasions. However, the gas passes about 30 minutes after taking the magnesium. There is probably a "best" time to take magnesium, but I haven't figured it out yet. Sometimes I get stomach pain and sometimes I don't.
I tried Epsom salt foot bath a few nights ago (1 cup of ES in hot water and soaked my feet for an hour) and it relaxed me somewhat, but I didn't get the same deep state of relaxation the internal magnesium provides. I will next try magnesium chloride oil foot baths and report back. Hope this helps someone.
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate
Posted by Paula (Richmond Hill, Canada) on 04/19/2013
★☆☆☆☆
This question is for Ted. Dear Ted, I am writing to you abou my insomnia that I have for many years. I have been taking the sodium bicarbonate 1/2 tsp and potassium bicarbonate 1/4 tsp with a glass of water before bed for a few days. Unfortunately this hasn't worked. I only sleep for an hour at night and wake up more tired than when I went to bed. I am exhausted but my brain doesn't know that it needs to sleep. The sleep doen't come. I don't know what I am doing wrong, I don't nap, unable to, don't drink coffee or tea, only water. This is a nightmare. I am seeing a naturopath for a year and I am not getting any better. Please Ted I know you are busy but if you have some time please let me know what I should do. I'll be waiting for your response. Thank you, Paula
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate
Posted by Polly (London, England) on 04/20/2013
For insomnia (it's a liver problem) look at your diet;no colas or alchohol or cigarettes. Take a really good kelp supplement and milk thistle and eat lots of fresh fruits and veg. Also look at the Blood Type Diet by Peter D'adamo. Sorry I'm not Ted but I know how horrible sleep deprivation can be and mine is better (to be fair mine was not as bad as yours) with the kelp and omega 3 oils like olive, linseed, and evening primrose oil. Good luck.
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 04/20/2013
I was just looking for answers and found a site that said to take a bath in baking soda and epson salts( magnesium)
1/2 cup to 1 cup each, equal amounts. The magnesium could make your bowels move in 1- 24 hours. Drink some water while you soak. Water soaks or swimmng cause us to shrivel up because it pulls water out of us
Another thing to try would be a dab of progesterone cream before bed 1/8 tsp. Rub in fat tissue, you might have a hormon imbalance, you have to patiently try hormones for at least a month while your system gets balanced and it =could be unpleasant at first as progesterone goes into estrogen sites and can cause estrogen dominant symptoms at first but then later..... So nice! Peaceful
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate
Posted by Leah (Philadelphia, Pa) on 04/21/2013
Hello, have you tried GABA, tripyophan, melatonin, magnesium or iodine yet? You may like to read Dr Mercola's holistic advice on sleep issues too. He considers all factors including light and sound pollution, electromagnetic fields in your bedroom and emotional stressors etc. Hope these suggestions help.
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate
Posted by Namaw (Bama) on 02/10/2017
I, too, am curious about how to use the bicarbonate of soda & potassium bicarbonate for sleep. I have both items. From what I have read, I take 1/4 tsp soda & 1/8 tsp potassium in a glass of water. Is this one dose per day, just at night, or one dose in the morning and another at night? or 1 dose half in morning and the other half at night? I must not be reading Ted's passage correctly because I cant' see this info. Can someone help me, hopefully in time for bed tonight?
Sodium Bicarbonate, Potassium Bicarbonate
Posted by Janet (In) on 02/10/2017
Namaw. So sorry I miswrote. 1 put a pinch of baking soda not a dose in almost every liquid remedy I make. Janet
5 HTP
Posted by Anon (Roanoke, Va) on 04/14/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Even in small doses 5 HTP leaves me wide awake ALL NIGHT LONG if taken in evening. I've have started experimenting with taking it in morning, primarily for mood, however so far I have had not experienced any change or improved sleep.
