Long before sleeping tablets were invented, ancient healers used natural remedies to help people sleep better. These remedies are still something you can try today, especially if you are interested in a natural, safe, and sustainable way to help you relax and improve your sleep. Here are three natural remedies that you can work into your evening sleep routine for a more restful night.
Tea for better sleep
A delicious cup of herbal tea with the right ingredients can help you settle into a gentle slumber. If you have access to a big garden, you can plant some of the ingredients yourself and brew them in hot water. Otherwise, you can visit your local health shop, or even the health food shelf of your favorite supermarket and invest in a sleep tea.
The most popular herbs to make a soothing nighttime drink for yourself include chamomile, mint, lavender, lemon balm, hops, cardamom and rose petals. Add a drop of honey for sweetness or a little bit of lemon for sourness. These herbs are all known for their relaxing and stress-reducing properties and can usually be found in combination in different teas.
Natural sleep supplements
Using a supplement with natural sedative and calming effects is one of the safest ways to get a better night’s rest. Natural sleep supplements usually contain herbs like valerian root, hops, passionflower or green tea extract (l-theanine). These supplements should be taken at least half an hour before bedtime so that they have time to get to work. Natural sleep supplements are usually a safe alternative with minimal side-effects to help you relax and fall asleep.
Essential oils
Essential oils are one of nature’s best gifts. Not only do they smell lovely, they also have certain health properties that can help you relax and sleep better. Incorporating an essential oil into your sleep routine is so easy. You can add a few drops to your bath or use it in a diffuser or burner. Add a drop or two to the palm of your hands and rub them together before slowly bringing your hands to your face to smell the fragrance and give your temples a gentle massage.
The best essential oils to help you relax and improve your sleep is lavender, chamomile, bergamot, sweet marjoram, sandalwood, ylang ylang, jasmine and peppermint. Always remember, one drop of essential oil can go a long way, you don’t need the whole bottle.
You can implement one of these remedies before bed, or all of them as part of your sleep routine. You will soon find that there is a healthy and natural way to get a better night’s rest, with a little bit of help from mother nature.