CATDOLL : CATDOLL: What is a sleeping aid?

1. Xiaomi

Millet, also known as corn, is sweet and salty in nature and cool in taste. Old corn is bitter in nature and cold in taste. Li Shizhen said in Compendium of Materia Medica that millet "can benefit the Dantian, replenish deficiency and invigorate the stomach when cooked into porridge". Its function is to "strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach and promote sleep".

According to modern medicine, the degree of sleepiness after a meal is often related to the tryptophan content in food protein. Tryptophan can cause brain nerve cells to secrete a serotonin that makes people sleepy - 5-hydroxytryptamine, which can temporarily inhibit brain thinking activities and make people feel sleepy. The more this substance is secreted by brain nerve cells, the more difficult it is for people to sleep. The tryptophan content in millet is the highest among all cereals, with 202 mg of tryptophan per 100 grams of food, which is unmatched by other cereal foods. In addition, millet is rich in easily digestible starch, which can make people feel warm and full after eating, and can promote the secretion of insulin in the human body, further increasing the amount of tryptophan in the brain. 

2. Milk

Milk, also known as cow's milk, is sweet and neutral in nature. Milk is an ideal food for treating insomnia. Milk contains tryptophan, a biochemical substance that makes people feel sleepy, which can help people sleep. In addition, the warmth and satiety produced by the nutrition of milk can increase the hypnotic effect. Skimmed milk has the same effect as non-skimmed milk.

Modern medical research has confirmed that during the day when people exercise their muscles, nerve endings are stimulated to release calcium, and blood carries it to the sleep center. When the sleep center stores a certain amount of calcium, people will feel sleepy. That is to say, there must be enough lactic acid in the blood to drive calcium to the sleep center with the blood. Skim milk contains calcium and lactic acid. Especially for middle-aged and elderly people, it is difficult for the body to obtain these two active ingredients at the same time. Therefore, taking calcium tablets while taking skim milk can enhance its efficacy. Experiments have also proved that the effect of general sleeping pills gradually weakens, while the hypnotic effect of milk gradually strengthens, especially in the second half of the night, which makes people sleep more soundly and sweetly, and is more ideal for treating insomnia in the elderly. 

3. Lily

Lily has the effects of moistening the lungs and relieving cough, clearing the heart and calming the mind. It is often used clinically to treat long-term cough caused by tuberculosis, coughing up blood in sputum, residual heat after fever, restlessness, palpitations, confusion, beriberi and edema. "Rihuazi Bencao" says that it "calms the mind, calms the gallbladder, and improves the will..." According to clinical observations, lily has a good effect on palpitations, insomnia, and dreaminess caused by neurosis and menopausal syndrome. 

4. Lingzhi

Lingzhi is sweet, slightly bitter and slightly warm in nature. It has the effects of invigorating Qi, nourishing the heart and calming the mind, relieving cough and relieving asthma. It is used for insomnia, palpitations, forgetfulness and other symptoms caused by deficiency of Qi or insufficient Qi and blood. Lingzhi is sweet and mild in taste. It can invigorate the Qi of the heart, calm the mind and increase wisdom. Therefore, it can treat the above symptoms and can be widely used for all symptoms of weakness and fatigue. The Compendium of Materia Medica calls it "the cure for weakness and fatigue". The Illustrated Guide of Chinese Medicinal Plants says that Lingzhi "treats chronic diseases such as neurasthenia, insomnia and indigestion". The Food Chinese Medicine and Convenient Prescriptions introduces: People with neurasthenia can take 6 to 10 grams of Lingzhi decoction in water, or make it into Lingzhi syrup and take it every day, 20 ml each time. 

Modern research data confirms that Lingzhi can enhance the function of the central nervous system, improve coronary blood circulation, increase myocardial nutrition and blood flow, reduce myocardial oxygen and sugar consumption, and enhance the myocardium and body's tolerance to hypoxia; Lingzhi can lower blood lipids, regulate blood pressure, protect the liver, and has the effect of removing phlegm and relieving cough. Lingzhi has a good therapeutic value. Because Lingzhi has a good calming effect, it has obvious clinical efficacy for sallow complexion, palpitations, mental fatigue, and haggard appearance caused by long-term insomnia and neurasthenia. 

5. Pig heart

Pig heart is sweet, salty and neutral in nature. It has the effects of calming the nerves, relieving shock, nourishing the heart and replenishing blood. Pig heart has a long history as a nutritious and medicinal dish. There is a saying among the people that "heart nourishes the heart", which is also reasonable. The protein content of pig heart is twice that of pork, and the fat content is only one-tenth of pork. In addition, it also contains more calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins, niacin and other ingredients. It can be used to strengthen myocardial nutrition and enhance myocardial contractility. It can treat palpitations, restlessness, spontaneous sweating, insomnia and other symptoms. 

