Teas That Help You Sleep

A restful night of sleep is one of the most essential ingredients for a happy, fulfilled, and balanced life. Every aspect of your health, both mental and physical, depends on the reset you experience each night in bed. Many adults report sleep issues that include getting to sleep, staying asleep, or struggling to reach deep sleep.

Believe it or not, the right cup of tea can make a big difference in transitioning from wakefulness to sleep. Keep reading to learn more about 4 bedtime teas that can help you meet your sleep goals and wake feeling energized with none of the hangover common with other sleep aids.

Try These 4 Teas

Chamomile Tea

In the U.S., chamomile is the go-to tea for those looking for a warm and natural sleep aid. Numerous studies have shown that drinking chamomile tea, or taking chamomile extract can improve both the amount and quality of your sleep. One of the reasons chamomile is so effective is an antioxidant known as apigenin. This compound has been shown to interact with the brain, increasing relaxation and decreasing anxiety, leading to deeper and more restful sleep all night long.

Golden Milk

Turmeric has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, prized for its ability to increase health and naturally heal and fortify the body. Turmeric is naturally rich in curcuminoids, which are fat-soluble compounds, rich in antioxidants. One way to increase your turmeric root intake is through a soothing health-drink called golden milk. Golden milk tea typically contains ground turmeric, fat to assist in absorption, and black pepper to help activate the turmeric. A bit of honey is also a great addition, as it gives the drink a calming sweetness. For an easy way to try golden milk in your home, check out this easy to follow recipe.

Lavender Tea

The scent of lavender is well known across the globe as a soothing and calming aroma. Lavender tea is an easy way to infuse your bedtime routine with more of this natural herb. Research shows that this flower not only reduces anxiety, but can improve digestion as well. You don’t need to go far to brew yourself a mug of lavender tea, simply steep 4 tsp of fresh lavender, or 2 tsp of dried lavender, in 8 oz of water for 10 minutes and sip with a bit of honey.

Valerian Root Tea

In Europe, valerian root tea is more popular than chamomile tea and is widely regarded as the go-to, natural sleep aid. It is also commonly taken as a supplement in capsule form, but the tea may be more effective at bedtime and comes with a side of hydration. One of the compounds in valerian root that makes it so effective is GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid. GABA has been well-researched and proven to be effective in reducing anxiety and helping you achieve deep restful sleep.

Tips for Steeping Herbal Teas

Herbal teas require a longer steeping time that black and green teas. They are most effective when steeped covered with a saucer for at least 10 minutes to allow the tea to reach full potency. For best results, brew teas made from only organic ingredients to avoid a side of chemicals or harsh compounds that could have a negative interaction on your overall health.

What are your favorite bedtime teas? Tell us all about it in the comments section below!

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Ease Your Mind and Mood with Essential Oils

We’ve all been there. We’ve had an overly stressful day where that one thing sends us over the edge. Or maybe it’s not just one thing. Perhaps you are constantly struggling with the feeling of being overwhelmed or down – finding day-to-day life difficult to manage. Sometimes we take our work home with us and let the stress of it run our lives. Or maybe it’s just the way we are. Whatever the source of our stress or anxiety, we could all use some quick relief. While nothing can replace a visit with your doctor, there are natural and healthy ways to help relieve that inner turmoil. Keep reading to learn how essential oils may improve your mood and your life!

Why Try Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts from plants and other natural ingredients. Essential oils have a very pleasant aroma and can be used to help address all types of physical and mental ailments. These oils have been used medicinally for centuries. They can be administered topically, orally, or via aromatherapy with a diffuser or steam. Often oils are combined, sometimes with a lighter, carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, to create a type of therapeutic “potion.” (Add a few drops of soothing essential oils to a carrier oil, and you can even use the blend topically as an aromatherapy-based, relaxing massage!)

While essential oils are considered to be fluid in their ability to aid in whatever the user’s specific ailment may be, there are certain types of oils that have been shown to help specifically with stress and anxiety. One of the most tried and true options is, among others, lavender. There are four other must-have essential oils we recommend too.

5 Must-Have Essential Oils

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most commonly used essential oils today and contains antioxidant and sedative properties. Several studies have been conducted with lavender oil with highly beneficial results of anxiety and stress relief, as well as better sleep. Lavender has even been shown to have a similar effect as anxiety medication. It can be combined with bergamot, another calming oil, to create a very soothing fragrance.

Bergamot

Bergamot is widely used to counter depression. While bergamot has a calming aroma, it is also said to be a mood booster and provide mental energy.

Rose

Rose, like lavender, is another popular light and floral scent used to help ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Rose oil has long been used to assuage grieving and shock, battle panic attacks, as well as promote a peaceful mood. Controlled studies have found that individuals that use rose oil during moments of anxiety have a higher chance of reducing that anxiety and stress and enabling calm.

Chamomile

Chamomile is primarily known as the tea you drink before bedtime. The reason chamomile is so widely known for this is because it does, in fact, contain soothing properties. Chamomile extract has been shown to decrease irritability, overthinking, anxiety, and worry, and instead promote feelings of harmony, peacefulness, and rest. Another study showed that chamomile may provide anti-depressant activity for those who commonly experience anxiety and depression.

Frankincense

Frankincense is another great essential oil for providing relief for anxiety and depression as it encourages a tranquil energy and spiritual grounding. Frankincense is said to help quiet the mind and clear your head. It has been shown to work well with lavender and bergamot in a 1:1:1 ratio for promoting peace of mind and tranquility.

While there are many essential oils that can aid in the daily struggle for peace of mind, these are some of the most tried and true. If you are experiencing serious anxiety or depression, it is always best to see a doctor. Essential oils are not meant to replace professional advice, but they are a means of helping with day-to-day stress alleviation and promoting general peace of mind.

While what works for some does not always work for others, it is always beneficial to give natural remedies a try. Essential oils are a safe and natural way to help maintain mental health and happiness.

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Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash