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Are you having trouble getting to sleep? To fall more easily into the arms of Morpheus, you can set up small rituals in the evening. Consuming this drink is one of them.
In the evening when it’s time to go to bed, there are those who fall asleep quickly and others who struggle to fall asleep. If this alteration in the quality of your sleep is temporary, you can rely on plants to help you.
Chamomile tea will help you fall asleep
For this, you can prepare chamomile tea. “Cousin of the daisy to which it closely resembles, it belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is easily recognized by its small, beautiful light green leaves and its flower heads with bright yellow centers and white petals (or ligules), which give off a pleasant scent. Sylvie Hampikian, pharmacologist expert in herbal medicine, explained to us in a previous article.
In herbal medicine, the plant is known to make it easier to fall asleep, but also to better manage a period of stress or ensure good digestion. Chamomile owes its effects on sleep “to the flavonoids it contains, in particular apigenin, known for its sedative effect” further specifies the expert. A meta-analysis published in 2016 confirms these effects, showing that the plant improved the quality of our sleep.
Other plants also help you sleep better
Besides chamomile, other plants are known for their sleep benefits. This is passionflower, which also has an action on anxiety and nervous agitation, in addition to insomnia according to the World Health Organization.
Valerian, lavender or eschscholtzia, also called California poppy, are recommended for peaceful nights.
Consult a doctor online for your sleep problems
Chamomile is a plant that is easily found in stores or from an herbalist. It is preferable to buy it organic, in order to avoid consuming pesticides.
Although chamomile is a widespread plant, be careful because it is “contraindicated for people with asthma and allergies to Compositae (Asteraceae) pollen” specifies Sylvie Hampikian. And in the event of an overdose, be aware that it can also be responsible for nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
To prepare a herbal tea, you will need to infuse 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in 1/2 liter of boiling water. Then take a cup two hours before going to bed, and another 30 minutes before. Good night !