Magic Forums
Licensed Herbalist.
This is my opinion on what the best sleep teas are. As I repeat, my opinion . Not a official list, just what works best for me.
SA = Sedative Action.
All of the following will help you drift off to a nice, natural sleep.
1. Chamomile Tea. SA
2. Lavender Tea.
3. Valerian Tea. SA
4. Hops Tea. SA
5. Passionflower Tea. SA
Other great sleep teas include St. Johns wort, Lemon balm, Jamaican Dogwood, Californian Poppy, Skullcap, Green Tea.
--> ANY CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DEPRESSANTS SHOULD NOT BE USED EVERY NIGHT. POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARD. <--
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea has been used for years as a effective sleep aid! The herb also works in a sachet placed under your pillow. People I know have even added chamomile to their pillow stuffing, which is a great idea.
Chamomile tea is found to be most effective for sleep if slowly drank 45mins - 30mins before you go to bed. It can be especially helpful in the aid of relieving mild insomnia.
Chrysin, a component in Chamomile, is thought to be the main thing that gives Chamomile the ability that it has. Chrysin can also be found in passionflower which is another effective sleeping herb.
2. Lavender Tea
Lavender is a very common plant, and its essential oil is widely used around the globe. But don't use too much, as sometimes it can be stimulant. It grows best in sunny, dry areas, preferably with alkaline soil.
The tea and EO of this herb has been found to depress the central nervous system in a similar manner to pharmaceutical tranquilizers. Its a very useful and effective sleep aid!
Please note that not all lavender is tranquilizing, and some can have the complete opposite effect, like Spanish lavender. Do not rub any essential oils on your skin unless they are diluted as they can be corrosive. The herb goes very well in a tea with mint, I have found.
3. Valerian Tea
I've found Valerian to be very relaxing, and it relieves spasms and lowers blood pressure. Its useful for severe and mild insomnia; along with craps, wind, menstrual pains, and it is a generally great reliever for anything to do with the intestines, uterus or bowels.
It can bring on a nice sleep without being sleepy in the morning, and its extremely beneficial for poor sleepers and sleepers who find it hard to actually get to sleep. Also, its non addictive.
Valerian does not suit everyone, but I have found it works absolutely fantastically for me, and my mother also. Highly recommended.
4. Hops Tea
Do not take if you suffer from depression or are pregnant.
Hops tea is very relaxing and sleep inducing. Its great for general mild isomnia, tension and anxiety, and restlessness. It can be mixed with chamomile tea in equal parts.
Dried hops can also be made in to a herbal pillow to help you drift off to a nice sleep.
Its also a effective anti-spasmodic, which is helpful. Anti-inflammatory and can be used as a anti-septic. It can even be useful for arthritis and IBS (Irratible Bowl Syndrome.)! It can also ease constipation and can helps detoxify your whole system.
5. Passionflower Tea
A tea found to be very effective! Do not take too much, as it can become a health hazard.
Passionflower Tea is very calming and helps induce a nice, soft sleep. Its great for muscle spasms and like all the other herbs listed, general isomnia. It is widely used by the Aztects as a sedative!
Warning. Can cause mild euphoric effects.
It stimulates the central nervous system. You can find it pretty much anywhere in a health store, maybe even your local supermarket or pharmacy.
Drink in very small doses a hour before bedtime. If it doesnt work, try a little larger dose.
Hope this helps you all with your sleep, or has at least provided you with some more information that you didnt know.
-Fallen.