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Which herbs should I use for sleep?
Which herbs should I use for sleep?
We have many herbs for sleep that work great on their own or in a blend. The blended teas we offer are gentle and useful when you don't know which is the exact herb to use, but if you want to learn more about the different actions of each sleep herb that would suit your condition, then we can guide you through that.
Below is a quick reference for you, or view the herb profile for further information and FAQs.
Ashwagandha - Promotes sound sleep, regular use not a quick fix.
Passionflower - Sedation and relaxing the nervous system.
Valerian - Sedation, relaxing.
Mulungu - Our most powerful sedating herb, may lead to next day drowsiness.
Skullcap - When you have a busy mind.
California Poppy - Always useful for sleep, especially when pain is the issue.
Hops - Restlessness and anxiety.
Wild Lettuce - Sedating and pain relieving.
Lemon Balm - When low mood is causing sleeplessness.
Blue Lily - Dreamy, relaxing.
Kava - Relaxing and sedating. (Particularly our Borogoru strain)
Chamomile - Gentle relaxant before bed. Soothing and nice.
Lavender - Gentle relaxant before bed. Fragrant and nice.
When should I use Valerian for sleep?
When should I use Valerian for sleep?
Valerian Root has anti-spasmodic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), hypnotic, and sedative properties, making it a highly effective tool for insomnia. It acts as a muscle relaxant and mild tranquiliser, resulting in a feeling of ‘floating in the air’. According to scientific research, extracts of the root appear to affect the GABA neurotransmitter receptor in mammalian nervous systems; this receptor system is the same system affected by sedative benzodiazepine drugs. Valerian can therefore likely be used as a safer alternative to benzodiazepines, assisting with treatment of stress, tension, anxiety, and insomnia.
When should I use Ashwagandha for sleep?
When should I use Ashwagandha for sleep?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress. This herb can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with sleep due to anxiety or stress. It’s available in various forms, including dried root, powder, capsules and teas. Regular use of Ashwagandha may support better sleep by lowering cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm and promotes a sound sleep. It's not a quick fix but is great to add to your daily routine if you are having sleep issues.
When should I use Blue Lily for sleep?
When should I use Blue Lily for sleep?
This sacred lily from ancient Egypt is often used to improve mood, relax the mind and body and sometimes as an aphrodisiac. Many of our customers find its dreamy energy helps them unwind, quiet their overactive minds and drop off into restful slumber.
When should I use California Poppy for sleep?
When should I use California Poppy for sleep?
California Poppy has a reputation of being a milder, non-addictive alternative to other poppies, and can be used for insomnia. California Poppy is also a useful pain relieving herb, particularly in cases of nerve-generated pain such as sciatica, neuralgia and migraine. If you are experiencing trouble sleeping due to pain, this is definitely a herb to try! When used as a tea before bed, California Poppy promotes a long, restful sleep. Sometimes it can be so effective that we recommend being in bed before taking it – the drowsiness can set in very quickly!
PRO TIP: It’s also quite bitter as a tea, so we recommend trying our California Poppy extract Mellow Yellow.
When should I use Chamomile for sleep?
When should I use Chamomile for sleep?
Chamomile is one of the most well-known herbs for promoting sleep & relaxation. Often enjoyed as a tea, Chamomile contains antioxidants that bind to certain receptors in your brain that may help you feel relaxed and reduce anxiety, making it easier to drift off to sleep. A warm cup of chamomile tea about 30 minutes before bed can be a soothing part of your nightly routine.
When should I use Hops for sleep?
When should I use Hops for sleep?
Hops are most commonly associated with brewing beer, but they also have a long history of being used as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. The flowers of the hop plant contain compounds that have sedative effects, making them particularly effective in reducing restlessness and anxiety, both of which can interfere with sleep. Hops are often combined with Valerian root in herbal teas and supplements to create a powerful, natural sleep aid. A warm cup of hops tea before bed can help calm your nervous system and prepare you for a deep, restorative sleep.
When should I use Kava for sleep?
When should I use Kava for sleep?
Kava has been traditionally used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. It works by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly GABA, which helps to calm the mind and ease tension. Kava is traditionally consumed as a cold infusion and it’s particularly helpful for those who have difficulty sleeping due to stress or anxiety. Happy Herb Co has a large range of Kava varieties that have different actions, we suggest Borogoru is the best for sleep.
When should I use Lavender for sleep?
When should I use Lavender for sleep?
Lavender is famous for its calming scent, and research shows that it can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. You can use Lavender in various forms, add to your favourite sleepy tea, enjoy alone as a tea, place under your pillow, or add it to your bath. We would suggest using it when wishing to gently relax before sleep, not necessarily when you are dealing with Insomnia or a series sleep issue.