I’ve written articles on sleep before, because sleep is SO important to our health, and because I’ve struggled getting good quality and quantity of sleep in the past. Because of my own struggles, I’ve talked to naturopathic and traditional doctors and have gotten a lot of tips and direction from professionals to use herbs and essential oils for better sleep.
If you’re wondering why you need good deep sleep, then check out 5 Ways to Get Better Sleep. Deep sleep is connected to maintaining weight and hormone balance. Of course, getting to bed before midnight, cutting down stress, eating at the proper time and eating right, plus having the right sleep environment all are very important factors. This article talks about those things in greater detail.
Herbs for Better Sleep
Once you have the proper environment, have a good sleep schedule, are de-stressing and eating right, it’s time to try some herbs and essential oils for that extra therapeutic benefit for better sleep.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass has sedative properties and it tastes delicious, making it a great herb for sleep use. A lot of teas add lemongrass these days. If you find one combined with some of the other herbs listed, let me know what brand it is. Find it here.
Valerian Root
Valerian is the king of herbal sleep aids. It’s very calming and helps the mind to stop racing and get ready for sleep. Find it here.
Chamomile
Most people have heard of chamomile as a calming herb. It’s traditionally known for that for good reason. It calms the nervous system and digestive tract, relaxing those who can’t sleep due to stress. Find it here.
Lavender
Lavender is another very mild herb that is relaxing. I don’t like the taste, but some people do. I combine it with other herbs if I ingest it. Find it here.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is uplifting and calming. It’s also a great herb for those with minds racing or too stressed to sleep. Find it here.
Essential Oils for Better Sleep
I really like to diffuse essential oils in the bedroom when I’m having difficulties sleeping. They are an easy way to quickly add something to your sleep environment and body without making a tea or other mixture.
Just add a few drops to your diffuser. I usually just add 5 drops (or a combination of oils that add up to 5-6 drops).
Vetiver
Vetiver is my number one sleep diffuser oil. It stops the racing mind and helps you to relax within minutes. It is effective with hormone balance, lifting moods, boosting the immune system, and calming all at the same time. Find it Here.
Patchouli
Patchouli uplifts, fights depressions, promotes good cell growth, and helps to bring a high fever down. The uplifting and calming effect is what makes it such a great oil to diffuse. Find it Here.
Valerian
Valerian calms and relaxes the nervous system, is often used for menstrual cramps, restless legs, and tension headaches because of its effect on the nervous system. Find it Here.
Ylang Ylang
Ylang ylang is a bright and floral scent that I love. A little bit goes a very long way. It soothes the nervous system and reduces blood pressure. It’s great combined with vetiver and valerian. Find it Here.
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