Calming tea before bed: useful herbs and important tips. Tea and herbs for good sleep

Stress and overwork become constant companions of modern man. Sometimes, from fatigue, it seems to a person that it is worth freezing for a second, and he will immediately fall asleep standing upright. But it was not there. A hard day ends with restless tossing in bed. Saving sleep does not come, instead of resting a person, painful insomnia lies in wait. How to break this vicious circle? What other factors can cause insomnia? And can the “natural pharmacy” offer any decoctions for sleep, recipes, methods of preparing potions that promote a calm and sound sleep? Answers to these and some other questions may be of interest to many readers.

What is insomnia

The scientific name for insomnia is insomnia. This problem is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, superficial and interrupted sleep, and excessively early awakening. As a result of insomnia, a person does not have time to restore strength during the night, and in the morning he feels tired and overwhelmed. During the day, it is very difficult for him to overcome drowsiness, as a result, his performance decreases, and irritability increases. Many begin to uncontrollably take drugs for insomnia, not realizing that it is too dangerous. For starters, it is better to try drinking herbs for sleep.

Main causes of insomnia

To deal with insomia, it is necessary to establish its causes. The following problems have been identified that can cause insomnia:

1. Non-compliance (uncomfortable bed, wrong pillow, lack of fresh air, poorly closed curtains).
2. Anxiety and restless states (the habit of self-digging and thinking about problems before going to bed, stress).
3. Diseases of the nervous system (mental disorders, neuroses, brain injuries, neuroinfections).
4. Violation of the diet (overeating in the evening or an acute feeling of hunger).
5. Failure of the biological rhythm (clock change, crossing time zones, and so on).
6. Enuresis, snoring, manifestations of restless leg syndrome (conditions that cause discomfort and prevent deep sleep).
7. Age.
8. Heredity.

Of course, you will not be able to eliminate such a reason as age. But even in this case, you can take herbs for sleep, which will help eliminate insomnia.

"Natural pharmacy": valerian

Every pharmacy sells an alcoholic infusion of valerian or tablets. But this plant can be grown in the backyard or in the country. There is no need to create any special conditions. But you will always have at hand a sufficient amount of dried horses of a plant that contains saponins and alkaloids. These substances have a calming and hypnotic effect when taking this herb for sleep.

Like many other drugs, valerian preparations become toxic when the dosage is exceeded. Therefore, it is necessary to adhere to the recipe. To make an infusion, you need to measure a tablespoon of crushed (fresh or dried) and pour boiling water (200 ml). Leave the remedy for 15 minutes, and strain it. The infusion can be added to tea or just take 1 tbsp. spoon three times a day. It reduces anxiety and promotes restful sleep.

Decoction of pumpkin pulp

Pumpkin has many useful properties, it is also included in folk remedies for sound sleep. Recipes for pumpkin decoctions are absolutely simple. The product is non-toxic and can be used for a long time. Warm pumpkin broth with honey is prescribed even for children over 3 years old.

According to the recipe, the pumpkin should be cleaned and washed, then rub 250 g of pulp on a coarse grater and transfer to an enamel pan. This amount of pumpkin will require 1 liter of water. The mass should be brought to a boil, and removed from the stove. Then let it brew for 35-40 minutes, 100 g of the product should be taken in the evening, about an hour before lights out. For children, the dosage is reduced to 50 g. The action of the decoction begins from 3-4 days of admission.

Peony

Among the huge variety of varieties and types of peony, there is one that is used to prepare a natural remedy for insomnia. This is an evasive peony, which is popularly called marina like other herbs for good sleep with insomnia, has several useful qualities. A decoction of it helps to reduce various phobias, eliminates neurasthenia, improves the vascular system, and eliminates hypochondria.

The recipe is a little more complicated and will require time and concentration. You will need 60 g of crushed roots and 600 g of boiling water. It is necessary to fill it with boiling water so that the marin root continues to boil as quickly as possible. The broth should boil quietly until the liquid in the pan decreases in volume by 3 times. The remaining 200 ml is filtered and cooled. The drug is taken strictly before bedtime. The period of admission can be 30-40 days, then you need a break. The use of this herb for sleep in children is not recommended. Reception of decoctions from the Mary root is very useful, but requires certain precautions.