5 HTP is supposedly useful for weight loss, pms, anxiety/depression, migraines and fibromyalgia in addition to insomnia. It is recommended to take it with vitamin B3 or C.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va, Usa) on 03/27/2013
★☆☆☆☆
I have tried everything I can think of for my insomnia: melatonin, 5-HTP, L-theanine, valerian, chamomile, aromatherapy, hypnosis, guided imagery, sleep sounds, Sleep Relax formula, Fatigued to Fantastic Sleep, acv, coconut oil, sleep hygiene techniques, tapping, coffee crudea, calms forte, progesterone, magnesium oil, relaxing bath, exercise---what's left to try? I am 55, post-menopausal (take evening primrose oil for hot flashes), not on any medications except now I'm taking ambien because I must get some sleep. Yes, I wake up in 6 hours, but I don't feel rested and I am then somewhat loopy/sleepy all day so it's not an answer. Please help me! I am desperate! Oh, one more thing, probably the big issue--my husband has emphysema and wheezes. It's not really possible to sleep farther away from him (small house). When I do go to sleep, I sleep maybe 45 minutes and then am awake again, cycling like this most of the night. Thanks.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Claromce (Templeton, Ca, Usa) on 03/27/2013
Not sure what magnesium oil is, but magnesium tabs helped me a lot.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Wellspruce (Juneau, Ak, Usa) on 03/28/2013
Trudyg, I like you tried them all for sleeping. Finally I stumbled onto Melatonin Ultra, 3 mg melatonin, theanine, GABA, chamomile, valerian, B6 and calcium. You're to take 1, 2 if jet lagged. I've been taking 1. 5 the past year and backed off to just one tab 2 weeks ago as I'm on my way to bed, not earlier than that. I fall asleep fast. My problem is I have "waking insomnia" where I sleep three or four hours then am wide awake. Have had it many years. This product has helped me sleep through most nights. Hope you try it and it works for you also.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va) on 03/28/2013
How does a liver cleanse help insomnia? Also, the melatonin ultra is just one of the things I have already tried without success. Please, is there nothing else out there? How do you cleanse a liver?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jade (Dallas, Texas) on 03/28/2013
Yes, how do you cleanse your liver? I will do anything as I have severe insomnia and sleep only couple hours every night so please let me know any suggestions how to get into a sleep clinic would be great. Thanks Jade
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Bradshad (North Prov., Rhode Island) on 03/28/2013
Well, it has been a little while so you may want to google some info but you should eat fruits (which are the cleaners) and veggies (which are the builders), Avoid sugars, alcohol, white flour products. Lean meats and healthy grains I think are acceptable. Do some more research. Also get some liver cleanse pills. I was told by a naturopath that if you are having trouble sleeping or wake up thru the night it is because sleep is disturbed because the liver is busy processing so many toxins. So at the end of the day cleanup your diet. Diet is king.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 03/29/2013 2048 posts
A simple Liver cleanse is to eat lots of Beets.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va) on 03/29/2013
I would willingly do a liver cleanse IF I were sure it would not excacerbate my ibs-d. I'm doing too well controlling it to take a chance. The lemon juice/baking soda thing could start diarhhea and, w/ me, this can go on for a year or more once it starts. Eating beets I can do, I love them and do eat them frequently. Grow them in my garden, so I know they are organic. I eat lots of 'greens', whatever is growing at the moment, so I think my diet is pretty good overall. I eat chia seeds daily, drink homemade kefir, don't eat much meat but usually fish, maybe the grains is where I go wrong. The unprocessed grains usually get my bowels going, so I avoid them. I do appreciate the comments, will try the niacinamide. Thanks.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Andrea C (Cardiff, Wales) on 03/31/2013
The Liver cleanse, is good, but you can't do anything for days! It works BUT you're gonna feel real nasty! Never mind House work, and stuff like that. The "DETOX" Reaction will get you! I know! I did this loads of times. Do not go to the ER. They will put you on drugs. Then you end up were you started and worse than that. I know. Belive me, I am detoxing and I feel real ill! BUT... I know it's working. Best of luck xx Love andrea c
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va) on 04/01/2013
I am really afraid of doing a liver cleanse, after doing some research. It makes you really move things out. With ibs-d, I'm moving pretty fast as an everyday thing. Getting it to stop is the problem. If you haven't had diarrhea constantly for years, every single day, then you don't know what I mean. Seriously, I wear depends in order to go buy groceries. As I am now in a fairly good place, I'm not tinkering with it. The last flare I had lasted over a year and I needed a new mattress. I'll eat as well as I can, but I'm not asking for more diarrhea.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 04/01/2013
Hi, Intractable diarrhea may be from a B12/Folate deficiency.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Connie (Slc, Utah, Usa) on 04/01/2013
Hi Tamara; I agree that there can be various ways to have success with the use of a supplement; dosage amount, timing of dosage, etc.
Another possibility is that certain co-factor nutrients may be needed to allow the vitamin to be available to the cells.
For instance, from what I've learned from reading on the Vitamin D Council website: Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, and Boron are needed for vitamin D absorption. Zinc helps to prime vitamin D receptors.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Megan (St Louis, Missouri) on 04/01/2013
I would try ear plugs. My husband snores and I am a very light sleeper. They are a life saver!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Liz (Torrance, California) on 04/01/2013
Sorry you are experiencing insomnia. I have it occasionally and have found a few things that help.
Adrenals: I would start by finding out from a naturopath if your adrenals are overtaxed. You might have adrenal exhaustion and could benefit from some adrenal support supplements.
