The world seems to be speeding up these days with the fast-paced changes in information technology. Every day and every hour, there are new information to discover, and to catch them all, it feels like sleeping is a waste of time. But sleeping is essential to our body. Every human being is required to sleep because sleep is considered a means to recover from the activities that happen in our lives in a day. Sleep is also necessary because it helps in maintaining the normal levels of our cognitive skills, from speech, to innovation, to thinking adaptably.

Sleep control inflammation, a condition that is commonly linked to major diseases, such as cardiovascular problems, diabetes and arthritis. Researches have shown that people who are sleeping less have higher amounts of C-reactive protein, a substance that causes inflammation. And since sleep sharpens the attention, there are fewer cases of accidents that occur during waking hours since decision making and reaction time is enhanced with enough sleep. It is therefore recommended to attain better sleep.

But there are people who are suffering from inability to sleep well. Most of them are suffering from stress brought about by day to day living. In order for them to achieve sleep, they are turning to every possible means, such as sleeping pills. But taking medicines made of chemicals have more dangerous side-effects to the body. These days, other means to curb insomnia are being studied. One of which is the use of herbal teas. There have been various anecdotes proving that the following herbal teas are helpful in getting better sleep. No matter what, one may want to try how they affect your system.

1. Valerian

   Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is perennial plant that blooms during summer and produces either pink or white flowers that are sweetly scented. The extracts oft eh flower have long been used as perfume. But in pharmacology, the roots of the plant are being used as a dietary supplement that has anti-anxiety and sedative effect. Valerian in capsule form is made of macerated, grounded and dehydrated Valerian roots. There are various compounds that are found to contain in Valerian: actinidine, isovaleric acid, isovaleramide, hesperidin, valerinic acid and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

   According to basic research studies, the components of Valerian have an effect on the GABA receptor sites, which stimulates rest and relaxation and diminishes anxiety levels. In an investigation made by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), there is a growing rate of Valerian users and doctors are concerned about this because of the various adverse effects of taking uncontrolled amounts of Valerian, especially in the form of tea. Aside from dizziness and drowsiness, allergic reactions may also result. The sleep doctors therefore recommend that those who are planning to take Valerian tea for sleeping problems should consult their doctors first.

2. Chamomile

   There have been several accounts that chamomile tea can induce sleep. Chamomile is actually like a daisy, and it comes from Asteraceae family. There are various species of chamomile but the one being used frequently as tea is Matricaria recutita, or the blue chamomile. For many centuries, chamomile has been used as a therapy for anxiety and it has exhibited how effective it is for the said purpose. In Russia, the plant has been used also for those suffering from insomnia, the inability to sleep. According to Dr. Paul Anderson of Seattle’s Bastyr University, chamomile tea can help calm the nerves that will therefore lead to diminish feelings of anxiety. In the research made in England, they found out that the glycine in German chamomile tea acts as a nerve relaxant in many of its subjects. Interestingly, chamomile is also an effective pain killer for mild pains. So for those who cannot sleep well due to pain, taking chamomile tea is just like hitting two birds in one stone.

3. Motherwort

   Horticulturists call motherwort as Leonurus cardiaca. Motherwort is also known by some as Throw-wort, Lion’s Tail or Lion’s Ear. It is a perennial plant from the mint family. For many years, motherwort has been used in Asia, Central Europe and North America for mothers who have uterine problems, and so the name. According to studies, the plant contains a mild vasodilator called leonurine which can help relax the smooth muscles in the body, such as the uterus and the muscles supporting the lungs. In Chinese medicine, those who have irregular menstrual flow due to anxiety and stress seem to do well with a few dose of Motherwort tea.

4. Catnip

   Catnip is specie of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Catnip, or Nepeta cataria, is also called catswort or catmint. The name is perhaps due to the behavioral changes the cat exhibits when it ingested this plant. When cats consume the plant, the cat experiences sleepiness, drooling, or anxiety. If humans take catnip as tea, they also have the numbing effect, just like in cats. Catnip is considered as a mild tranquilizer and sedative. For those with migraine, taking catnip makes them rest well. It is said that the compound called nepetalactone causes the hyperactive effect in cat and that sedative effect in humans. Interestingly, there is a study showing that catnip oil can repel mosquitoes and cockroaches, according to entomologists Chris Peterson, PhD and Joel Coats, PhD of the Iowa State University entomology department. So for those suffering from sleeplessness due to mosquitoes, not only will catnip tea will lull you to sleep, but the catnip oil can also shoo away the nasty mosquitoes that bother you to sleep.

5. Lemon Balm

   Melissa officinalis is the scientific name of lemon balm. In the Middle Ages, it has been used to calm nerves, to reduce anxiety and to induce sleepiness. There have been several studies conducted nowadays showing that lemon balm is indeed beneficial for those suffering from insomnia. The plant is also being used to calm the nerves, especially for those who are suffering from mild anxiety. Lemon balm is another specie of the mint family and is native in Europe, particularly the Mediterranean region. According to its chemical studies, the potent compound that helps with sleep problems is the GABA transaminase. The rosmarinic acid found in lemon balm inhibits the activity of the neurotransmitter thereby causing sleepiness and relaxation.

Sources
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livestrong.com
sciencedaily.com
livestrong.com
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