Hey friends! So this week I’d thought I’d pick a topic about something that everyone who is a human being on this planet can relate to…sleep. Whether it be too little, too much, or too restless we all can agree that having quality sleep impacts or day to day lives, for better or worse.
But, thankfully, Mother Nature has blessed us with some wonderful allies on our wellness journey.
7 herbs with naturally-stimulating restful qualities
Below you’ll find a few examples of the kinds of medicinal herbs that have been shown to improve the quality and/or quantity of one’s sleep. This is by no means a complete, end-all-be-all list, but I wanted to provide you with a jumping off point to start you individual journey.
Lavender– Lavender is famous for its calming properties. It can be used in various forms, such as essential oil, tea, or as a sachet placed under your pillow.
Chamomile– Chamomile is another herb with relaxing properties. Chamomile tea is a popular bedtime beverage known for its ability to induce sleepiness.
Valerian Root Valerian root is a well-known herb for promoting relaxation and sleep. It’s often available in supplement form or as a tea.
Passionflower Passionflower is used traditionally to treat anxiety and insomnia. It may help improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety levels.
Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that may help alleviate stress and promote relaxation, which can indirectly support better sleep.
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and is often used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, potentially aiding in better sleep.
Magnolia Bark: Magnolia bark contains compounds that may help reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
California Poppy: California poppy is often used as a mild sedative to promote relaxation and support better sleep.
Before using any herbal remedy regularly, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications, as herbs can interact with medications and may not be suitable for everyone.
Ways to incorporate herbal sleep support into you daily routine
Now that you are aware of the different herbs and what they are generally used for, now its time to put the to use? Below I have provided a few simple ways to incorporate the herbs to reap the healing benefits of herbs.
Herbal Tea: Brew a cup of herbal tea using sleep-promoting herbs like chamomile, valerian root, lavender, or passionflower. Drink the tea about 30 minutes to an hour before bedtime to help relax your body and mind.
Herbal Sachets: Create an herbal sachets using dried herbs such as lavender or chamomile and a muslin or linen sachet. Place the sachets under your pillow or near your bed to enjoy the calming aroma as you sleep.
Herbal Bath: Add a few drops of essential oils derived from sleep-supporting herbs like lavender or chamomile to your bathwater. Soak in the herbal-infused bath before bedtime to relax your muscles and unwind.
Herbal Tinctures: Take herbal tinctures made from sleep-promoting herbs like valerian root, passionflower, or lemon balm. Follow the dosage instructions provided on the tincture bottle or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.
Herbal Inhalation: Use a diffuser to disperse essential oils of sleep-supporting herbs such as lavender, chamomile, or bergamot in your bedroom. Inhale the soothing aroma while you prepare for bed to create a calming atmosphere.
Herbal Pillow Mist: Create a homemade pillow mist using a combination of water and essential oils derived from sleep-promoting herbs. Spritz the mist lightly onto your pillow and bedding before bedtime to promote relaxation and better sleep.
Don’t be afraid to research and create your own blend of dried herbs, botanicals, or essential oils. The beauty of creating your own personal blend is you get to tailor it to your daily needs. The options are nearly endless.
I hope this post will give you the confidence to approach herbal remedies as a natural alternative for sleep improvement. Let me know down below how you are using herbs to improve your sleep.
Until next time pollinators!
