Many commercially produced teas contain caffeine and that makes them poor choices for pre bedtime beverages, especially if falling asleep fast is on your agenda. However, there is a wide variety of herbal tea recipes available in grocery stores, health food stores and prepared at home that can help you drift off into dreamland safely and soundly. When people have a difficult time falling asleep, they often turn to medications or over the counter remedies to make falling asleep easier. Sometimes, these types of products can make waking up challenging or leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Herbal remedies are often devoid of these unwanted side effects, and the simple act of drinking a warm cup of tea can make getting ready for bed a soothing and relaxing experience. There are many different options in a tea for insomnia or one that can make falling asleep easier, and we have compiled a list of the best ten that are worth giving a shot!
1. Valerian Root
Many people turn to valerian supplements in order to help them fall asleep. But, the delicate, white-flowered plant also can be brewed into a tea for insomnia. Most people find that waking up after using valerian root tea is a pleasant experience and no grogginess can be expected. The body can get used to using valerian, so for chronic insomnia sufferers, it is probably a poor choice. Valerian is best for occasional use to quiet a racing mind and help you fall asleep comfortably.
2. Hops
Aside from their prolific use in the manufacture of beer, hops are also very popular in the herbal community. It is believed to be a mild sedative which can help you fall asleep gently. Hops can be found in many herbal tea recipes and blended products which can both enhance its sedative quality and the flavor of the beverage.
3. Magnolia Bark
This powerful herbal product should only be used right before bed, because its effects are rather pronounced. Well known for bringing about drowsiness in a hurry, it is best taken right before sleep and not when you are planning on being active or driving. Magnolia bark is also used to lower blood pressure, and that can be a pleasant additional effect, in conjunction with its use as a tea for insomnia.
4. Ashwagandha
This particular herb, which is commonly used in India, is not specifically known as a sedative. But, the way that it relates to insomnia has to do with its purported ability to relieve stress and cortisol levels. Both stress and elevated cortisol levels can be associated with an inability to sleep, which is why Ashwagandha may prove effective in these cases.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile has been a hallmark of sleepy time tea since herbal teas made their way into the mainstream marketplace. It provides a gentle calm that makes falling asleep easier, and it can help to soothe a racing mind and quiet it into peaceful slumber. Chamomile is considered one of the most popular choices in a tea for insomnia, and the herb is so well known for its calming effects that it is regularly found in herbal tea recipes alongside other natural relaxers.
6. Catnip
For many people, catnip is exclusively for cats, however feline fondness of the herb does not mean that it doesn’t have medicinal uses that humans can benefit from as well. Catnip can help reduce anxiety and bring about restful sleep. A particularly effective blend for sleep troubles is catnip, chamomile and kava kava, a combination that can combat restlessness and anxiousness.
7. Kava Root
Kava Kava is indigenous to the South Pacific and is best known as a muscle relaxer. Locals to the area have enjoyed kava root brew for its relaxing effects for many, many years. This herb is popular as a standalone tea for insomnia because it purportedly relaxes the entire body, soothing tense and tired muscles and the mind as well.
8. California Poppy
When most people think of the poppy plant they either envision the entrance to the Emerald City or the opium industry. However, the poppy plant has a wide variety of uses and there are many, many species. The California poppy is a mild sedative and is safe enough even for children to use. This is a common component of bedtime and sleepy time teas and works well alongside other sedative herbs as well for a more potent potable.
9. Passion Flower
Although its name would suggest a link to the bedroom for reasons other than sleeping, the passion flower acts more as a relaxant than an aphrodisiac. Passion flower is an excellent base in a tea for insomnia well suited for people who tend to wake up repeatedly throughout the night. Passion flower is similar to the California poppy in that it is a milder and safer choice than some, more potent herbs. But, for those with severe insomnia, it may work more effectively when blended in herbal tea recipes with other relaxing herbs.
10. Skullcap
Boasting a rather ominous sounding name, the skullcap plant actually consists of a wide variety of plants that are widely used for many medicinal purposes. One of those, and perhaps one of the most popular uses, is insomnia. The herb has also been linked to inflammation reduction due to chemicals in the plant that can bring about drowsiness.
Insomnia can affect every part of your day, as a restful night’s sleep can impact every hour that follows. For those who prefer not to use medications in order to help them fall asleep, a hot cup of tea for insomnia can fit the bill nicely. All herbal remedies should be discussed with a health care provider to ensure not only that they will not negatively impact any health conditions you have or medications that you are taking, but also that you do not have any serious health conditions causing your insomnia in the first place.
