Not being able to fall asleep is a phenomenon that probably affects millions of people worldwide, more and more people are becoming sleep-deprived, and the reasons are far-reaching and extremely complex.
Here, I would like to share with you 6 great teas that are sure to help you fall asleep and be fast counting sheep.
Most of us can relate to collapsing into bed, exhausted feeling like we’ve “been rode hard and put away wet” (like a spent horse in the wild, wild west), and still not be able to fall asleep and drift away into the dream time.
Sleep disorders, insomnia, and especially problems falling asleep are widespread and in the long run, this is anything but healthy and can lead to numerous side effects and is sure to even shorten your life span in the long run.
But what is the best thing to be able to get a restful night’s sleep? Among other things, teas are one effective way of helping you fall asleep, plus they’re a completely natural way to unwind after a stressful day.
It just might turn into your nightly ritual or even a full-blown Japanese-like tea ceremony.
1. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is has long been known to help people fall asleep. The science behind the calming effect of chamomile is pigenin, which is a flavonoid that belongs to the family of secondary plant substances, is responsible for this. The scientists found a correlation between drinking chamomile tea and a decreased increase in a certain stress hormone.
You certainly can’t go wrong with a cup of chamomile tea before retiring to bed. See if chamomile is suitable as a good sleeping tea for you.
2. Hop tea
Not only are they good in beer, but in the form of tea they are said to have a calming effect on our bodies.
Researchers have studied the influence of hops (in combination with valerian) on sleep disorders in various studies.
This means that because of its calming effect, hops can do a good job as a tea for falling asleep.
Try pouring hot water over fresh hop cones and letting it steep for about 5-minutes.
3. Lemon balm
Lemon balm can have a nurturing effect, especially in the summer months. The green leaves can be helpful when falling asleep. Similar to hops, lemon balm has a calming effect and is said to relieve mild sleep disorders.
The tea can either be made from fresh lemon balm or used in dried the form and purchased from the health food store. You can also grow lemon balm in your herb garden.
Lemon balm tea also tastes great too.
4. Lavender
Not only does lavender smell good, but even the scent and aroma of the plant can enhance our well-being. The purple-colored herbal plant is full of wonderful ingredients that are said to have a beneficial effect on the quality of sleep.
Lavender is also considered a powerful medicinal plants and is a perfect addition to everyones natural medicine cabinet.
Lavender is also used for skin problems, hair loss, burns and even headaches, this effect is primarily attributed to the essential oils contained in lavender.
For use in lavender tea, you can use either the cut fresh flowers from your garden or the dried flowers from the store.
Let the leave steep in hot water.
5. Valerian root
Valerian root is also one of the best teas to help you falll asleep. The deep pink flowers initially dominate with a very pungent smell – but, the healing effect orgininates from the root.
Valerian root is known to powerful effect on our sleep and also ensures deep relaxation. Be sure to start with a small amount first, until you get used to this herbal.
The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is said to be responsible for positive properties.
This neurotransmitter transmits important stimuli between the nerve cells and therefore plays an important role in the central nervous system.
Due to the effects of valerian root, the plant is also used as a drug and is prescribed by a doctor in tablet form for restlessness and sleep disorders.
Dried valerian is used for tea and is also available in health food stores.
If you have trouble sleeping, a tea made from valerian root is worth looking into.
6. Passionflower
Most people are to familiar with passionflower, but, anyone who suffers from insomnia should keep this plant around.
Native to South America, this climbing plant is used as a natural medicine for anxiety, restlessness, cramps and especially sleep disorders.
Exactly which substances are responsible for this is still not yet fully known. The essential oils are known for their many positive health effects.
Flavonoids which are secondary plant substances could be the reason for the calming effect.
If you are searching for a natural remedy then the amazing passionflower could be a great option. You can get the tea either in health food stores or via the internet.
Key Takeaway
These teas all have a reputation for helping people fall asleep and are available in mixs of two or more teas, and are promising natural sleep aids.
A couple other teas that you may consider looking into to help with sleep are juniper berries and lady’s mantle.
But you need to decide which tea or combination of teas works best for you.
Every body reacts differently, the important thing is to always experiment with different teas, foods, herbs, healing modalities like Yoga Nidra, and the plethora of wholistic lifestyle changes that can all contribute to better sleep and a better quality of life.
However, if you suffer from extreme sleep problems, a doctor’s visit is the besst recommended. First, however, teas for falling asleep are preferable to medications such as sleeping pills.