Motherwort

Motherwort does not cause any particular concern, since we get acquainted with this herb from early childhood. Decoctions and infusions of motherwort are recommended as a sedative for newborns. In this case, healing herbs for good sleep are added to the water when bathing babies.

And for adults, and is prescribed not only for insomnia, but also as a sedative for increased excitability, palpitations and hypertension. A decoction of motherwort is prepared in the following way: dry grass (2 tablespoons) is diluted with a glass of boiling water and infused until completely cooled. Two reception options are allowed. Either a tablespoon three times a day, or 2 tablespoons at bedtime. The infusion can be drunk on its own or added to tea.

Mint and Melissa

Peppermint and lemon balm are sleep herbs that have a mild effect. Means based on these herbs are prescribed even for newborns. A little infusion can be added to drinking water for young children. An infusion is prepared from two teaspoons of herbs and a glass of boiling water. You can drink both warm and cold. Adults add a little honey to cold mint or lemon balm for taste. Small children should not add honey, it can cause allergies.

Mint, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian can be packed in fabric bags and placed near the pillow. The aroma of these herbs also has a calming effect.

Common hop

When wondering what herbs to drink for sound sleep, people often forget about hops. In this case, however, we are not talking about the plant itself, but about its fruits, that is, hop cones. The essential oils in the cones have a sedative and hypnotic effect. In addition to insomnia, hop infusions are taken for renal colic, arterial hypertension, convulsions, cardioneurosis and menopause. To prepare an infusion from insomnia from hop cones is ridiculously simple: a tablespoon of cones is immersed in a glass of boiling water, covered with a lid and kept for 3 hours. You need to take this remedy 50 ml 3 times a day.

Do not forget that in many cases it is necessary to consult a doctor. If insomnia persists, be sure to contact the clinic for advice.

Everyone knows about the importance of a full-fledged healthy sleep for the body. Sleep is necessary to replenish energy, to restore the body, and therefore people deprived of this natural need face serious diseases, ranging from nervous disorders to heart problems. And last but not least, a full 8-hour sleep supports the endocrine system, protecting against hormonal disruptions that invariably lead to weight gain.

It turns out that sleep problems and attempts to sleep for 4-5 hours a day interfere with weight loss and even contribute to weight gain! Moreover, scientists have found a direct correlation between chronic lack of sleep not only with the development of obesity, but also with diabetes.

Hormonal imbalance and its effect on weight

In our body, two hormones are produced that are most directly related to sleep and body weight - ghrelin and leptin. Ghrelin stimulates appetite, while leptin, on the contrary, gives the brain a satiety signal and stimulates the burning of accumulated fat reserves. If a person does not suffer from sleep disorders, these hormones are in balance and do not pose a threat to health, but as soon as insomnia and lack of sleep come into your measured life, problems with figure and health begin. In the case of an increase in the production of ghrelin, the synthesis of leptin decreases, which causes the so-called "night zhor".

But ghrelin and leptin are not the only hormones involved in weight gain. The adrenal glands secrete the equally important hormone cortisol, which regulates blood sugar levels and therefore prevents the development of diabetes, strengthens the body's immune defenses and controls the accumulation of fat.

Typically, cortisol levels rise in the early morning to wake us up and drop in the evening to help us fall asleep. In addition, the level of the hormone rises sharply in case of unrest and stress, and in a calm environment it gradually returns to normal. However, a modern person is faced with stressful situations almost constantly, and even at home, watching the news, is stressed. It is not surprising that cortisol in such a situation simply does not have time to return to normal in time and the person does not get enough sleep. Moreover, lack of sleep in itself is a stress for the body, which means that the situation will worsen from day to day, and this will affect not only the state of the human nervous system, but also its weight.

Did you know about it? If not, then urgently review your work and rest schedule by starting to devote at least 8 hours of sleep a day. It is true to take, and at one moment to change the mode of rest and sleep is not so easy. But there is a way out!

