With winter approaching, the days get shorter and the nights longer. There is nothing better than cozying up with a good book and a warm blanket, knowing that eventually, sleep will prevail, and you’ll be dreaming away. For some, though, that sleep does not come so easily, even during those long, dark winter nights. If you’re one that dreads a nighttime routine of tossing and turning, then keep reading. We have found, in general, that teas and tinctures are your best bet for sleep aides. Below, you’ll find the Mayernik’s Top 5 Herbs for Sleep.
1. Valerian Root – Though this plant produces some pretty and pleasant-smelling flower, its root (you know, the best part of it) has a stench similar to sweaty socks. Because of its foul odor, many people lean more toward Chamomile and Lavender. Don’t be deterred, however, because it has been used for well over 2000 years as a sleep aid. Used as a tincture (sorry if you don’t like the taste!), capsule, extract, or tea (we’ve heard a variety of feedback on the tea’s flavor), Valerian Root will have you relaxed and ready to snooze in no time.
2. Chamomile – This old faithful has been around nearly forever as a sleep aid. It is calm enough to soothe an upset baby, gives off a super florally scent, and even helps some ailing bellies. Best used in tea or essential oils, chamomile can definitely help build a stronger relationship between you and your sleep. After harvesting some chamomile out of the Mayernik Garden, we discovered that a few drops of our tincture will have you set for the whole night!
3. Lavender – We (namely Shannon) feel so strongly about the effects of lavender that she goes so far as to faithfully follow her lavender essential oil ritual each night. Though she jokes about how she sleeps better than the rest of us, I can attest that she is definitely not joking! Lavender not only is the perfect, calming sleep aid, it also is great for all skin types, can soothe some cuts and burns, and will help if you’re feeling a bit of an emotional mess, too!
4. Lemon Balm – This guy smells exactly as it sounds – quite lemony. For those of you enjoying that citrusy appeal, lemon balm has been known to calm restlessness, soothe colic, and help with a variety of digestive problems. Its calming effects have even been used for the treatment of ADHD and Alzheimer’s. Sipping on a nice lemon balm tea will calm menstrual cramps, some pregnancy woes, and most importantly, your sleep issues!
5. Mugwort – Like most of our other sleep aides, mugwort is also great for stomach and gastrointestinal issues. The root of this plant is most often used to boost energy, while the rest of the plant can soothe your ailing tummies and help relax you for a smooth night’s sleep. Since mugwort has such vast calming effects, it’s also been used to treat involuntary convulsions, hysteria, and epilepsy. The only downfall: the tincture seems to work better than the tea for some added sleep.
Regardless of the herbal method you try, we hope that you are resting soundly soon!