Melatonin
We all know that melatonin helps with sleep. Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, helping regulate our rhythms of waking and sleeping. It is stimulated by exposure to darkness + produced from the amino acid tryptophan which is converted to 5HTP then serotonin before finally, melatonin.
For insomnia, taking melatonin supplements effectively induces + maintains sleep (including easing jet lag) but only if melatonin levels are low to start. Insomnia from drug withdrawals (especially benzodiazepine) benefits from melatonin.
Melatonin is a potent antioxidant protecting DNA + strengthening the immune system.
Some cancer specialists recommend it for lung, prostate, + skin cancers with chemo/radiation. This is particularly effective for oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer patients, who usually are found to have low melatonin levels.
Melatonin helps with migraines, (reducing frequency and strength),
epilepsy,
cataracts,
Parkinson’s,
depression,
seasonal affective disorder,
bipolar disorders,
reducing stress and
also promotes longevity and youth (anti ageing effects).
This is not just due to increased levels of melatonin, but also as melatonin directly decreases cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
In Chinese medicine melatonin comes from kidney yin. Infections, overwork, alcohol, tobacco, drugs (including NSAIDs eg ibuprofen), computer monitors, excessive salts/spices in food, caffeine and ageing all reduce melatonin levels.
As usual, before jumping to supplements, eat foods that maximise tryptophan or melatonin directly: bananas, oats, rice, sweet corn, daikon radish (mooli), tomatoes, pumpkin seeds, almonds, dairy and soy products.
If you opt for supplements a doctors prescription is required in the UK, however, Asphalia, a natural melatonin supplement made from dried milled leaves is available, though not recomended for pregnant women, asthmatics, or young children.
