Feeling stressed and tense after a long day? Grab a cup of this calming herbal sleep tea and get ready to have a good night's rest.
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I've always had a reverence for the power of herbs. They are after all nature's medicine. But recently I've been experimenting quite a bit with different tea blends, digestive bitters (stay tuned for the recipe), tinctures (also stay tuned), and more.
Learning about herbs and their benefit has been an enlightening and eye-opening experience and testing, rather entertaining process. For example, this herbal sleep tea I'm about to share with you is perfect for bedtime, but turns out to also be very calming during the day if you're looking to do nothing but chill and sit around (not sure how many of us are actually doing this but I'd like to believe some are) or are feeling under the weather and need to rest.
Drinking herbal tea is probably one of the easiest and cheapest ways to balance out the nervous system and calm restlessness, particularly before bed. And this nighttime tea is perfect for helping lull you to sleep in a safe and not sedative way.
This homemade herbal tea blend is made of dried yarrow flowers, oatstraw, catnip, rose petals, chamomile, and hibiscus flowers. If all of these sound strange to you, don't worry, I will go into the benefits and uses of each. These herbs have been vetted for their medicinal properties and collectively create a natural way to calm the nervous system and settle down.
*Please consult with your doctor before introducing new herbs into your diet. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, this is especially important*
About This Herbal Sleep Tea
- It's calming for the nervous system
- Perfect for winding down before sleep
- It is tasty and fragrant
- Helps the body and mind naturally calm down
Ingredients For Your Herbal Sleep Tea + Benefits
Yarrow Flower
Yarrow is considered a carminative and also falls into the category of bitters. It helps relax the digestive tract, improves digestion, and is anti-spasmodic as well as anti-inflammatory. Flavonoids and alkaloids in yarrow are also good for relieving anxiety and depression symptoms. Yarrow has also been used widely for headaches, healing wounds as well as improving circulation, and lowering blood pressure.
Chamomile Flower
Chamomile is considered a nervine, supporting the nervous system, while also improving digestion, reducing inflammation, helping to lower menstrual pain, and helping with sleep and relaxation, among many other uses. It is a well-known herb for helping to reduce anxiety, and tension and is commonly used in tea and tinctures.
Catnip
You may be surprised to see this one, but catnip is actually a fantastic herb for relaxation, mood improvement, and reducing restlessness and anxiety, and works in a similar way to valerian root. Catnip also helps to settle the digestive system and reduce muscle spasms.
Skullcap
Another powerful herb is skullcap. According to Mt. Sinai, skullcap has been used for centuries for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions and is high in antioxidants. It also has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and helps to boost mood.
Oatstraw
Oatstraw is also wonderful for the nervous system. Traditionally it has been used to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression. Oatstraw also happens to be deeply nourishing and is high in calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins - a perfect addition to any herby sleep tea.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus adds a beautiful red color to our herbal sleep tea. It also gives it a tart taste from its high vitamin C content. It is high in antioxidants, supports liver health, and helps to lower blood pressure.
Rose Petals
Like hibiscus, rose petals add to the beautiful color of the tea. But more than just looks, rose petals are beneficial in that they contain polyphenols and antioxidants. Rose petals support the digestive system, improve sleep, irritability, and mood swings, and are also great for reducing period cramps.
Optional: Honey
Honey is an excellent addition to this tea but certainly not mandatory if you are vegan or prefer your tea unsweetened. A little honey can be quite soothing before sleep.
Let's Make It
Step 1. Bring water to a boil while preparing your herbs.
Step 2. Steep yarrow, chamomile, catnip, skullcap, hibiscus flower, oatstraw, and rose petals in a teacup with a strainer. Steep herbs for 5-10 minutes and drink right away.
Top Tips + FAQs
Where Do You Purchase Herbs?
While I have no affiliation with them, I absolutely love an herbal shop based in Brooklyn, called Remedies Herb Shop. There is also Mountain Rose Herbs, and Frontier- Co-Op, again with no affiliation. In addition, you can source herbs from your local health food store.
How Long Should You Steep The Herbs?
Anywhere from 5-10 minutes is good. If you want it stronger, you can certainly go up to 15-20 minutes but the general rule is 5-10.
Can You Substitute Herbs?
Most definitely. If you don't have all the herbs for the recipe, the ones I find most potent would be catnip, chamomille, and oatstraw but you can certainly mix and match the herb blend as you see fit and see what works for you.
Is This Tea Safe For Children?
I don't recommend this tea to children. But from the research I've done, unless there are allergies involved, chamomile is the only herb generally safe for children. Catnip has also traditionally been used for sleep issues, low-grade fever, and indigestion. But again, please talk to your doctor and do your own research. This post may be helpful in determining what herbs are safe for children.
What If You Have Allergies?
If you have allergies, particularly severe allergies, it's best to not consume this tea. And as mentioned above, always consult with your doctor and please do your own research before introducing new herbs into your routine.
📖 Recipe
Calming Sweet Dreams Herbal Sleep Tea
Feeling stressed and tense after a long day? Grab a cup of this calming herbal sleep tea and get ready to have a good night’s rest.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon yarrow
- ½ teaspoon chamomile
- ½ teaspoon catnip
- ½ teaspoon oatstraw
- ½ teaspoon skullcap
- ½ teaspoon rose petals
- ½ teaspoon hibiscus
Instructions
1. Bring water to a boil while preparing your herbs.
2. Steep yarrow, chamomile, catnip, skullcap, hibiscus flower, oatstraw, and rose petals in a teacup with a strainer. Steep herbs for 5-10 minutes and drink right away.
Notes
1. You're welcome to use any combination of herbs you wish.
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