To treat insomnia, we should first mention valerian, combined with hawthorn. Indeed, valerian is well known for calming anxiety and nervous agitation, and it is also a very effective sedative.
Next, you can take baths to relax, adding lavender or chamomile essential oil, known for being relaxing and preventing sleep disorders. You can also massage yourself with the latter by mixing it with a carrier oil. Chamomile can also be consumed as an herbal tea, together with linden flower.
In addition, dietary supplements based on melatonin, the famous "sleep hormone," can help regulate sleep. However, this supplement requires a doctor's advice. Melatonin can be found combined with passionflower or valerian, and the course should last only three weeks.
What the science says: sleep, linden, valerian and calming plants
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, as a point of reference — the studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Sleep
Improving sleep improves mental health as a whole, according to a meta-analysis of randomized trials (Sleep Med Rev, 2021); sleep hygiene (regular schedules, darkness, no screens or coffee in the evening) has a measurable effect on insomnia (Fam Pract, 2018) (Sleep Med Rev, 2025). The Sunnah adds its own guidance: sleeping early, on the right side, after the supplications for going to bed. Precaution: insomnia lasting more than three months, snoring with breathing pauses, or significant daytime drowsiness should be evaluated by a doctor.
Linden, valerian and calming plants
Valerian improves sleep quality according to several meta-analyses (Am J Med, 2006) (J Evid Based Integr Med, 2020); linden contains anxiolytic flavonoids (J Ethnopharmacol, 2008), and a network review compares plants against anxiety (passionflower, lemon balm, lavender…) (Pharmacol Res, 2022). Precaution: do not combine valerian, passionflower, or hops with sleeping pills and anxiolytics without medical advice; avoid before driving; take as a course of a few weeks rather than continuously.
