Herbal teas like chamomile are not really “tea” at all because they do not come from the leaves of the tea plant, so they have no caffeine. Chamomile tea comes from a plant with small daisy-like flowers. This herbal tea has many healing properties and is famous for its reputation as a sleep aid. Its sedative effect comes from a flavonoid called apigenin that helps create a calming response in the brain so that we feel sleepy.

If you are using ready-made teabags you can simply put a few different flavors in your cup or teapot. If you are using loose tea you can mix the flavors dry and put the blend in an infuser. You might also add one or any combination of the following ingredients to your chamomile, or mix them up to make your own unique sleep brew:

–      Lavender is another flower that has been used for centuries to induce drowsiness. It pairs beautifully with chamomile.

–      Turmeric, also known as Curcumin, is well known to help ease inflammation. Turmeric root is delicious with chamomile tea. Simply add a few thin slices to your cup for extra sleep benefits

–      Lemon Balm reduces stress and helps to relieve both indigestion and anxiety.

–      Valerian is a muscle relaxant and a strong sleep aid. However valerian root on its own it tastes kind of earthy, and is not very enjoyable to drink. Blending it with chamomile or any of these other variations ingredients makes it a lot more palatable.

–      Ginger root is great for digestion and also has anti-viral and antibiotic properties. If you can’t sleep because you have an upset stomach or a cold a few slices of ginger is nice to add to your tea.

–      Cinnamon is high in cinnamaldehyde, responsible for many of its health benefits. Cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar levels and fight infections. An easy way to get just the small amount you need and not overpower the other flavors is to stir your tea with a cinnamon stick.

–      Rose helps to calm and bring bliss to the mind. Rose tea can be made from rose hips or rose petals or both.

–      Honey contributes to the release of melatonin in the brain, and gives a natural sweetness to the tea. Honey also supplies the liver with glycogen storage, giving it fuel to recover during rest so that it doesn’t have to produce stress hormones. This way the body can rejuvenate more easily, helping us to sleep more soundly.

–      Himalayan salt contains minerals such as magnesium, essential for relaxation and stress reduction. You just need a little bit, a pinch will do.

–      Coconut oil is a healthy fat that helps in the production of sleep hormones. Half a teaspoon melts easily in the hot water of tea and helps herbs to assimilate in the body more quickly.

–      Milk or plant-based milks provide protein rich in an amino acid called tryptophan. Tryptophan helps boost melatonin.

My video for sleep teas that includes a BANANA TEA that you can make yourself!

Slumber Time Tea from MAPI is a beautiful Ayurvedic blend that is delicious!

And check out the Slumbertime Spa Set that includes bath salts, aromatherapy and a scented soap! So luxurious!

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Also, be sure to follow me on Instagram.com/lissacoffey for weekly sleep tip videos that I post with the Better Sleep Council!