Here is a list of natural herbs that are known to relax the nervous system and induce sleep. A complete “Insomnia Herbs” collection to use as herbal teas, infusions or in your bath to help correct the imbalances and restore sleep.
Herbs can be taken alone but are usually found in “ready-made” combinations in pills and tea bags. Some you can take during the day too.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnate)
Passionflower is one of the best tranquilizing herbs for sleep problems, because it is both a sedative and antispasmodic. It relieves pain, relaxes tensions in the muscles and clams the nerve system. Passionflower also has “cooling” proprieties, it treats what causes our bodies to get too hot. It is also used to treat dry coughs.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian is used as a sedative and antihypertensive. It Improves deep sleep (stage 3 and 4 of your sleep) and does not cause daytime sleepiness. It is more popular in the form of a pill because of the smell… It is said to smell like garbage ! Valerian is the strongest of the “insomnia herbs” so it should be taken for occasional insomnia and before bedtime only.
Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
Chamomile is gentle, so you can use in the daytime. It is used for anxiety, indigestion, inflammation and it eases digestion too
Hops (Humulus lupulus)
Hops is recommended for insomnia related to anxiety and tension. It can relieve headaches and indigestion. Do not take during pregnancy. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of hops combined with Valerian. Can be taken as a capsule or a hot tea
It is also one of the main ingredients in beer, but I am mentioning this as a fun fact – please don’t think that bear will help you sleep !
see my article on alcohol and insomnia to read about the effects of alcohol on your sleep
Lavender
Lavender is also popular for its calming virtues and pleasant smell. It is mostly used in aromatherapy, but can also be infused.
Many other herbs are used to restore sleep naturally:
Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscipula)
Californian Poppy (Eschscholtzia Californica)
Lemon Balm
Oats
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Wild Lettuce
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)