Exercising: Do you exercise? What time of the day do you exercise? This too may play into night time insomnia. Exercising earlier in the day is always better. If you don't get enough exercise, that too might exacerbate insomnia.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va) on 04/02/2013
Thanks for all the suggestions. I read Ted's comments and am going to try the B3 (niacinamide) and B12. Those are 2 I haven't supplemented because I thought I was getting enough from food. Yes, I do exercise--I run/walk between 1-2 miles/day on the treadmill first thing in the morning, then I do QiGong around 3 in the afternoon. I stand rather than sit, walk every chance I get while at work. Weekends I clear land (very hilly) at our farm, set fenceposts, garden, yardwork, etc. I think the activity level is good. I get migraines from melatonin, so when I take it I keep it to no more than 1 mg. Calms Forte + 1 mg melatonin will work 1 day out of 4, typically. If I didn't have to work I would just nap as needed and not worry about it.
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Posted by Tina (Houston, Usa) on 04/02/2013
Please google Min-tran. It is a natural, food based product that helps with sleep issues. I have in the past taken 4-6 an hour before bed, and it knocks me off. It works with the para-sympathic side of the nervous system and brings the body to balance.
Also 'natural calm' magnesium powder that dissolves in warm water, a few hours before bed is excellent in resolving incomnia issues.
Good luck!
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Posted by Trudyg (Xxx, Yyy) on 05/13/2013
It's me again, the chronic insomniac. I tried the molasses in sleep time tea--boy, did I get diarrhea! Only did 1 tsp, not a tbs. Mg loosens the bowels, with ibs-d I get it very fast and then it won't stop. If I take calcium in the correct ratio w/ mg it's bad, calcium alone helps slow it down. Big issue is the sleep. A post said taurine + l-glutamate + theanine. For me, did nothing. I added 5-htp to that mix, still nothing. Finally took 1 mg melatonin, would have slept but for the vomiting due to melatonin induced migraine. HELP! In spite of all this, I am healthy--exercise daily, garden, work, eat well. What am I doing wrong? My mind chatters all night long, if I fall asleep I awake with a jolt. Thanks for listening.
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/13/2013
just out of curiosity... What about a baking soda bath or a baking soda with vinegar bath.... Maybe 1/4 cup of each.... then rinse it off, just in case. How do you drink your water? How much, when.. ? I use to drink a lot of water but until I followed the procedure in the watercure site it wasn't helping me. I'm so sorry you are suffering ... Love, Joy
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/13/2013
I went back to the insomnia page and read all your post... I'm sorry you are sufferring.
I went to a few google sites and looked around also.
This is just a stab in the dark.... I care. The fact that your grow your own greens and eat lots of them, means you probably get a whole lotta magnesium from them so when you take the mag you get the IBS. The fact that you get a lot of mag from your plants means you might be out of balance somewhere in your minerals. I read that ZINC aids in 300 enzyme functions and helps IBS D sufferers because of the digestion enzyme functions it helps.
They talked about water use at the bottom of the page....
Your diarrhea which I had myself from C diff for 6 months, is scary and stealing your minerals and possible other nutrients.... the chia seeds are suppose to help the IBS D and one site says they are safe to use for 12 wks.
LAST IDEA ... Get a hair analysis and see if there is a mineral out of balance causing the diarrhea because you eat minerals but too much of one would cause the dumping syndrome. As if you ate a poison
May you find you sleep like a baby, .... You'll be in my prayes... Love, JOY
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/13/2013
I put 2 tbs acv+squirt of honey + 'fingertip' of borax in a 16 oz bottle, top off with water and sip it till lunch, then do another for afternoon till suppertime. I pee all the time, so can't do more than that. Usually an herbal tea (peppermint) in the evening around 6:30. Haven't heard of the water cure, so please clue me in. Also, I didn't think baking soda or vinegar would penetrate skin so haven't tried them in a bath, at least not since the last uti or skin issue years ago. Thanks.
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/13/2013
Take it at bedtime or earlier in the day?
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Posted by Joy (Battleground , Wash ) on 05/13/2013
Try coconut meat for diarrhea. On one site, coconut macaroon cookies stopped a lot of people's diarrhea, calmed down their intestinal tract. My book says coconut heals teeth to rectum, you may sleep better if bowels were calm. Coconut milk can cause the runs in some people but coconut oil is very healthy and so is the meat but the meat makes me gain weight. Coconut is anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti fungal, anti viral, and kills parasites ...
Been thinking about you all day looking at sites that might help .... Love, Joy
Also just for info...1/4 tsp baking soda in water may make you neutral so you can rest not reacting to anything ... Your environment may be upsetting you, put baking soda on rug or in a bowl near the bed to clean the air.
