Insomnia is a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. According to the Mayo Clinic, insomnia can cause you to wake up feeling unrefreshed and may affect your ability to perform your daily tasks. Most people need about eight hours of sleep each night to wake up feeling well rested and refreshed; however, stress, anxiety and worry can lead to insomnia. Herbal teas such as those made with passionflower, German chamomile and valerian may help induce sleep when consumed before you go to bed. Speak with your doctor before drinking herbal teas to treat insomnia.
German Chamomile
German chamomile is used to treat digestive disorders, mild infections and skin conditions. In the United States, the most common use of German chamomile is to treat insomnia; however, most studies have been conducted on animals and show that low doses help relieve anxiety and increased doses promote sleep, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. To make a relaxing and soothing chamomile tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 3 heaping tablespoons of dried herb or fresh flowers and steep for 15 minutes and drink up to 45 minutes before bed.
Valerian
Valerian has been used to treat insomnia for many years. Though valerian has calming effects that may help induce sleep, studies are limited as to the herb's effectiveness, and it has also been associated with liver damage, according to the Mayo Clinic. The UMMC suggests making a relaxing tea one to two hours before bedtime by pouring 1 cup of boiling water over 3 g of dried root and allow it to stand for 10 minutes. If you suffer from liver disease or any condition relating to your liver, speak with your doctor before using valerian.
Passionflower
Passionflower is another herb that has calming and relaxing properties that is used to induce sleep. In addition, passionflower has been used to treat nerve pain, hysteria and cramps. Passionflower is often combined with other calming herbs such as valerian as its effects alone are not as strong as valerian's, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Passionflower tea can be made by adding 2 g of dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Allow the tea to cool, strain and drink an hour before bed.
Warnings
Certain herbs may have adverse reactions if used in conjunction with some medications. Always speak with your doctor before using home remedies with herbs to treat insomnia or any health condition. Women who may be pregnant or breastfeeding should not use herbs.
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