What is written below is my experience. This is not medical or lifestyle advice for you.

It’s been eight times over the last one year that I have used 3mg of melatonin and valerian root to induce deeper sleep. I have no problem with sleep. In fact, I consider myself blessed to be able to sleep deep on most nights and wake up rested except when jet lagged.

My constant and deep study into melatonin has revealed so much that science has documented positively yet we fail to use it. From melatonin being documented as an anti-cancer vaccine, to its ability to train the immune system, balance hormones, create deep rest, work with organs in the human body, we have been using melatonin to help wean people of their pharma sleep medications (if we can, and if the doctor permits). Melatonin in its scientific studies has been documented to be non-habit forming and can be used for weeks at a time daily but under supervision. We have successfully weaned off patients from their medicines using melatonin as a temporary crutch, lifestyle and food, along with pranayama and yoga.

Whenever I feel the onset of a cold, flu, fever or I feel like I’m getting sick besides making the required lifestyle changes, I usually take a melatonin that night because it is my belief that a deeper sleep will train my immune function and do the magic it has been documented to do, and all times it has worked. I haven woken up feeling completely okay the next morning. Is it magic? No. Is it a replacement for your doctor’s visits or prescriptions? No. I’m just telling you what has worked for me and hundreds more of my clients who try this.

We are of the belief that deep sleep heals, and medical science also shows that along with how the immune system gets smarter and stronger with deep sleep. S, how some may pop vitamin C, Zinc, etc. when feeling low, I take melatonin to harness the intelligence of my own body’s healing ability.

When I had a serious stomach bug, of course melatonin didn’t help and I graciously took with faith the antibiotic that my doctor suggested I take before the bacteria within me created more damage. I took the antibiotic with my probiotics and B-complex and healed. The point is to make an informed decision. This works for me and many others, but may not work for everyone.

Everyone is different, and has a unique body make up. It’s magic, but the power in its mechanism is simple and scientifically connected to work that way, and I hope that it may work for you too should you ever try it with your doctor in the loop.  In fact, many oncologists and doctors today prescribe melatonin to their patients so they sleep better as healing occurs in deep sleep, and melatonin has therapeutic benefits. The first choice would be you naturally producing sufficient amounts of it, the second is using it as a supplement when needed and prescribed .

Never abuse or misuse what you need or is good for you. It can otherwise become your enemy.

• Luke Coutinho

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