Wanting to sleep but being unable to is a very distressing matter. Frequent insomnia can cause severe disruptions to people's daily lives. So, what foods can effectively alleviate insomnia? Below, the editor will introduce six soothing soups to rescue you from the agony of insomnia.
I. Causes of Insomnia
1. Psychological Factors
Psychological factors such as anxiety, irritability, or low mood, unhappiness, etc., are important causes of insomnia. Life's setbacks, work and study pressures, unfulfilled desires, and changes in the social environment can trigger psychological and physiological reactions, leading to abnormal nervous system function, brain dysfunction, and consequently, insomnia.
2. Physical Factors
Physical illnesses that can cause insomnia include heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, ulcers, arthritis, osteoarthritis, gastrointestinal diseases, high blood pressure, sleep apnea syndrome, hyperthyroidism, nocturnal myoclonus syndrome, brain diseases, etc.
3. Environmental Factors
Changes in the environment can cause physiological reactions, such as changes in the sleep environment when traveling by car, boat, or plane. Strong light, noise, excessive cold, or excessive heat in the bedroom can also cause insomnia. Some people are highly adaptable to their environment, while others are very sensitive and poorly adaptable, and find it hard to sleep when the environment changes.
4. Chemical Factors
Taking central nervous system stimulants can lead to insomnia, such as amphetamines in weight-loss drugs. Long-term use of sleeping pills can also cause withdrawal symptoms—shallow sleep and frequent nightmares—once discontinued. Tea, coffee, and cola beverages contain central nervous system stimulants—caffeine, which can cause insomnia if consumed in the evening. Alcohol disrupts sleep structure, making sleep shallower. Once alcohol is discontinued, insomnia can also occur due to withdrawal reactions.
II. Six Soothing Souls
1. Sour Jujube Seed Soup
Three qian of sour jujube seeds, crushed, decocted in water, and taken one hour before bedtime each night.
This soup is indicated for insomnia caused by insufficient liver blood, internal disturbance of deficient heat, and blood failing to nourish the heart. Insomniacs often experience symptoms such as palpitations, night sweats, dizziness, dry throat and mouth, and a thin, wiry pulse.
2. Calming Heart Soup
Three qian each of longan pulp and red sage root (Danshen), decocted in one or two bowls of water until reduced to half a bowl, taken half an hour before bedtime.
This soup has a sedative effect and is particularly effective for insomniacs with heart blood deficiency and weakness.
3. Spirit-Calming Soup
Steam five qian of fresh lily until cooked. Add one egg yolk and mix with 200ml of water. Add a little rock sugar, bring to a boil, then mix in another 50ml of water. Drink one hour before bedtime.
Lily has the effects of clearing the heart, calming the spirit, and sedation. Regular consumption can bring immediate results.
4. Three-Ingredient Spirit-Calming Soup
Three qian of sour jujube seeds, and one qian each of Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Polygala root (Yuanzhi). Decoct in 500ml of water until reduced to 50ml, and take before bedtime. All three herbs have the effects of tranquilizing the mind, calming the spirit, and sedating. When combined, they have a hypnotic effect.
5. Longan and Lotus Seed Soup
Take two liang each of longan and lotus seeds and cook them into a soup.
This soup has the功效 of nourishing the heart, calming the spirit, strengthening the spleen, and tonifying the kidneys. It is most suitable for middle-aged and elderly people and those with long-term insomnia.
6. Nourishing Heart Congee
Take 35g of Codonopsis root (Dangshen), 10 pitted red dates, 10g each of Ophiopogon root (Maidong) and Poria (Fushen). Decoct in 2000ml of water until reduced to 500ml. Remove the dregs, then cook with washed rice and water. After the rice is cooked, add brown sugar and serve.
This congee can nourish qi and blood to calm the spirit. It has a significant improving effect on palpitations (rapid heartbeat), forgetfulness, insomnia, and frequent dreams.
In summary, if we experience insomnia symptoms in our daily lives, we can drink some of these carefully prepared soups. Maintain a positive and optimistic mindset to break free from the troubles of insomnia!