For a soothing, pleasant method of alleviating insomnia try a herbal bath. Many herbs have sedative properties, and the relaxing effect of hot water acts to enhance their effect. In addition to activating the properties of the herbs, the water will open the pores of your skin. You will also inhale the scent of the herbs, allowing it to pass through the nervous system to the brain. You can either purchase a herbal infusion for your bath or try the following:

• Fill a muslin bag with chamomile, linden flowers, or lavender, and hang it from the faucet so that the hot water runs through it.

• Massage with St. John's Wort oil and herbal baths before retiring to calm and relax the body. Add lavender, fir needle, yarrow or valerian infusion to bath water.

• Pour one liter (two pints) of boiling water over two handfuls of the dried root of valerian and leave it for twenty-five minutes. Strain liquid and add to bath. Take bath before going to bed.