Herbs For Sleep: Find The Perfect Option For You

Sleep can be hard to come by and when you don\t get enough of it you can sturggle with everryday function. Many peopel turn to sleep aids that can get chostly and come with some pretty big risks. The good news is there are herbs for sleep that can help.

Opt to make a tea with these herbs of diffuse them in your bedroom for about half an hour before you go to sleep. This is a great time to read a book.

Why herbs are a great option for helping you sleep better

They are natural: Herbs are derived from plants and are often minimally processed, which means they are a natural and safe way to promote sleep without the potential side effects of synthetic medications.

They have calming properties: Many herbs, such as valerian root, chamomile, and lavender, have natural calming properties that can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, which are common barriers to falling asleep.

They can improve sleep quality: Some herbs, such as passionflower and lemon balm, have compounds that can help improve sleep quality by increasing the amount of deep sleep and reducing the amount of time spent awake during the night.

They are versatile: Herbs can be consumed in various forms, such as teas, capsules, tinctures, or as part of a massage oil, making them a versatile option for promoting sleep and relaxation.

They may have additional health benefits: Many herbs have additional health benefits beyond promoting sleep, such as reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, or improving digestion.

The best herbs for sleep

Valerian

Valerian is an herb that has been used for centuries to help with sleep and anxiety. It is derived from the root of the Valeriana officinalis plant and is commonly used as a natural sleep aid.

Valerian root works by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which has a calming effect and can help promote relaxation and sleep. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, essential oils, and tinctures.

To use Valerian root as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to take it about an hour before bed. Adding to a sleepy time tea mix or diffusing valerian essential oil are some of the easiest ways to help you calm your mind and fall asleep.

It’s important to note that Valerian root can cause side effects in some individuals, including headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It may also interact with certain medications.

Chamomile

Chamomile is an herb that has been used for centuries for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. It is derived from the flowers of the Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile plants, and is commonly consumed as a tea.

Chamomile works by binding to certain receptors in the brain that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It also contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the body and promote better sleep.

To use chamomile as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to drink chamomile tea about an hour before bed. The dosage can vary depending on the strength of the tea and individual factors such as age, weight, and health status. It’s best to follow the instructions on the tea packaging or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

I love to use chamomile tea to relax and unwind or to toss some dried chamomile into my bath to help me relax with some epsom salt. Try these bath bombs with chamomile.

Lavender

Lavender is a fragrant herb that is commonly used for its calming and relaxing properties. It is derived from the Lavandula angustifolia plant and is available in various forms, including essential oil, dried flowers, and teas.

Lavender works by interacting with the GABA receptors in the brain, which can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body and promote better sleep.

To use lavender as a sleep aid, it can be added to a warm bath or diffused into the air using an essential oil diffuser. Some people also drink lavender tea before bed. The dosage and form of lavender used can vary depending on individual factors, such as age, weight, and health status. It’s best to follow the instructions on the product packaging or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

Growing lavender in your bedroom or by your bedroom window if you sleep iwth it open can help you sleep better and fall asleep soonwer while reducing stress. You can use the esseitnal oil to make this simple bedtime lotion to enjoy the benefits of lavender.

Passionflower

Passionflower is an herb that is often used for its calming and sedative properties. It is derived from the Passiflora incarnata plant and is available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.

Passionflower works by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It may also have other compounds that have sedative effects and can help improve sleep quality.

To use passionflower as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to drink passionflower tea or take a passionflower supplement about an hour before bed. The dosage can vary depending on the form and concentration of the product, as well as individual factors such as age, weight, and health status. It’s best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

Try some passionflower tea before bed to help you relax and fight insomnia.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is an herb that is often used for its calming and sleep-promoting properties. It is derived from the Melissa officinalis plant and is available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.

Lemon balm works by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It may also have other compounds that can help improve sleep quality and duration.

To use lemon balm as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to drink lemon balm tea or take a lemon balm supplement about an hour before bed. The dosage can vary depending on the form and concentration of the product, as well as individual factors such as age, weight, and health status. It’s best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

Lemon balm is extremely easy to grow in your garden.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic properties, which can help the body cope with stress and promote relaxation. It is derived from the Withania somnifera plant and is available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and teas.

Ashwagandha works by reducing the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body, which can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It may also have other compounds that can help improve sleep quality and duration.

To use ashwagandha as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to take an ashwagandha supplement or drink ashwagandha tea about an hour before bed. The dosage can vary depending on the form and concentration of the product, as well as individual factors such as age, weight, and health status. It’s best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage.

Skullcap

Skullcap is an herb that is often used for its calming and sedative properties. It is derived from the Scutellaria lateriflora plant and is available in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and capsules.

Skullcap works by increasing the levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the brain, which can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It may also have other compounds that have sedative effects and can help improve sleep quality.

To use skullcap as a sleep aid, it is typically recommended to drink skullcap tea or take a skullcap supplement about an hour before bed. The dosage can vary depending on the form and concentration of the product, as well as individual factors such as age, weight, and health status. It’s best to follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on the appropriate dosage.