The 5 Best Herbal Teas For Sleeping
Sleep can be difficult at times. In some cases, we can consume a few herbal infusions to relax us and thus, little by little, encourage us to rest.
Both people who have had trouble sleeping and those who haven’t heard – or don’t know – how beneficial some teas for sleep can be.
These drinks are made from herbs, including their leaves, flowers and even, in some cases, their roots. Want to know what they are and why you should try them when you’re having trouble sleeping? In that case, read on.
Stress Can Affect Bedtime Ritual
The fast pace of modern life often leaves significant traces on the body. One of them is the inability to sleep well through the night. For example, not turning off your cell phone before falling asleep, checking social media or staying connected 24 hours a day promotes excessive brain activity.
In turn, all of these activities promote high levels of anxiety and stress, which can lead to serious health problems when not well managed.
Fortunately, there are some natural herbal teas that can help regulate the nervous states produced by anxiety, so that they also help the person fall asleep. Let’s take a look at a few of them below.
How to consume these infusions to sleep?
When the goal is to help the body sleep, the best option is to consume them shortly before going to bed.
In supermarkets, you can find several varieties of plants ready to be used as an infusion. However, it is recommended that you consume them in their natural form.
The preparation of infusions for sleeping is very simple:
- First, boil a cup of water (250 ml).
- Then add the plants of your choice, they can be dry or fresh.
- Then let it steep for 10 minutes.
- Then lower the heat and let stand for a few minutes.
- You can sweeten it with a little honey.
- Finally, drink in small sips.
What are the best herbs for making herbal teas for sleeping?
Although it is common to drink infusions of a single medicinal plant, you can mix several of them to maximize their relaxing properties.
1. Chamomile and lime
If the insomnia you suffer from is due to poor digestion, then mixing these herbs will provide you with a solution to this problem. Linden is known for its natural sedative properties, highly recommended for relaxing and also relieving tension.
Chamomile, on the other hand, soothes stomach problems and aids digestion. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and sedative properties.
2. Lemon balm infusion
Lemon balm is known for its characteristic citric aroma. We can prepare infusions from its flowers and leaves to promote deep sleep.
It is also used in aromatherapy for its soothing properties and also works as an antispasmodic.
3. Mint infusion
Another of the best herbal teas for sleeping is mint, which has a mild taste and can also help relax the body and promote sleep. This is because the plant has sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Mixture of passionflower and valerian
There are cases of intermittent sleep caused by nightmares and worries that wake you up during the night and prevent you from resting.
In these cases, consuming an infusion of passionflower and valerian will help you say goodbye to this problem. Passionflower contains natural anxiolytics and acts as a tranquilizer. Valerian on the other hand is known for its sedative properties. Although its taste is not very pleasant, it promotes sleep and therefore eliminates nervousness.
In fact, there is a lot of research supporting the use of valerian as an ally for better sleep and the control of conditions such as insomnia.
Specifically, this plant contains valerenic acid, isovaleric acid and various antioxidants that control anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.
5. Infusion recommended for the elderly
For the elderly who cannot find deep and prolonged sleep, the following infusion is recommended.
In these cases, when the elderly person is unable to maintain sleep, the following infusion is usually recommended.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of water (500 ml)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon balm leaves (10 g)
- 2 tablespoons of valerian root (20 g)
- 1 teaspoon of mint leaves (5 g)
- 1 teaspoon of honey (7.5 g)
Preparation
- Bring the water to a boil then add the ingredients and let stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Then filter the infusion.
- Add the honey then divide the infusion to consume it after dinner and until you are ready to sleep.
- It is recommended to consume it after dinner and until bedtime.
As you can see, treating insomnia with specific infusions can be effective and practical.
Before taking sleeping pills, keep this in mind
Before drinking frequent sleep infusions, you should consult your doctor. This way you will avoid unwanted reactions and interactions. Especially if you are taking any medication.
Keep in mind that sleep infusions are NOT a substitute for treatments your doctor may prescribe for insomnia or related problems. Therefore, the most advisable would be to consume them in moderation, as an adjuvant treatment, as long as the health professional allows it.
It is important that you pay attention to how your body responds to sleeping tea and whether or not you continue to use it depending on the results.
On the other hand, remember that if the insomnia persists or worsens, the best thing to do is to see a specialist. This is a problem that can have serious consequences if not treated properly.