6. Chinese date seed

Ziziphus jujuba seeds are sweet and neutral in nature. They nourish the liver, calm the mind, soothe the nerves, and arrest sweating. They are used to treat insomnia, palpitations, thirst, and sweating.

Pharmacological studies have confirmed that the decoction of Chinese date seeds given orally or intraperitoneally to rats showed sedation and sleepiness. Regardless of day or night, normal state or coffee-induced excitement, Chinese date seeds have a sedative and hypnotic effect. Clinical applications have shown that both raw and fried Chinese date seeds have a hypnotic effect.

7. Poria

Poria cocos is sweet, light and flat in nature. It has the effects of promoting water expelling, strengthening the spleen and calming the mind. The "Compendium of Materia Medica" says: "Poria cocos and Poria cocos have many functions of promoting water circulation, and they are indispensable for benefiting the heart and spleen." The "Compendium of Materia Medica" also says: "Later generations must use Poria cocos to treat heart diseases. Therefore, Zhang Jiegu said that wind dizziness and heart deficiency can only be cured by Poria cocos, but Poria cocos has also been used to treat heart diseases."

8. Lettuce juice

Lettuce juice has the same nature and flavor as lettuce, bitter, sweet and cool. The "Supplement to Materia Medica" says that it "benefits the five internal organs, dredges the meridians, and opens the chest and diaphragm." According to relevant information, the milky white pulp of lettuce stems, leaves, and skin has a calming and soothing effect, and can help children and middle-aged and elderly people sleep. It is effective if taken before going to bed.

9. Wheat

Wheat nourishes the mind and strengthens the heart qi, and is especially suitable for women suffering from neurasthenia, restlessness, insomnia, or sadness, crying, and yawning (what Chinese medicine calls women's zang-fu disease). An ancient recipe has Ganmai Dazao Soup, which uses 60 grams of wheat, 15 jujubes, 10 grams of licorice, and 3 bowls of water to boil until 1 bowl is left. Take it all at once before going to bed.

10. Glutinous rice

Glutinous rice replenishes Qi and blood, warms the spleen and stomach, and is suitable for all people with physical weakness and neurasthenia. It is best to cook it into porridge, or cook it with red dates into porridge. It can nourish and replenish deficiency, warm the five internal organs, and replenish Qi and calm the mind.

11. Sago

Sago can nourish the spleen and replenish qi, and is suitable for all people with physical weakness, or those suffering from neurasthenia after childbirth. "Ganyuan Xiaoshi" says: "It can strengthen the spleen and stomach, and is best eaten by people who have been ill for a long time and are weak." It is even better if it is cooked into porridge with red dates, lotus seeds or walnuts. 

12. Quail eggs

The nutritional value of quail meat and eggs is higher than that of chicken. Quail meat contains 24.3% protein, 4.6% higher than the same amount of chicken, and quail eggs contain 13.5% protein, 1.7% more than the same amount of eggs. Quail eggs are especially rich in lecithin, which is an indispensable nutrient for higher nervous activities. Therefore, people with neurasthenia should eat quail eggs and meat regularly.

13. Toad oil

Toad oil is also called frog oil. It is rich in protein, fat, multiple vitamins and hormones. It is a good tonic food. It is suitable for people with energy exhaustion, neurasthenia, chronic illness and postpartum weakness. It is often used by the people to treat neurasthenia. For example, "Main Medicinal Materials in Liaoning" states: "It can treat physical weakness and neurasthenia." "Sichuan Chinese Medicine Records" also states: "To treat neurasthenia: steam toad oil and bird's nest."

14. Oyster meat

Oyster meat can treat insomnia, irritability, and restlessness. The Medical Collection states that oyster meat "clears the lungs and nourishes the heart, nourishes yin and blood." Cui Yuxi's Food Classic also states that it "treats insomnia and restlessness." Therefore, it is quite suitable for people with neurasthenia.

15. Eel

Meng Shen, a famous food doctor in the Tang Dynasty, believed that eels were "very beneficial". The "Daily Materia Medica" said that it could "replenish the five internal organs" and that ancient people often used it to treat tuberculosis. It is quite beneficial for people with neurasthenia and can be cooked and eaten frequently to greatly replenish the body.

