If you find yourself often tossing and turning at night, then you know the struggle that getting a good night’s sleep can be. You may have tried counting sheep, lying quietly, and using melatonin to help you fall asleep.
While these are tried and true methods, you may still find that getting a good night’s rest is difficult. The great news is that some herbs may help you get your beauty sleep.
Lavender
Lavender has long been touted as one of the best herbs to encourage sleep. It can be used in many different ways. You may want to try putting it in a diffuser about 30 minutes before you go to bed so that its aroma fills your bedroom. While you are waiting, consider having a cup of lavender tea. You can easily use lavender essential oils on your body when combined with a little carrier oil or try adding it to your bath. Taking lavender as a supplement can also help you relax by calming anxiety, which can help you fall to sleep easier.
Chamomile
Many people have probably been advised to drink a little chamomile tea if they have a hard time falling asleep, and it may help since it works as a mild tranquilizer. The great news is that it may help make the cardiovascular system and immune systems stronger. You can find chamomile tea bags at the grocery store, or you can seep chamomile flowers for five to 10 minutes to make the tea. It can be particularly helpful when combined with a relaxing bath or some meditation or yoga. Try creating a bedtime ritual so that your body knows when you are doing those things that it will soon be time to go to sleep.
Magnolia Bark
While you should only take the lowest dose of magnolia bark, one capsule at bedtime can help you drift off to sleep quickly. It also helps to promote REM sleep, which helps you wake up feeling rested. Be careful, however, because your sleep may be too good with magnolia bark, so you should never use it during the day or when operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects your body.
Valerian Root
If you often find your thoughts racing at night, then valerian root may help calm your thinking process. While valerian root may not be as good at promoting sleep as some other herbs on this list, many people find it helps them relax, which can help boost your body’s natural sleepiness. You can find it as a tincture, a dietary pill, or a supplement.
Blue Skullcap
While it is best avoided with people with liver issues, blue skullcap is used in many medicines to help stop anxiety. You may also find it as a tea and as a powder. Blue skullcap, which is scientifically known as Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora, may also help calm people who have let their tempers get the best of them.
When you need a great night’s sleep, then try these five herbs. You may find them to be powerful weapons in your attempt to get the rest that you need.