Mel’s Top 5 Teas for Sleep Support
Herbal Tea ~ humble plant medicine in its most simple, accessible form.
Herbal teas are otherwise known as infusions, made by steeping fresh or dried plant material in hot water to extract the tasty (and often medicinal) water-soluble plant compounds. Best practice is to ensure the brewing vessel has a lid or cover, as many of those fragrant volatile oils can escape with the steam and we want all of that herby goodness staying in your cup!
Read on for my top 5 teas to help you to wind down in the evening. The teas mentioned are all best served neat, without any milk added.
1. Passionflower
Passiflora incarnata
Passionflower is known as a hypnotic & sedative in traditional herbal medicine - I mean just look at that flower and you are mesmerised! A beautiful herb for the racing mind that can’t wind down or switch off.
2. Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
Chamomile is a classic herbal tea - great for both adults and children. It is renowned for calming the gut and soothing the nervous system. Be careful not to brew too long or it can become bitter. The simple combination of chamomile and passionflower is a wonderful evening brew.
3. Valerian root
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian has a bit of a nickname as being like a ‘herbal valium’, but it also has a reputation for its pungent fragrance. I’ve known dedicated fans to drink it as a solo brew, however it is usually best tolerated in combination with other more palatable herbs that mask the strong flavour.
4. Lavender
Lavandula officinalis
Ahhh lavender - I think just about everyone has experienced its soothing fragrance and relaxing properties at some point. I personally like just a hint of lavender in a sleep tea blend, but others report that they love it on its own as a standalone brew!
5. Lemon Balm
Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm has an affinity for both the mind and the gut, much like chamomile, with soothing and calming effects on both. It has a distinctly fresh, lemony flavour that works nicely on its own, as well as in combination with the herbs mentioned above. Lemon balm is super easy to grow and fresh-picked leaves can be used for tea if you have it in the garden.
I hope you found this helpful!
There are many sleep tea blends and individual herbal teas available in health food stores and supermarkets, making this an accessible option for most people. My recommendation is to go for organic loose leaf where possible, for optimum flavour and potency. If you choose teabags - ensure they do not contain plastic in the bag or adhesives used, as we don’t want that heated and infused into the water along with our beautiful herbs.
If you would like to purchase a custom loose-leaf tea blend from our Humble Dispensary, please reach out. For additional support with sleep issues including specific herb and supplement prescription, simply book your appointment at the link below:
This article is intended as general advice only and does not replace medical advice. It is recommended that you seek personalised advice specific to your individual needs. These general recommendations are not intended for those who are pregnant or for children under 12 years old.
