The use of herbs for insomnia is not a new idea. In fact, a quick trip down the tea aisle in the grocery will show proof of this. There are a variety of "bedtime teas" that contain herbs that are thought to help with insomnia.

While a warm cup of decaffeinated herbal tea is certainly a fine bedtime ritual that can help you relax before turning in for the night, the jury is still out on just how effective the use of herbs for insomnia really is.

Some of the herbs that are thought to provide possible relief for insomnia include chamomile, lavender, hops, passion flower and St. John's Wort.

As mentioned above, many of the herbs used for insomnia are available in a tea. Most are also available in pill or oil form at many health food and supplement stores.

There are some things to consider before deciding to use herbs to help with insomnia.

It is important to note a difference between occasional insomnia and chronic insomnia. The inability to sleep well over an extended period of time is not something that should be ignored.

Such insomnia can be a sign of a serious health condition or be a signal from your body that some lifestyle changes, such as losing weight or a change in diet, are needed.

If your insomnia is persistent, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. He will be able to perform an evaluation that may help to pinpoint the cause of your insomnia and help you determine the best way to treat it.

Not all cases of insomnia will require the use of sleeping pills. Instead, your doctor may recommend simple lifestyle changes such as exercise, a change in diet or methods to reduce stress.

If you do decide to take herbal supplement to try and treat insomnia, you should check with your doctor first. This is especially important if you have any type of medical condition or take other medications. Some herbs can interact with prescription or other the counter medications.

If you find that indulging in a cup of chamomile or lavender tea helps you sleep better at night, then it could be the herbs that are helping or it could be the fact that you are taking a few minutes to unwind and de-stress before bed.

Often, simply having a routine, such as a cup of tea at bedtime, can help some people fall asleep faster.

The use of herbs for insomnia may be helpful to some, but it is important to find the cause of ongoing insomnia rather than trying many different ways to cure it yourself.

If you often have trouble sleeping, visit your doctor. He will be able to recommend some additional remedies.