Research shows that about 60 million Americans suffer from insomnia. And this lack of sleep is the cause of 5% of all cases of obesity in adults.[1] It is also a leading cause for depression and anxiety among adults and teenagers alike. So how do you avoid all this? How do you make sure you get a good night sleep every night? Well, the first step is obviously falling asleep and we’ve found just the right thing to help you with that — Tea. The simple act of boiling certain herbs or flowers in hot water for their calming effects has been around for centuries. Ingredients like chamomile, lavender, and valerian are said to have sedative properties which help the body relax and induces sleep. And even though there is no definitive evidence of the effectiveness of teas, there are a lot of personal accounts where people have found herbal teas to be helpful in falling asleep. What say you test out that theory for yourself? Here are 7 recipes of the best tea for sleep:
1. The Valerian Tea
This tea is mostly used since ancient times as a sleeping aid. It is well known remedy for insomnia. This tea works by restorative the brain cells to produce more of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical which is responsible for soothing nerves and relieving anxiety. Benefits of Valerian Tea
Treats insomnia and sleep problems Treats anxiety and depression Treats hyperactivity Makes you mentally sharp Treats headaches and migraines
Ingredients and Recipe Directions Place a valerian tea bag or a tea infuser containing about one tablespoon of loose tea leaves in a teacup. You can also simply place loose tea leaves at the bottom of a cup.
2. Cuddle Time Tea
This is the perfect mixture for bedtime and anti-stress beverage as the name of it suggests. You can add milk/honey as well. This tea is from Plum Deluxe. They also have a very cool club to help you save on tea. Benefits of Cuddle Time Tea
Reduces stress Relaxes mind and body Helps with anxiety and insomnia
Ingredients Required
Chamomile, Rooibos tea Peppermint leaves Vanilla essence No caffeine
Directions
3. The Cinnamon Sleep Tonic
This sounds like absolute heavenly. Cinnamon is high in cinnamaldehyde, which is what is responsible for most of the health benefits that come from cinnamon. Cinnamon can also help you fall asleep at night. It will also take care of your body’s digestion and help you achieve a restful sleep. Benefits of the Cinnamon Sleep Toni
May cut the risk of heart disease Can improve insulin sensitivity Lower blood sugar levels and have a powerful anti-diabetic effect May have beneficial effects on Neuro-degenerative diseases May protect against cancer Help fight bacterial and fungal infections, and may help fight the HIV virus
Ingredients
3 cinnamon sticks 1 tablespoon all-spice berries 1 tablespoon cloves 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns (optional) 15 bay leaves 2 piece of fresh ginger, cut into large pieces 10 cups filtered water
Directions
4. The Chamomile Herbal Tea
It is the most famous herbal teas in the world.There are 2 varieties in this tea i.e German and English varieties. German chamomile is believed to be particularly useful in fighting sleeplessness. It has daisy-like flowers which are used to make tea and herbal supplements. This herbal tea helps you to calm and relieve anxiety and stress. Benefits of the Chamomile Herbal Tea
Induces sleep Treats migraines Boosts immunity Reduces stress
Ingredients
Two cups of clean drinking water Two tablespoons of dry chamomile or 2 sachets of chamomile 1/4 teaspoons of turmeric Ginger and cinnamon One tablespoon of natural honey and a couple of teaspoons of coconut oil.
Directions/How to prepare it
5. Moonrise Herbal Tea Blend
Moonrise Herbs was established in Arcata, California, in 1985 with a mission to be an outlet for beautifully vibrant, high-quality herbs and tea blends, along with a variety of tinctures, extracts, essential oils, supplements and natural body care products. Benefits of Moonrise Herbal Tea Blend
Chamomile flowers provide soothing relief for the nervous system Lemon balm gives us balance Valerian root + hop flowers have the power to relax and induce a deep, restful sleep Passionflower brings a sense of calm Skullcap relieves sleeplessness related to an anxious mind
Ingredients
2 parts chamomile flowers 2 parts lemon balm 2 parts skullcap 1 part passionflower 1/2 part lavender flowers 1/4 part hop flowers 1/4 part valerian root
Directions
6. Lemon Balm Tea
This seems like a formula/recipe for a lip balm, but actually it’s not. It is one of the most powerful teas for people suffering from insomnia. This tea also helps to reduce stress, indigestion, anxiety, enhance sleep and can help heal cold sores faster. Lemon balm tea is a standard herb for insomnia and when it is combined with other herbs such as Chamomile and Valerian, it can give you off better sleep-inducing properties. Benefits of Lemon Balm Tea
Improves sleep Relieves stress and anxiety Improves cognition and mood Strengthens memory and problem-solving skills Relieves sore muscles
Ingredients
4 cups of boiling water 20 fresh leaves or 1 tablespoon of dried lemon balm
Directions
7. Lovely Lavender Tea
The smell of lavender is very bad, but its medicinal properties are awesome. Only one cup of lavender tea can facilitate your body, brain, and help you nod off. It can likewise be utilized as a wash on the chest to help facilitate the impacts of bronchitis, asthma and colds. It can likewise help lessen hack and help with other respiratory issues. Lavender works extraordinary for both youngsters and adults and is a lot safer than over the counter prescriptions. It can help diminish fevers, recuperate wounds, cuts, and bruises. Benefits of Lavender Tea
Improves sleep Improves heart health Prevents inflammation Heals anxiety
Ingredients
3 Tablespoons fresh Lavender flowers or 1 1/2 Tablespoons dried Lavender flower 2 cups boiling water Honey and lemon if desired
Directions Falling asleep isn’t easy with the stressful life we lead today. I hope with these 7 herbal tea recipes you’ll be able to sleep better and relieve some stress.
More to Help You Sleep Better
The Ultimate Night Routine Guide: Sleep Better and Wake Up Productive 20 Best Guided Meditations for Sleep and Insomnia The Ultimate Guide to Help You Sleep Through the Night Tonight
Featured photo credit: Lisa Hobbs via unsplash.com