I worked in an allergy clinic and was also a patient there and one lady went asthma and fell to the floor gasping while I put balm on my lip.... I freaked but she was actually reacting to the lady that just came in the door with hairspray on. Your immune system may need help.
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Posted by Joy (Battleground , Wash) on 05/13/2013
Niacinamide can cause flushing(red tinging on face) make sure it's in a low dose B- complex and take half pill --not a whole pill, OR get a liquid and start on a very small dose, you don't need to suffer anymore. If it feels overwhelming take 1/4 tsp. to 1/2 tsp. baking soda in water and put a stop to it. Smallest amount that helps.
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/14/2013
I've been using coconut oil for years now, so I guess that's good. Had been supplementing vit D but levels went kind of high (don't remember what it was) & dr said to back off. That was the first thing I tried for the insomnia, never noticed it to help. Wouldn't hurt to start it again, maybe not so high a dose. Funny, but I get really bad migraines from the air freshener a coworker loves to spray, so I know allergies are in there somewhere. Thanks.
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Posted by Trudyg (Xxx, Yyy) on 05/14/2013
I forgot to mention earlier, I had been taking the baking soda daily, too, but quit because my bp went up. I can do it again, it was high for me and I'm always a bit low. Thanks. Isn't it amazing how our foods affect us? Wow.
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Posted by Trudyg (Xxx, Yyy) on 05/15/2013
I am taking a b-complex (only for about a week now), had been taking a b12 in the morning and B3 at night, but then I read that it can prevent sleep so I stopped all but the complex. Should I stop the complex and take only b3, when? in the evening? or some other combo. I did the 12 & 3 b/c of a Ted post. Will start the baking soda today. Thanks.
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/15/2013
Just grabbing at straws here, but I have a lot of the symptoms for hypoglycemia, too. Just wondering. My a1c level was great, so I've been tested. I pee all the time, often needing to go within an hour of my last trip to the br. I am always thirsty. I get shaky if I wait too long to eat, then I grab a sweet. Sometimes I slur my speech (thought it was due to stuttering as a child), I get uncoordinated (call me graceful). Thoughts? What should I do that I'm not already doing? ( I know, I should stop whining).
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/15/2013
The squeeky wheel gets the oil. Try the water cure for two weeks, and if you do the supplemental --B's start very low dose mornings.
If you pee all the time (losing minerals and nutrients) ...... Your body is dropping either sugar or something is amiss with your diet, could be as simple as your mint, or anything you put in your water. I lived by a mint field and my friend lived there and her son got poisoned by the soil that affected their water well. He had to detox. There is one other thing that would cause constant peeing is food dye or bad fats or something your body is dumping like your bowel symptom. So 2 +2 here is you are dumping bladder and bowel.
One last thing might be imbalance in microbes in bowel and bladder maybe enzymes and probiotics and possible parasite.. Or ph is off... just wild guesses here.
Baking soda in bowl on desk at work to counteract coworkers sprayng chemicals.
Don't take D if you are high D and don't take baking soda if your BP is high.
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Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 05/15/2013
Trudy, I went through something very similar a few years ago. I was sure I was diabetic as I had had trouble with hypoglycemia since I was 15. (I am 46 now. ) My sleep was poor, I couldn't quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank, and of course, I was in the bathroom all the time from all that water. I was getting sores in my mouth, too. I went to the Dr. to get my blood sugar checked first thing in the morning when I finally put 2 + 2 together. But my sugar was okay! (Guess my math was wrong! ) He said, "Oh, it is probably your thyroid. " Sure enough, blood tests indicated hypothyroidism. I suppose this shouldn't have been too surprising as I have had low basal body temperature (as low as 96.3 upon rising for years. I figured I was subclinical hypothyroid and never did anything about. ) The doctor put me on a low dose of synthroid, 50mcg, which did help the symptoms I had been dealing with, but my hair started falling out and I felt terrible. I sat around feeling terrible most of the time. (Doctor said the synthroid was not causing this, but I didn't believe him. ) I didn't think I had any options but started to research and found that I did have options! I quit taking the synthroid after 3 months. I started to do everything I could find to help my thyroid naturally. I took extra virgin coconut oil 1-2 T. daily. I drank Apple Cider Vinegar daily (at least 2 T. per day in water; I spread mine throughout the day. ) I took 12.5 mcg iodine/iodide daily. Meanwhile, I got pregnant. I had the midwife check my thyroid. It was still not in the right range, but I didn't go back on prescription meds. I felt pretty good with what I was doing. I had a normal pregnancy and a healthy full-term baby. I was afraid to fool with the iodine much while pregnant. After I had the baby, I upped my dose to 25mcg daily. (In the am. ) At some point after the birth, the midwife checked my thyroid again and it was in the normal range! (And I had been promised by the doctors that prescription meds were my ONLY option! ) Iodine was what doctors used to use to treat hypothyroid.
