One of the chemical choices of sleep aid is called diphendramine. While sounding complicated, it is actually found in most medicine cabinets under the name of benadryl. Diphendramine is an antihistamine and makes a person drowsy at the same time that it fights poisons. This is because it’s a chemical that binds receptors in the brain, but it cannot tell the difference  between histamine receptors and acetylcholine receptors. By blocking the histamine receptors, the histamine can no longer attach itself to the brain and thus symptom relief. When the acetylcholine is not allowed to attach in the brain, it builds up in the blood stream and creates a drowsy feeling in the body. Newer versions of benadryl or “none drowsy” types are more specified as to which receptors it blocks.

A more popular–and more natural–way of falling asleep is taking melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced in the pineal gland, which can be found in the brain, depending on the conditions the body is under, including light, sound, and temperature. It does not directly make the body drowsy, nor is it a conventional sleep aid. It works better for resetting or changing biological clocks. This is a perfect option for people attempting to change or create sleeping habits.
Another minor sedative is sometimes used for sleep aid as well–chamomile. It’s a well known herb that can be used to brew teas, but sometimes is found in pill form. It’s been drank for centuries, reaching back to the 1600′s when they started drinking chamomile tea to soothe the stomach and lull the body into a relaxing sleep. It works by slowing the nervous system, making sleep easier.

Always remember to consult with doctors about prolonged use of any drug. Sleep does not have to be a difficult thing to obtain, nor does assistance have to be expensive or risky in terms of health. Many natural herb supplements can help ease the body into an eight hour long rest if taken in appropriate doses.

Increasing Energy

The goji berry is an “adaptogen”, meaning it’s a substance that entails a combination of therapeutic actions. Any adaptogen invigorates and strengthens the system while it helps the body to deal with stress without breaking down. Moreover, it supports the healthy function of the adrenal glands, which tend to get burnt out in times of stress. That’s why in Asia it’s believed to harmonize functions of the entire body, resulting to enhanced stamina, strength, and energy.

Improving Vision

The fruit contains two key nutrients necessary for good vision: zeaxanthin and lutein. These compounds are concentrated at the center of retina and protect the eyes from the age-related loss of sight like macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy. These compounds also protect the eye from free radicals that attack it and cause damage.  Such research in China showed animals that had eaten goji berries had reduced free radical damage of retina.

Enhancing Libido and Sexual Function

One effect of aging is reduced sexual function. It can be associated with a decrease in the production of testosterone in both men and women. This decrease in production is counteracted by goji berries by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce hGH (Human Growth Hormone). In Asia, it’s really regarded as a strong sexual tonic; although in general, it acts to improve overall stamina, mood and well being. It also decreases stress. All these benefits are definitely conducive to a healthy sex life.

Controlling Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

Two key factors of heart disease are oxidized cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Cholesterol becomes dangerous when it oxidizes as a result of free radicals and the oxidized blood fats attach to artery walls as plaques. On the other hand, our body has a defense system that uses an enzyme called superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD produces antioxidants to prevent cholesterol from oxidizing, but SOD levels also decline through age. A Chinese research showed that goji berries can actually increase the production of SOD in our body, thus reducing oxidation of cholesterol. Moreover, goji berries naturally contain other antioxidants that help in decreasing cholesterol oxidation and control our blood pressure.

Improving Sleep

Goji berries are a rich source of nutrients that are important for a sound and healthy sleep. First is Thiamin or Vitamin B1. It’s found in the hulls of grains, but is missing from diets that mostly contain refined grains. It also improves mood, alleviate depression and increase energy levels. These factors actually aid us in having a good night sleep. Next is magnesium, which is a mineral that reduces the time it takes to make us fall asleep and improves the quality of our sleep.

This article is based on TLC Cooking: How Goji Berries Work