Although natural herbs are safe and usually have no side effects, we recommend that you consult your doctor before you start using any of them to improve your sleep. Here are several ways to use herbs to improve sleep quality:
- Make herbal tea by adding 1 teaspoon of herbs to a cup of boiling water. Let it boil for 20 minutes, then strain and drink it. You can drink two to three cups of herbal tea a day.
- Add herb-scented essential oils to your bathtub in warm water before bedtime to enjoy a calming effect.
- Put a few drops of essential oil on your hand and rub your palms together before sniffing them.
- Massage herbal-infused oil into certain parts of your body, such as your forehead, neck, chest, wrist, breast, arms or legs. Your skin may be irritated if you use insoluble essential oil, so diluting it reduces the chances of a reaction.
- Add essential oils infused with herbs to a pot of boiling hot water and inhale the steam that comes out of it.
- Inhale the scent of natural herbs through aromatherapy candles.
Two herbs for better sleep
The following herbs will help you relax and get rid of stress, promoting a restful night’s sleep.
- Lavender
The calming properties of lavender help you sleep better. Studies show that lavender can relax your nerves, reduce stress levels and stabilize mood disorders. Reduced stress and a positive mood promote alertness during the day and a more adequate sleep at night. Inhaling lavender essential oils can also reduce pain in migraine attacks.
- Chamomile
Chamomile is an ancient medicinal herb known for its relaxing properties. Even modern scientific studies prove the effectiveness of chamomile on sleep. It reduces stress, soothes nerves and facilitates sleep. The presence of flavonoids in chamomile tea makes it a popular sedative drink. You can feel the relaxing effect of chamomile even by inhaling its fragrance.