So, you could have your thyroid checked or try taking your early morning temp (before getting out of bed, eating, drinking etc. ) If it is low, you can be pretty sure it is hypothyroidism. Research your alternatives.
Hope you get some relief and answers soon. ~Mama to Many~
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/16/2013
Sorry, I should have looked it up, but what is the water cure? I eat only foods I prepare myself, no additives or dyes. The only place I would get those are my supplements, so I'll look at that. The only fats are from coconut, grapeseed oil, or avocado. I had my thyroid checked (runs in the family) and it was okay but I may add iodine at very small doses to see if I feel better. Thanks.
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/16/2013
I've had my thyroid checked, it appears ok. I know from family experience that the numbers can be okay but you can not be okay. I have some potassium iodide drops, says 2/day. Should I start those and see how I feel? How long before I notice a difference do you think? My sleep has never been good, but since I quit hrt after my hysterectomy it's been terrible. I've got the hot flashes under control (not gone, but bearable). I thank God for the help you all are giving me. I'm really at my wits end.
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Posted by Robyn (Asheville, Nc) on 05/16/2013
Hi TrudyG, I was wondering the same thing. If you go to the watercure site, it's basically an advertisement to buy the book (Earth Clinic, doesn't this go against your policy about not posting links to commercial sites?). A little digging on the web and I learned that you should drink water a half hour before and after eating. You should also take 1/4 teaspoon of salt (sea salt) per quart of water. Or drink this every few glasses of water.
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/15/2013
I seem to be the one percent that have the side effects that most don't... With supplements, medicines and with topicals.... Since childhood when I start a new supplement I take half a pill every other day or can't sleep. Makeup is suppose to make a person look better , well for me... It does strange things that are not good. They give me something to calm me down and revs me up, and gives me panics. I eat sugar and no crash, just moving right along.
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Posted by Trudyg (Xxx, Yyy) on 05/16/2013
I did some looking and saw that, too. You divide your weight by 2 and drink that many ounces of water/day, adding sea salt every couple of glasses-worth. I'd be peeing all day if I did that! I must say, though, when I drink water w/ acv, I need to go less often. I drink 1 cup of coffee first thing in the morning, then only water until evening, then a cup of herbal tea. I push the fluids and rarely feel thirsty. I do agree that we could all benefit by increasing our water intake, but by how much is really the question.
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 05/16/2013
I get weird reactions, too. When they give me narcotics (you'll sleep! ) ha--not me, I'm bouncing off the wall. Half an aspirin is plenty for me, so I start out low dose, too. I'm post-menopausal, so get hot flashes and couldn't tell you if it's due to a supplement or not. I take evening primrose oil for that, and have added vit e (200/cap X 2/d, don't know if mg or iu). I think most drs either don't know and don't want to say so or think that women are weak complainers, so they don't take us seriously.
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Posted by Mama To Many (Middle, Tennessee, Usa) on 05/16/2013
Trudy, If the iodine drops say 2 per day, you could start with that. Does it say how much iodine you are getting? All drops do not have the same amount. I compared using iodine drops to what I take orally and I would have to take 20 drops a day to get what I am getting in pills. (And I don't like the taste of iodine in my water.) Anyway, start with 2 drops a day for a few days. Then do a skin test--drop a few drops onto your skin (I do inside my forearm. ) If it is gone in a short time, you are still iodine deficient. If you can still see it after 12 hours, you are getting enough. (Some say you should be able to see it after 24 hours. Broda Barnes has a book on Thyroid that explains it all but I haven't read it. ) If I can see the iodine spot on my arm after 6-8 hours, I think I am doing pretty well. (I really can't bear to take more iodine than I take. It just seems like too much to me.) I know my thyroid was low LONG before it showed up on a blood test. If you take your early morning, before rising temperature and it is low (Some would say anything under 98.0 is low... But I am not sure. Under 97.0 is definitely low.) My naturopathic doctor says you should not use a digital and you should keep it in your armpit for a full 10 minutes.
Anyway, you can increase the amount of iodine by a couple of drops if the iodine on your skin disappears quickly and continue to check on your skin and increase by a couple of drops etc. Until the iodine isn't absorbing quickly. Or, if you notice improvement, you could stop when that happens.
I can't recall how long it took for the iodine to provide me with noticeable difference. It was perhaps days or a week or two. But if I run out my symptoms come back pretty fast - mabye in a day or two.
