I am an Herbalist and just wanted to add a little factual information here...
1.) Melatonin is not an herb, it's a naturally occurring chemical found in the brains of all mamals. Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland and acts as an endocrine hormone, so it would be more accurate to call it a hormone than an herb.
2.) Melatonin is a powerful anti-oxidant that is a direct scavenger of OH, O2, NO, and many other harmful free radicals. It's good for smokers because it has been demonstrated to prevent the damage to DNA by carcinogens, stopping the mechanism by which they cause cancer.
3.) Studies have shown Melatonin helps build a healthy immune system and might be useful fighting infectious disease, however, the increased immune system activity may aggravate autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. The same can be said of Echinachea taken in pill form or as tea.
4.) Many Melatonin users have reported an increase in the vividness or frequency of dreams. This is normal and usually decreases once a person has been using Melatonin nightly for a few weeks.
5.) Melatonin studies show an increase in learning and memory with regular use as melatonin can alter electrophysiological processes associated with memory. So taken in regular doses (1.5 to 3 mg.) it can increase memory, which is something most smokers would benefit from.
6.) Because of concerns of transmission of viruses through melatonin derived from animal sources melatonin derived from cow or sheep pineal glands should not be administered. It's safer, and usually cheaper, to use synthysized Melatonin supplements.
7.) Melatonin DOES NOT raise blood pressure. If anything, it lowers it, so anyone with low blood pressure or a weak heart beat should consult their Doctor before using Melatonin.
8.) MOST IMPORTANTLY, ingesting high doses of melatonin may cause some unwanted side effects; at more than 3 mg/day: hormone fluctuations, irritability, increased sleep disturbances including vivid nightmares, and sleep walking.
As with anything you decide to put in your body, do your research BEFORE using it so that you know you are using the proper dosage.
Hope this helps.
