Try Six Decoctions for Insomnia
Zizyphus Seed Decoction: Zizyphus seeds 3 qian (about 9 grams), crushed and decocted in water, taken one hour before bedtime each night. Zizyphus seeds inhibit the central nervous system and have a stable sedative effect. They are highly effective for insomnia caused by blood deficiency, such as irritability and palpitations.
Peaceful Mind Decoction: 3 qian (about 9 grams) of longan flesh and Salvia miltiorrhiza, boiled down from two bowls of water to half a bowl, taken 30 minutes before bedtime. It has a calming effect, especially beneficial for those suffering from heart blood deficiency-induced insomnia.
Soothing Spirit Decoction: 5 qian (about 15 grams) of fresh lily bulbs steamed until soft, mixed with one egg yolk, blended with 200 ml water, a little rock sugar added, boiled, then stirred with 50 ml cool water before drinking one hour before bedtime.
Three-Ingredient Sleep Aid Decoction: 3 qian (about 9 grams) zizyphus seeds, 1 qian (about 3 grams) ophiopogon tuber and polygala root, decocted in 500 ml water to 50 ml, taken before bedtime. These three herbs all have calming, spirit-soothing, and sedative effects, and together they enhance sleep-inducing properties.
Longan Lotus Seed Soup: Boil equal amounts (2 liang each) of longan and lotus seeds into a soup. It nourishes the heart, calms the spirit, strengthens the spleen, and tonifies the kidneys—ideal for middle-aged and elderly people and those with chronic insomnia.
Heart-Nourishing Porridge: Use 35 grams of Codonopsis pilosula, 10 jujubes (pitted), 10 grams each of Ophiopogon tuber and Poria, decocted in 2000 ml water to 500 ml, remove residue, then cook with washed rice and water until rice is cooked, add rock sugar. It effectively treats palpitations, forgetfulness, insomnia, and frequent dreams.
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