16. Locusts

Farmers in northern my country often scald it to death and fry it to make a dish that tastes like shrimp. It is rich in protein and has a nourishing and strengthening effect. Professor Ye Juquan once introduced in "Food Chinese Medicine and Convenient Prescriptions": "For neurasthenia, take locust powder, 6 grams each time, 2 to 3 times a day, after meals."

17. Longan meat

Longan meat can replenish blood, soothe the mind, and improve brain power. It is a nourishing and brain-boosting food, especially suitable for people with neurasthenia, forgetfulness, insomnia, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue caused by excessive thinking and mental malnutrition. Longan meat is rich in glucose, sucrose, tartaric acid, vitamin A, vitamin B and other substances, which can nourish nerves and brain tissues, thereby adjusting the function of the cerebral cortex, improving or even eliminating insomnia and forgetfulness symptoms and enhancing memory. The ancient Chinese medicine recipe "Yuling Paste" is made from longan meat and white sugar, and is used for people with brain decline and neurasthenia. Folks often use 4 to 6 longan meats, lotus seeds, and Euryale ferox in equal amounts, add water to stew soup and take it before going to bed. There is also 15 grams of longan meat and 6 grams of sour jujube kernels, soak in 1 cup of boiling water, and drink it as tea before going to bed at night. 

18. Mulberry

Mulberries can both replenish blood and calm the mind. The "Sui Xi Ju Diet" also says that mulberries "nourish the liver and kidneys, replenish blood, improve hearing and eyesight, and calm the soul." It is suitable for people with neurasthenia and insomnia due to insufficient heart blood and lack of nourishment to the mind. Most people with dizziness and insomnia are caused by blood deficiency or excessive nervous tension. You can eat "mulberry honey", "mulberry paste" and "mulberry wine" made from mulberries, or take 30 grams of mulberries before going to bed every night, which is quite beneficial. 

19. Grapes

Grapes not only contain a lot of sugar, but also lecithin, protein, amino acids, pectin, vitamins and minerals, which have a nutritious and strengthening effect. "Shennong's Herbal Classic" says that it "replenishes energy and strengthens the will." Grapes can strengthen the brain, strengthen the heart, stimulate appetite, and increase strength, so they are suitable for people with neurasthenia to eat, and are also good for making wine and drinking. 

20. Walnut

Doctors of all dynasties have regarded walnuts as a food that can improve health and longevity, nourish the kidneys and resist aging. Eating walnuts regularly is also beneficial to the brain nerves. Walnuts are rich in fatty oils, the main components of which are unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E and phospholipids, as well as trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and magnesium. People with neurasthenia should eat 2 to 3 walnuts on an empty stomach in the morning and evening. People also grind walnut kernels, black sesame seeds and white sugar into powder, and take 1 tablespoon each morning and evening, which is quite effective. 

21. Pineapple Seed

The nature of cypress seeds is mild, the taste is sweet, and they can nourish the heart and calm the mind. The Compendium of Materia Medica says: "Cypress seeds nourish the heart, moisten the kidney, improve intelligence and calm the mind." The ancient prescription "Cypress Seed Yangxin Pill" treats "excessive labor and desire, heart blood loss, mental confusion, strange dreams at night, palpitations, forgetfulness and spermatorrhea", which uses cypress seeds as the main ingredient. "Regular consumption can calm the mind and calm the spirit." It is an ideal nourishing and strengthening food, suitable for people with neurasthenia.

22. Jujube

Jujube is often used as a blood tonic in folk medicine. It can replenish qi, nourish the heart, and calm the mind. Ancient doctors often used it to treat neurasthenia. For example, in Qianjin Fang, 20 jujubes and seven stalks of green onion were used to treat "insomnia due to fatigue, restlessness, and depression". This is equivalent to the neurasthenia and insomnia in modern medicine. Bencao Huiyan also pointed out: "It can treat palpitations, forgetfulness, coma, mental restlessness, or disharmony of the middle qi, tasteless food, laziness and heaviness of the body, and thin muscles. These are symptoms of the deficiency of the heart and spleen. Jujube must be used to treat them." These are all manifestations of neurasthenia. It is advisable to eat jujube to nourish the heart and spleen and calm the mind. Regular consumption of jujube is very beneficial for people with physical weakness and neurasthenia. 

