Which traditional Chinese medicines are better for treating excessive dreaming?

Mar 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Chinese herbs for treating frequent dreaming include Zizyphi Spinosi Semen (Suanzaoren), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), and Albizziae Cortex (Hehuanpi). These herbs have functions such as nourishing the heart to calm the mind and nourishing yin to moisten the lungs, and they are suitable for different populations. The specific effects may vary from person to person. Therefore, it is recommended to choose appropriate herbs based on individual conditions and causes of frequent dreaming to ensure the medication achieves the desired therapeutic effect.

Generally, some traditional Chinese herbs that are effective in treating excessive dreaming include Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), and Albizziae Cortex (Hehuanpi). However, the effectiveness varies among individuals. If symptoms persist, medical advice should be sought. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren)

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen has an acidic taste and warm property. It nourishes the heart and liver and calms the mind, making it useful for treating insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by emotional irritability or anxiety. It can be consumed as a water infusion or used as a tea.

2. Lilii Bulbus (Baihe)

Lilii Bulbus has a sweet taste and warm property. It moistens the lungs, nourishes yin, calms the mind, and relieves restlessness. It is suitable for individuals with yin deficiency and internal heat, and can also alleviate insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by physical weakness, irritability, or anxiety. Baihe can be consumed as a tea or decocted for oral administration.

3. Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi)

Polygalae Radix has a bitter taste and warm property. It calms the mind, enhances intelligence, removes phlegm, and opens the orifices. For insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by disharmony between the heart and kidneys, Yuanzhi can be used as a water infusion to help regulate sleep and relieve symptoms such as forgetfulness and palpitations.

4. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen)

Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma has a slightly bitter taste and warm-hot property. It promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, relieves pain, and clears the heart to reduce irritability. Danshen is commonly used to treat insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by emotional distress and is suitable for individuals with emotional discomfort. It can be taken as a powder or decocted for oral administration.

5. Albizziae Cortex (Hehuanpi)

Albizziae Cortex has a sweet taste and warm property. It relieves depression and calms the mind, helping to improve insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by emotional distress. Hehuanpi can be dried and consumed as tea or decocted for oral administration.

It should be noted that treatment of excessive dreaming with traditional Chinese medicine should be based on individual conditions and taken under the guidance of a physician to avoid self-medication. Regular monitoring is also necessary during treatment, and medication should be discontinued promptly if adverse effects occur.

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