Why use herbs for sleep?
For as long as there’s been people on earth, there’s existed sleepless nights. These days more than ever it’s easy to find yourself in a stress loop. Too tense to just simply “let go” and relax when the day is done. Whatever it is keeping you awake, you can be reassured that you’re NOT alone! Even in ancient times people were seeking remedies for sleeplessness! It’s actually because of this, that we have so many herbs that have been “time tested” that we’re still using today!
These “herbal remedies” can pack a potent punch but are much gentler on our systems. We often times forget that our bodies respond best to natural ingredients rather that those produced in a lab with synthetic compounds. Natural herbs are much more biocompatible with our systems and again, have been used for hundreds if not thousands of years by people seeking the same good night’s rest that we are today! Of course, when it comes to sleep there are many other factors to look at, like circadian rhythm, exercise, hormones, diet, and even environmental stressors, but if you’ve worked on all of those and still struggle, then below are some great choices to try!
(I have a link to my FAVORITE online herb shop at the bottom of this post, so if you’re looking for a place to get single ingredient teas, I would definitely check them out!)
Herbs to help you “unwind”!
#1 passionflower
This is ABSOLUTELY one of my favorite herbs for relaxing! Passionflower works by boosting GABA levels in the brain (helping to lower brain activity), and it has compounds that can cause hormones like serotonin, dopamine, and melatonin to remain active in your system longer! If you’re someone like me that has trouble quieting your mind after a long day, then this herb might just be your best ally!
#2 lavender
Like passionflower, linalool and linalyl acetate in lavender also influences GABA production in the brain, helping to slow brain activity (this is why I always pair it with my passionflower in teas), but it also has one other benefit! Lavender has been used for centuries as aromatherapy to help calm the nervous system and move us into a “rest and digest” state! I like to use lavender flowers as a homemade potpourri I put next to my bed!
#3 lemon balm
This is a less known herb for relaxation, but one that I love growing in my herb garden! Like the other herbs above, lemon balm contains compounds that effect GABA levels in the brain (like rosmarinic-acid), helping to quiet the mind and increase relaxation! Also like its cousin peppermint, it can help ease indigestion and gas, which for some can be a big help at bedtime!
#4 chamomile
One of the most popular amongst nighttime herbs, chamomile uses apigenin (which also interacts with GABA) to bind to brain receptors and help reduce anxiety! it’s known to have a “mild” sedative effect and can also calm indigestion! Some people may have allergies to flowers in the daisy family, so may not be for everyone.
#5 valerian root
Last, but certainly not least, is valerian root! known for having a bit of a stinky foot smell, this herb is a heavy hitter and one of my FAVORITE herbs for anxiety and sleeplessness! It’s known for being a mild sedative (that can also mimic anti-anxiety medication), and not only increases GABA in the brain, but also slows its break down (meaning you stay calmer longer)! For me this one is a “must have” herb for those who are high strung!
Tea recipe below ⬇️
(Like with all other medications, herbs can have side effects when mixed with prescribed medication so talk to your doctor first if you think this could be an issue)
Relax and soothe bedtime tea
Here’s where I get almost all of my herbs!
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