Holy Basil as a sleep remedy??

Hello,
Thanks again for all the messages, it really help those of us in need!
After nearly a 2 month ordeal of overmedication, wrong medications and severe side effects, my doctor put me on Low-Ogestrel to even out my perimenaopausal symptoms. I have only been on them for 5 days but they do seem to be making a difference. Also, I'm on a very small dose of Ativan (less than .25 mg per day) and will continue to cut down on that as the bcp continue to help me feel more Lastly, I have been taking Bendryl on and off for over 2 mos. to sleep. Two nights ago I began to develop ringing in my ears. It was so intense last night that I didn't sleep at all! I read the side effects of Benedryl and it states that both insomnia and ringing in the ears is possible. I am not taking Benedryl anymore, needles to say
My question is: Can I take Holy Basil as a sleep remedy? The lady at our local health food store swears by it??? I guess it won't hurt me but has anyone else tried this? or had problems with Benedryl like I have?

Thanks again.......your a lifesaver.
Maddy

Hi Maddy Well, of course, you need to check with your DR first before starting any new supplements.

That said... I take Supercritical Holy Basil and feel it has helped in my response to daily stresses. It can help lower cortisol... and it is also an anti-inflammatory. I have heard that rubbing the essential oil into the feet in the evening (as in reflexology) can help promote good sleep, but I suspect that any foot massage could do that... I've not heard of using the capsules as a sleep aid. In fact, I take them in the morning to help me with the stresses of the day.

I had a lot of problems with insomnia back when my estrogen level was too low. It also sent my blood pressure up so high I ended up in the ER. For a few days I had to use Ambien to sleep... and it only worked so-so for me. Then my DR prescribed low dose Trazodone (50mg) 1/2 hour before bedtime for two weeks. That helped get me back on a regular sleep schedule... then I switched to taking 100mg of 5-HTP morning and night, and stayed on that for probably a year with no sleep problems. Now I don't even need that anymore but I keep it around just in case. You might want to talk with your DR about whether Trazodone or 5-HTP might help you. Some other women also swear by Melatonin.

And, would you believe, many women here have had great success with drinking Ovaltine at bedtime! Apparently it's something about malt that helps with going to sleep. It didn't work for me, but it's definitely worth a try since it has helped so many.

Finally, I find that if I'm just a little bit jittery around bedtime, some Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Extra tea (with Valerian) can help me to relax.

I hope these ideas help... good luck and I hope you get some soon!

s,
-Linda

Thank you soooo much!

You're great!!!


Maddy