You are dealing with lots of health challenges... So sorry! With the IBS are you possibly losing nutrients you need, causing health challenges? Comfrey is wonderful for this. In her book, Be your Own Doctor, Rachel Weaver says to use comfrey root powder and slippery elm powder to help and heal this. Both are soothing to the digestive tract and very nutritious. She has you mix them together with water to a dough like consistency and then make little pea size balls you can take throughout the day when symptoms flare up. Comfrey leaves can also be mixed with other soothing and nutritive herbs (like Red Raspberry) and made into a tea that will provide extra nutrients. I didn't use to think herbal tea would do much, but I have had some amazing help from them this year and have changed my mind. Activated charcoal is also a great thing for digestive difficulty and helps detox as well (but very gently. ) Just don't take it near time of other supplements as it adsorbs toxins and may also do the same with nutrients. (I take it leaving a 2 hour window. ) You can mix 1 t. In water or take tablets or capsules. Just a couple of more things to consider... Hope it isn't too overwhelming... Praying for relief for you.
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/16/2013
Earth Clinic has a water cure section with Ted commenting on Dr. Batmanghelidj.. I'm not selling books. All these lovely people here on earth clinic are sharing what helps them and I am doing the same thing, hoping it helps alleviate someone of their sufferring. Love, Joy
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Posted by Om (Hope, B.c., Canada) on 05/18/2013
About Dr Batmanghelidj's Water Cure: This man was a humanitarian who was ignored by the present medical system. He has helped innumerable people back to health. If people drink water without supplementing with, for example, celtic salt, they will urinate, dehydrating themselves as well as loosing vitamins and minerals. It was the chemically manufactured salt that wreaked havoc with the world's population and caused an explosion of serious diseases that killed many. Because allopaths have no training in nutrition they misguide patients to their detriment.
I have just begun slowly and do not run to the bathroom because of the water drinking. The protocol is easy and must be followed meticulously. Get off to a slow start. Already I have noted the effect of water doing its work in the entire body. I hope this will, in addition of magnesium, cure my insomnia. It is nature, not drugs that will do it. I am thankfull toward the good doctor and think it would be of benefit to read his by now famous book, even though just doing the program would be alright So many people have been helped including pets. To be rightly informed is self empowerment. Be leery of the common table salt, but natural wet salts are delicious, provide much needed minerals and prevent the continuous problem of over urination. We are made mainly of water, so is the planet with vast resources of salt water. Sometimes I think that the intake of chemical and denatured salt over a life time could be a contributory factor of Alzheimers as our brain, too, is made up largely of water. We are all keen on learning how to get in touch and back to nature and with determination success will be ours. Love, Om
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Posted by Lauren (Queens, Ny) on 05/18/2013
Om can you tell me if everytime you drink water you have to add the salt? Thanks...
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Posted by Om (Hope, B.c., Canada) on 05/18/2013
Lauren, just type in "water cure 2" and you will find the protocol. It is quite easy to follow. I found that indeed one only needs to pee every 2 or 3 hours when the salt is taken on the tongue but not in the water. If not, there is more instructions which are simple for everyone. You will benefit greatly. Good luck, Om
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/19/2013
Hi, You drink the water(1-2cups) half an hour before you eat a meal to prepare the stomach lining to drop the acid and enzymes to break down the food and have the water to mix with the bola in the intestines to prevent constipation. Also you add the salt to your food if you are not already eating plenty in the form of iodized sea salt. Too much water without salt and you pee too often... Too much salt and you get bloated.... You also have to start this slowly or you are not going to feel well. It can take up to two weeks to rehydrate a body properly.
Histamine is a dehydration signal. Whenever you get your water/salt/potassium/calcium/magnesium and other minerals out of balance your body shoots out some histamine and the histamine causes reactions to food, air, water, cloth, chemicals, cleaning products. and makes you feel ill.
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Posted by KT (The Usa) on 05/20/2013
What time do you eat your last meal of the day? I try to have dinner at five and don't eat anything after six.
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Posted by Trudyg (Xxx, Yyy) on 05/22/2013
Last night I took L-Glutamine, Taurine, 5-Htp, Theanine, and a vitamin e. Tossed and turned all night, when I slept I had very active dreams-to the point I thought I was awake, woke up with a splitting headache. I've been doing the acv+baking soda+borax thing during the day. I can't go on like this, something's gotta give. Getting some sleep should not be so hard.
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/22/2013
I'm out on a limb here.... As reading your post I heard ROSE WATER.... Does it mean anything to you ? Love, Joy
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Posted by Trudyg (Xxx, Yyy) on 05/22/2013
Joy, I don't know what you mean about rose water. Can you elaborate? Thanks.
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Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/22/2013
I heard (rose water) and went to look: at livestrong there are many articles... Rose hip tea. vit C D E K and orgainic acids (citric, malic, pectin) aids digestive tract and urinary tract -heals diarrhea, constipation and rebuilds good flora. Detoxes and heals with antiseptic properties and helps with kidney stones and kidney problems. chronic fatigue -OCD- insomnia - mental issues -nervousness.
