Three Teas To Help You Sleep
Do you love a good cup of tea before you go to bed? Yes, we do too! However did you know that some tea’s can actually help you to get a great night’s sleep? We’ve taken a look at just three super sleep tea’s to try and understand just why they help you to drop off:
Calming Chamomile
Chamomile has been used in various ways as a natural remedy since ancient times. Chamomile lotion is proven to calm inflamed skin and skin affected by rashes, stings and chicken pox. Inhaled, chamomile is said to soothe respiratory tract inflammations. Further, a 2009 clinical trial which involved using chamomile extract as a medicine for generalised anxiety disorder concluded that chamomile may indeed produce an ‘anxiety-inhibiting effect’ in patients. The study was published in the Journal of clinical psychology. Its findings support the long held belief that a mug of chamomile tea before bed helps to promote a good night’s sleep. By reducing anxiety, calming the body and replacing a caffeine or sugar laden mug of tea or coffee before bed, chamomile better prepares the mind and body to rest.
Relaxing Valerian Root
Valerian root is and has for a lot of years been used to create a wealth of medicinal aids. Of its medicinal properties, valerian root is particularly well known and thought of as a sleep aid. Hence, many people who struggle to get a good night’s sleep drink valerian root before hitting the sack.
Unlike chamomile, which in studies has been suggested to reduce anxiety, the evidence accumulated to support valerian root as an aid against anxiety related sleep problems is insufficient. That said, evidence collected by MedlinePlus does suggest that valerian, none-the-less, may well be ‘possibly effective’ in the treatment of poor sleep or insomnia. Further, in 2006 a meta-analysis featured in The American Journal of Medicine that reviewed sixteen different studies into the effectiveness of valerian root concluded that it can indeed promote restful sleep and does so without producing any side effects. Hence, unlike many over the counter or prescribed sleep aids, valerian root might well prove a problem-free solution to some of the sleep difficulties experienced by many people today.
Lulling Lavender
There is no doubt that when it comes to teas, Chamomile and valerian root dominate the market – at least when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep. That said, from scented cushions to sleep mists, springs tucked in pillow cases and petals in hot baths, lavender has also long been recognised as producing a calming effect which could as well aid those suffering from insomnia and sleep problems. Few people though realise that lavender can also be brewed and drank as a tea.
Lavender is said to hold potent anti-stress properties. Because of its characteristically strong and recognisable scent, people are reluctant to introduce lavender tea to their pre-bedtime ritual. Lavender tea though bears a wonderfully soothing aroma. When brewed, the steam released by lavender tea can also be inhaled to further enhance its relaxing qualities. The University of Maryland Medical Centre have reported that scientific studies have shown that inhaling and ingesting lavender may even slow nervous system activity. If lavender tea is really not your thing though, a cup of chamomile or valerian root tea before climbing into a bed misted with the aroma of lavender could, combined, provide you with a natural way of nodding off after a long day.