Hops have been used as a cure for insomnia since the Middle ages. Chamomile was known as a relaxant and was common cure for sleepless, as were lavender and lemon balm. Hawthorn was also thought conducive to sleep, and rosemary was an old folk cure for insomnia.
Poppy and valerian were also used to induced sleep, as were skullcap and woodruff. Dandelion, dill and peppermint were also used.
Eating onions at bedtime was also a recommended cure. Either stewed Spanish onions or ordinary raw onions would do, and two or three of them were to be taken. Onion soup or onion jelly was a suggested alternative. Onion jelly was made by shredding onions and cooking them in a little stock until the onions were tender. Boiling water and a squeeze of lemon were added and the mixture cooked together.
Mattresses were sometimes stuffed with oat husk as a cure for insomnia.
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