23. Lotus seeds

Lotus seeds have the effect of nourishing the heart, calming the mind and soothing the nerves. The "Shennong Bencao Jing" says that it "mainly nourishes the middle, nourishes the spirit, and improves energy and strength." Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty said that it can "connect the heart and kidneys, and improve the essence and blood." It is suitable for people with neurasthenia to cook porridge with Euryale ferox and glutinous rice. Cao Tingdong, a health expert in the Qing Dynasty, also said in "Laolao Hengyan": "Lotus seed porridge nourishes the middle and strengthens the will, and nourishes the spirit and benefits the spleen." People usually use 30 lotus seeds, add a little salt, boil them in water, and take them before going to bed every night. 

24. Sesame

Sesame is an anti-aging food, and it is also suitable for people with neurasthenia. The "Shennong's Herbal Classic" states: "It nourishes the five internal organs, strengthens the qi and strength, and fills the brain marrow." The "Dietary Materia Medica" also says that it can "moisten the five internal organs and fill the bone marrow." According to modern research, sesame is indeed rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, lecithin and other nutrients that nourish the body, strengthen the brain and prevent aging. 

25. Tremella

Tremella has the effects of nourishing the kidney, moistening the lungs, promoting the production of body fluids, refreshing the mind, invigorating qi, strengthening the brain, and rejuvenating the skin. It can also nourish the brain, strengthen the heart, and eliminate fatigue. According to analysis, Tremella contains rich colloid, multiple vitamins, 17 kinds of amino acids, Tremella polysaccharides, proteins and other nutrients, all of which are beneficial to people with neurasthenia.

26. Royal jelly

Professor Ye Juquan of China Pharmaceutical University once said: "Neurasthenia is effectively treated by taking royal jelly." This is not only because royal jelly is extremely nutritious. According to modern research, taking royal jelly can significantly improve brain function, regenerate cells, increase tissue respiration, and promote metabolism. It has an improving effect on various symptoms caused by neurasthenia.

27. Wolfberry

Wolfberry is a food and medicine. The Materia Medica states: "It can replenish the marrow and soothe the mind." The famous recipe "Qiyuan Gao" in the Secret Anatomy of Health Preservation is mainly used to treat neurasthenia. It is believed to have the effects of "soothing the mind and nourishing the blood, nourishing yin and strengthening yang, improving intelligence, strengthening tendons and bones, moisturizing the skin, and maintaining complexion." It is made by boiling wolfberry with an equal amount of longan meat. In folk medicine, people with neurasthenia usually use 30 grams of wolfberry, 1 pair of sheep brain, and stew with an appropriate amount of water. It is also useful to cook 20 grams of wolfberry, 6 red dates, and 2 eggs together, eat the eggs and drink the soup once a day. It is very suitable for people with neurasthenia, dizziness, trance, palpitations, forgetfulness, and insomnia. 

28. Ginseng

Ginseng has the effect of replenishing vital energy, calming the mind and soothing the nerves. It has long been recorded in the "Shennong's Herbal Classic": "Ginseng mainly replenishes the five internal organs, calms the spirit, stops palpitations, and makes people happy and intelligent." According to modern research, ginseng has a certain specific effect on the central nervous system, especially its higher nervous system, which can improve the flexibility of the nerve activity process, strengthen the excitation process of the cerebral cortex, and also strengthen the inhibition process, which can improve the general mental and physical functions of people. In the treatment of neurasthenia, the "Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine" and the "Acta Pharmaceutics" have introduced that ginseng has a significant excitatory effect on the nervous system, can improve the body's activity ability, reduce fatigue, and has a certain therapeutic effect on different types of neurasthenia patients, making patients gain weight and eliminating or reducing symptoms such as general weakness, headache, and insomnia.

29 Cordyceps sinensis

Cordyceps sinensis has the effect of replenishing deficiency and benefiting essence and qi, and is especially suitable for people with neurasthenia. In ancient times, Cordyceps sinensis was often used with male duck, ginger, onion and other ingredients, and stewed for consumption. If you can use 10-15 grams of Cordyceps sinensis and 1 fresh placenta, stew them in water and add ingredients for consumption, this is quite beneficial for people with neurasthenia.

30. Polygonum multiflorum

Polygonum multiflorum has outstanding nerve strengthening and blood-tonifying functions. Chinese medicine says it can nourish the liver and kidneys and improve blood. This is because Polygonum multiflorum contains more lecithin, which can promote the regeneration of blood and has a cardiotonic effect, and is more effective in improving heart fatigue.

31. Yellow croaker

People who suffer from insomnia should cook and eat it often. Cui Yuxi's "Food Classic" records: "Stonehead fish has the effect of diarrhea, improving eyesight, and calming the mind." Stonehead fish is yellow croaker, so it is suitable for people with insomnia.