1-2 cups a day, there is more but this is enough to answer your question... I have used it on my face over the years like witch hazel it is an astringent, tightener.
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Posted by Trudyg (USA) on 07/02/2013
I'm back. Chronic insomnia, have tried everything. Can anyone tell me if Benadryl has adverse side effects that I should be aware of? That's my next try. I've done everything Ted suggests and so many other things, I'm at a loss. Can low thyroid cause this? It runs in my family, but I tested ok. Thanks.
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Posted by Dawn (Alberta) on 08/13/2013
I have suffered for years from insomnia, I don't know how I functioned. I have been taking Calcium and Magnesium for last one year , now I sleep much better. It doesn't work like sleeping pills, your body need to absorb the supplement slowly. It might take a month or two to notice the effect. It worked for me. Good Luck to all the fellow sleep deprived citizens of the World.
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Posted by Joe (Earth) on 08/15/2013
This is true! But it's not the calcium. It was the magnesium that improved your sleep. I personally rub magnesium oil on my skin at night, it's very relaxing! You can make it at home for pennies.
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Posted by Trudy (Waynesboro, Va) on 08/15/2013
Okay, over time--as in how long? I've been doing the mag oil thing for months now and I don't see any effect. I'm getting ready to try glycine/taurine/tryptophan mix to see if it does anything. I've tried just about everything, but maybe a different combination will do it.
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Posted by Shino (Nelson) on 04/24/2014
Hi, this thread might have ended a while ago, but since noone has mentioned my suggestion in this detailed discussion I thought I'd add it! I wonder if you managed to cure your insomnia; I have had it for a long time due to depression, tried at least half of the things that you mentioned on your initial post plus some. I found that tart cherry juice (high in melatonin) and magnesium tablets, as well as an epsom salt bath from time to time would help me to relax before bed, however the suggestion that I wanted to add is different to those. It helped me to get to sleep very quickly and sustain a solid 8-hour sleep. It is simply to make the room pitch-black (not even a crack of light from under the door, or from digital displays, or greyness through curtains) or to wear an eye mask that achieves total blackness, as well as to wear ear plugs. The science behind this is that the eyelids are the thinnest skin area on the body and very sensitive to any minute amount of light which can signal the body to wake up. In modern times, we may not be sleeping in the pitch darkness that our bodies were designed for. Ears...I can't remember the science for it, but I found that the earplugs blocked out sounds which I had not been aware that I was hearing while trying to sleep, and created a sort of sound-free nest, and this seemed to also help calm my thoughts into sleep. Lately I just wear one ear plug. Anyway, there is no fear of this interfering with food sensitivities, so thought it might especially be worth mentioning here. It worked very well for me, breaking years of severe insomnia and broken sleep - so that I actually slept enough that I could wake up feeling refreshed rather than sluggish. Hope this helps!
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Posted by Trudyg (Al) on 08/06/2014
I've tried everything on EC for my insomnia, nothing works. My question--dr wants me to do a sleep study. What will this tell me? I don't snore, am not overweight, DH tells me I don't have issues w/ stopping breathing at night. I've been taking 1/2 a 5 mg ambien for some time now and desparately want to quit. What if I go & do the study and they tell me, yep, you don't sleep. Nothing we can do for you? I've never slept well, but it's so much worse after menopause--no hot flashes or other symptoms, just no sleep.
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Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 08/06/2014
Dear Trudyg,
One of my daughters had a sleep study done when she was 9 months old. (She had sleep apnea.) They measured vitals all night. They measured brain activity. I think they can tell what stage of sleep you are in. She slept fine through it.
It is not uncomfortable, but you do have wires and stuff on your head, pulse-ox meter on your finger, something monitoring your heart...for someone who has a hard time sleeping, it may be hard to get to sleep in that setting.
That said, a sleep study might give you a clue as to what is going on. Knowing the cause might make a solution easier to find.
Let us know what you find out!
~Mama to Many~
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Posted by Bev (Nuvivet) on 10/11/2015
I have the same problem.. tried all of the above and the only thing work was nutmeg and milk. 1 tsp of powder nutmeg mix in warm milk. Drink just before bed. This work really good. Moreover, nutmeg is very good for your overall health. Hope this works.. please let me know.
Good luck.
