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DIY Sleepy Time Tea
If you’re like me and struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, then this DIY sleepy time tea recipe might be just what you’re looking for. This has become one of the go-to recipes that I use to help myself calm down at bedtime and ease intoĀ āsleep modeā without tossing and turning all night.Ā
This tea blend works wonders,Ā and all without resorting to OTC or prescription medications, something I would only ever consider as a last resort.Ā I absolutely love that tea can be formulated into sleep aids, not to mention, they are all-natural. Luckily, I discovered the wonders of herbs and combinations of herbs that work to relax you and help you sleep.
This tea blend that I use is full of calmingĀ ingredients, like chamomile, lemon balm, lavender, and other soothing herbs which are known to calm the nervous system by modifying certain neurotransmitters that are involved in sleep.
If you want to learn even more about crafting your own tea blends, making your own tea bags, or growing your own herbal tea garden, you’ll want to check out these articles:Ā
What are the ingredients for sleepy time tea?
- 3 parts chamomile
- 2 parts peppermint
- 2 parts lemon balm
- 1 part lavenderĀ
- 1 part passionflower
- 1 part catnip
- 1/4 part valerian root
Why Does Sleepy Time Tea Work?
Let’s take a look at the art of crafting this DIY sleepy time tea blend! It’s like composing a symphony, where each herb plays its own unique role, contributing to the overall harmony. Let’s dive into why this particular blend is so effective for encouraging a peaceful night’s sleep.
Chamomile: The Comforting Embrace
ChamomileĀ is often the star of the show when it comes to sleep teas. It contains apigenin, a flavonoid that binds to specific receptors in your brain, helping to reduceĀ anxietyĀ and initiate sleep. Think ofĀ chamomileĀ as the comforting embrace that tells your nervous system, āHey, itās okay to relax nowā, plus itĀ tastesĀ great.
Peppermint: The Soothing Melody
Peppermint is not just for freshening breath or flavoring candy; it’s a digestive aid that can help soothe your stomach. A calm digestive system frequently leads to a calm mind. Plus, the menthol in peppermint acts as a natural muscle relaxant, which can be especially helpful if you’re tense or stressed.
Lemon Balm: The Mood Lifter
Lemon balm is a member of the mint family and has a lovely lemony scent. It’s known for its ability to elevate mood and reduce anxiety, thanks to its high concentration of rosmarinic acid. This compound inhibits the breakdown of GABA in the brain, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation.
Lavender: The Dream Weaver
Ah, lavender! Just the aroma itself can make one feel dreamy. It’s rich in compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate that have sedative and muscle-relaxing effects. A little goes a long way, and in this blend, it adds that extra touch of tranquility.
Passionflower: The Nervous System Nurturer
Passionflower is a fascinating herb with intricate flowers that look like something out of a fairy tale. It’s been traditionally used for treating anxiety and insomnia. It works by increasing levels of GABA in the brain, much like lemon balm, but it brings its own unique compounds to the table, like passiflorine.
Catnip: Not Just for Cats!
Contrary to its stimulating effects on felines, catnip has a calming effect on humans. It contains nepetalactone, which has mild sedative properties. It’s like the gentle lullaby in this herbal symphony, softly coaxing you into a state of relaxation.
Valerian Root: The Deep Sleeper
Last but not least, we have valerian root. This herb is the heavy hitter in the sleep department. It’s often used for insomnia and contains a variety of compounds that help you fall and stay asleep. However, its flavor can be quite strong, so a little goes a long way. That’s why it’s used sparingly in this blend.
So there you have it! Each herb in this blend brings its own unique properties to the table, creating a holistic approach to relaxation and sleep. It’s like a botanical lullaby in a cup, each sip taking you one step closer to the land of dreams. Enjoy your restful journey! šæš¤
Equipment for Making DIY Sleepy time Tea
- A teapot (electric or stovetop)
- Your favorite mug or teacup
- A tea infuser, fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth
Instructions for Making DIY Sleepy time Tea
I like to make up a whole jar of this tea blend so that I can simply scoop out a teaspoon nightly and steep my tea. Feel free to make as little or as much as you want, just ajust the ratios proportionately.
- Heat up some water in your tea kettle.
- In a small bowl mix your herbs: chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm, lavender, passionflower, valerian root, and catnip (it makes cats go crazy but has a calming effect on humans).
- Place Ā½ā1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture in a tea steeper, fine mesh strainer, or small piece of cheesecloth.
- Place your tea infuser, strainer, or cheesecloth in or over a large mug
- Pour water over the top of your herbs.
- Let your tea steep for 2ā5 minutes before removing the infuser.
- Add honey if desired.
- Enjoy!
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