I am someone who cannot sleep. At times I have trouble turning off, tuning down and easily drifting into sleep. I often wake in the night too. When I spend the night away from home the problem is 10x worse. So I turn to my ally’s, my favorite herbs for sleep.
My Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any condition. Please speak to a qualified medical professional before starting any herbal regiment.
Before we get into it, I must say that there are numerous reasons why a person can’t sleep. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, trauma and the list goes on. While I do believe in the healing power of plants, I think it is worth mentioning there may be other issues that should be explored. Herbs are wonderful to turn to but be careful that you are not using them as a band aid rather than getting to the root cause for why you can’t sleep. That being said, sometimes we just need to sleep no matter the cause.
Herbal Teas vs Tinctures vs Herbal Pills?
Tinctures are typically made with alcohol making them easily absorbed into the blood stream. A tincture is an extraction. Alcohol and the dried herb of choice is combined in a jar and left for 1-2 months. then strained and bottled. To learn more about how to make your own tincture at home click here. Pills need to be digested making the absorption rate slower. Also they haven’t been extracted, you’re just eating the dried herb so herbal pills are not as potent. Hot tea can be very relaxing on the nervous system. If steeped long enough, tea can be very potent medicine.
But What if I’ve Tried Herbs Before and Haven’t Felt Anything?
Some herbs take a few weeks of regular use to feel the affects. That’s why tinctures might be the best option for you if you’re in a particularly bad bout of insomnia. However, tea can be very powerful too if sipped regularly. The ritual of brewing tea itself has great benefits for the mind, body and spirit. Once you adopt a practice of brewing a cup of tea, your body will become very familiar with what you are doing and will start to relax before you have even taken your first sip.
What is an Herbal Nervine?
An herbal nervine is an herb that strengthens one’s ability to cope with and deal with the stress of life. They work on the nervous system by providing nourishment and support.
What is an Herbal Sedative?
Herbal sedatives are herbs that directly relax the nervous system. They help reduce pain, ease tension, and aid in going to sleep.
What is an Herbal Tonic?
Herbal tonics are herbs that feed, tone, rehabilitate and strengthen the nervous system. They directly feed the nerve tissue and are high in calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and protein.
7 Herbs I Recommend to Help you Sleep
I have personally worked with all of these herbs so that is why i chose them to talk about. However, there are many helpful herbs for sleep. I always try to grow my own herbs, but when that is not possible i head over to Mountain Rose Herbs to find what i need.
1. Passionflower
one of my favorite herbal sedatives, passionflower stops those ruminating thoughts in their tracks. It reduces anxiety and relaxes the muscles. This is my number 1 go to herbs for sleep.
2. Valerian Root
My husband Ryan loves valerian root tincture. This is and passionflower are his top herbs for sleep. This is a root with a powerful smell! The fresh root is almost odorless but as it dries the odor develops. Some find it too potent and others love the deep earthy taste and scent. It is one of the most powerful herbal nervines. Valerian root is recommended for nervous excitement, insomnia, muscle tension and can be beneficial for the heart by calming cardiac palpitations. If you ever have the chance to grow Valerian in your garden, do it! The blooms smell amazing and are picturesque! They really give the landscape that English cottage garden feeling.
3. Lemon Balm
Crushed lemon balm leaves do smell like lemon. This beautifully fragrant herb is gentle but effective. It is a nervine that can be sipped throughout the day for nervous system regulation. Keeping the nervous system regulated prevents those spikes in cortisol. Lemon Balm is a sedative, relaxing and is helpful for stomach distress. I almost always add lemon balm to my tea blends.
4. Skullcap
Skullcap is great at promoting wellbeing and relaxation. it instills a sense of calm.
5. Milky Oats
Milky oats are the oat tops of the oat plants. It is a very calming tonic herb and recommended for nervous exhaustion, irritability and stress.
6. Lavender
When I am nervous or stressed I conjure up the smell of fresh lavender. Even in the dead of winter and not a single plant in sight. I use the memory scent of lavender to calm my nerves. That is how powerful lavender is. Cultivate a relationship with this plant and you will have a powerful ally for life. Put her in your tea before bed and she will soothe your stress and improve your mood. Lavender is also a helpful remedy for headaches and migraines.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile is a gentle but powerful herb. It helps with childrens colic, soothes an irritated nervous system and is effective against stress, fever and inflammation. An excellent herb for sick children! Chamomile is also very common and you can find it easily in your local grocery store.
Make it a Ritual
Brewing tea is a ritual that has been with humans for thousands of years, found in many cultures throughout the world. Any ritual that connects me to the past is one i yearn to be a part of. I love brewing tea for my husband and me. Nighttime, before bed, kids fast asleep is our tea drinking time. Passionflower and lavender is our favorite combo.
For another herbal remedy check out my fire cider recipe to help boost your immune system
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