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Posted by Trudyg (Bama) on 07/31/2017
Has anyone heard of ZMA? I think it's zinc magnesium aspartate. It was mentioned in the comments I was reading about lunesta. I've got to get some sleep--I've been on here for years and have tried everything anyone has suggested, but I still can't fall asleep or stay asleep for longer than 15-20 minutes. I'm kind of afraid to try anything with magnesium in it--I've tried every kind of magnesium there is and still get bad diarrhea, so I try to avoid it. (And, when I have taken it, I had no relaxation from it at all. I can use mag oil, but too much of that gets the belly rumbling too)
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Posted by Paula (Richmond Hill, Ontario Canada) on 03/13/2013
★☆☆☆☆
Dear Ted, I have severe insomnia, I have nights that I don't sleep anything and I get severe depressed with anxiety. I took many antidepressants, sleeping pills and anxiety medication over the years and nothing works. I can't work because I don't have any energy, I am very forgetful, a lot of migraines and I just can't function. I go through this everyday since I was 8 years of age and I am almost 37 years old. I spent a lot of money going to different people hoping they would help me but instead I ended up with an empty wallet. On top of everything I don't have a supportive family, they don't understand my problems and I don't think they believe me when I tell them I don't sleep, even though I have the dark circles and puffy eyes to prove it. I am the only one in my family with this and they don't understand my situation. This is a nightmare that I have to deal everyday and a lot of the times I just rather die. I also have bad circulation, severe constipation, dry eyes and leg cramps. I have been taking baking soda with water after lunch and dinner and there are no changes. I haven't taken any medication for over a year and I just take vitamins. I have tried almost every remedy there is for insomnia and nothing worked. I'll try anything you recommend. Please help me, I am suffering a lot. Thank you so much.
Paula from Canada
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Posted by Juliette (Reston, Va) on 03/14/2013
I've suffered from insomnia on and off and its soo debilitating and I really feel for you!!!
First off, diet is important... Sugary starchy foods in my experience make it harder for me to sleep. Up your veggies!
You might wanna look into amino acids 5htp and GABA... If your still on any psych meds this may not be your best bet though. But research them and make sure you take them at the right times through out the day. for 5htp late afternoon and before bed is best and GABA you wanna just take before bed because it reallyyyy chills you out.
I see your constipated so you should look into getting some magnesium citrate in powder form... itll relax you AND help you poop.
There's this cream called adrena calm thats really amazing you just rub it on your feet at night and instantly you feel better I know were not supossed to hock products but this reallyyyyy works for me. they sell it on amazon.
Since you've been on meds for a while your liver might be over taxed... that's been the case with me in the past and when I take better care of my liver (milk thistle supplements) I notice a difference in my sleeping and my energy.
Also finding a connection to a higher power of some sort has been a great comfort to me. Be it universal energy, God, Allah, Buddha, Mary, you angels or spirit guides... Sometimes we need to reach out to a power greater than ourselves to restore our lives to balance and peace. Prayer and meditation are very important tools in my life. Sometimes just starting simple and just saying help me!! There is help and comfort there :)
Try to take it easy the more we stress out about the insomnia the worse it gets. just take a deep breathe and let yourself be guided to the solution.
Sending you good vibes!!
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Posted by Dawn (Alberta, Canada) on 03/16/2013
Paula, I am sorry to hear how you are suffering. I too suffered years from insomnia and constipation. Since I have started taking probiotic yogurt and Kefir, my constipation is completely cured. Now I have bowel movement everyday. You can buy Kefir at the store, after that make your own with couple of spoons of the store bought Kefir. That will save u money. If you are lactose intolerant, you can make resuvelac at home, just google resuvelac. I also take magnesium at bed time everyday. I sleep pretty good now. I hope this will help you. Good Luck!!!!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kathy (the USA) on 04/03/2013
Hi Paula, Sounds like you are having reactions to the binders and fillers in your vitamins/supplements. The binders and fillers are more than likely made from plants. It is reported that our food is being engineered to last longer so it has become harder to digest. These genetically engineered plants have to be considered starch. This is noted from MY EXPERIENCE with what has happened to our food. Even the critters we eat or get milk and eggs from are being fed grains and grasses that are difficult for them to digest. I get the 2% milk IN GLASS and sometimes dilute that with a little water. Warm milk before bed helps me sleep. Skimmed milk is bad because, by law, vitamins have to be added and they can cause more problems. I would try to lay off the supplements for awhile because it will take a long time to get out of your system.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Kathi (New Brunswick, Nj) on 05/13/2013
Your symptoms seem similar to what I was experiencing a few years ago, please have a look at:
https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/vitamin_d2.html#RF_22255
Additional helpful things: vitamin D supplementation, going gluten free. The cognitive behavioral therapist emphasized going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, getting light exposure during the day.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Precisely. (Mineral Hill, New Mexico, Usa) on 05/19/2013
Hi Paula, Just wanted to add my favorite cramping remedy: Co-Q10. One capsule daily seems to stop all cramping, within an hour or less, from when taken. Hoping you are already experiencing relief!
