Teas That Can Help You Sleep

Insomnia is something that affects everyone at some stage during their lives. I've just been dealing with a spell of insomnia recently and it's really reminded me of just what a pain in the behind it can be to not sleep properly. On top of that I've got a headcold and what I really need is a few nights of unbroken sleep. Unfortunately insomina has decided to rear it's ugly head and keep me awake while I'm sick.

Most people will just reach for some kind of sleeping tablet when they can't sleep - anything seems worthwhile. Personally I'm not crazy about taking sleeping tablets because I don't want to become dependant on medication if I can help it. I've been a fan of natural alternatives to most of the bugs and problems that life can throw at you for the last 15 years or so. Part of that was to help me deal with my own insomnia and regular migraines.

So what natural choices do you have when it comes to treating insomnia. Well one of the best things you can do to help with your insomnia is to simply relax and one of the absolute best ways to do that is with a cup of relaxing herbal tea. If you're looking for an herbal tea that can help you relax and doze off into a nice, healthy natural sleep then I'd recommend one of these:

Valerian Tea (Valeriana officinalis)
This tea is brewed from the valerian root and has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for insomnia and other sleeping problems. It has the same effect as a low-level sedative so it relaxes your body to the point where you'll sleep naturally. Valerian tea won't knock you out - it just helps you relax. Don't overdo it with valerian tea though - it can cause stomach cramps and night terrors if drink too much of it.

Chamomile Tea (Matricaria recutita)
Here's another great tea for helping you chill out and relax. Again chamomile has been used for thousands of years as a treatment for people who have had trouble sleeping - again it just relaxes you instead of knocking you out cold. Whenever possible make your chamomile tea from fresh chamomile flowers or dried chamomile. This infusion tends to be more effective than some of the tea bags you can buy.

Green Tea?
Unfortunately green tea, one of the best herbal teas you can get, contains too much caffeine to be used as a treatment for insomnia. Otherwise it's a great drink for keeping the body in good overall health.

So make a cup of chamomile or valerian tea part of your new bedtime routine - just make sure you drink it an hour or two before you plan on getting to sleep. You'll need that amount of time to get relaxed enough to doze off for a great nights sleep.