Drinks will come to the rescue that will help you sleep soundly throughout the night and even lose weight in your sleep! Do you think it's unrealistic? Here are some arguments that will convince you otherwise.

Water and weight loss - how it works

First, let's take a look at water, which has no calories, and therefore is the most useful liquid for weight loss. Water improves well-being, maintains the tone of the body, and therefore stimulates physical activity. And movement is not only life, but also a beautiful figure. Water activates the lymphatic system, helping to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins, and stimulating the activity of the liver and kidneys, water helps to remove metabolic products from the body, which has a beneficial effect on the condition of the figure (and skin). Finally, drinking a glass of water between meals, we get rid of the feeling of hunger, which means we do not overeat.

True, water “works” only if you use it 1.5–2 liters per day, while watching your diet and maintaining physical activity. When these recommendations are not followed, water loses its "magical" properties.

And now let's look at 7 wonderful drinks that help improve sleep, thereby restoring the hormonal balance in the body, and activate the process of losing weight.

7 drinks for good sleep and weight loss

Whole milk has 3.2% fat, which is too much for weight loss. We are interested in skim milk, because it contains a lot of calcium and tryptophan, which contribute to rapid falling asleep and relieve insomnia. But there is another important component in milk - protein, or rather casein, which it contains about 80%. When ingested, casein forms clots with fats, which are then broken down into amino acids. Thanks to this process, the muscles throughout the night will receive building material for muscle growth.

Will it help us lose weight? This process has almost no direct effect on fat burning, but with an increase in muscle mass, the body will burn more calories. Thus, a glass of skim milk, drunk with a dietary dinner, will contribute to the acquisition of a slim figure, but only if you exercise regularly.

2. Ginger tea with lemon

Green tea contains caffeine, which means it stimulates the nervous system. In this regard, it is not safe to drink it immediately before bedtime, it is better to have a tea party 3 hours before bedtime. However, caffeine is very useful for weight loss, because it stimulates metabolic processes in the body. In combination with catechins, which increase the production of heat by the body, calorie consumption increases, which means that a person loses weight.

But the benefits of green tea can be doubled if you add ½ tsp to the tea leaves. ginger powder, and then squeeze a slice of lemon there. It has been proven that the gingerol component present in the ginger root not only rejuvenates the body and prevents aging, but also prevents the accumulation of fat in the body. And together with lemon juice, ginger significantly enhances metabolism, so that the process of fat breakdown is much faster. True, here it must be borne in mind that the maximum benefit from this drink can be obtained if you combine it with a low-calorie diet and sufficient physical activity.

3. Kefir

Kefir is an ideal drink for those who want to get rid of extra pounds. True, for this it is important to comply with several conditions. Firstly, this should be a fat-free product that will not add extra fat to you, and secondly, in order to notice the result of losing weight, you need to drink such a drink for several months. Moreover, ideally, kefir should not be combined with a light dinner, but should be replaced with dinner.

Unlike water or tea, which are quickly absorbed in the body, kefir envelops the walls of the stomach, thanks to which it retains a feeling of satiety for a long time, protecting it from “raids” on the refrigerator. In addition, kefir is an ideal product for restoring the normal intestinal microflora, and the normal functioning of the intestine allows you to fully break down fats without storing them in the form of fatty tissue. By the way, the benefits of kefir can be increased by adding ½ tsp to a glass. cinnamon. Let's also not forget that, like milk, kefir is a source of protein, and therefore is simply necessary for people involved in the gym.

4. Grape juice

Many are skeptical of grape juice, and all because it contains quite a lot of sugar. In addition, unlike the grape itself, its juice does not contain valuable fiber and seeds rich in unique elements. However, if you want to lose weight, replace your dinner with a small glass (150 ml) of natural grape juice. Once in the body, this drink will stimulate the process of burning fat, and all thanks to the unique antioxidant resveratrol, which is rich in grapes. This component has the ability to convert white fat to brown, which is much more actively involved in metabolic processes, which means it is better broken down.

5. Chamomile tea

If you're having trouble sleeping, which later turns into extra pounds, it makes sense to consider a soothing drink before bed. Herbal teas, in particular chamomile tea, are great for this. Drinking tea, in which, in addition to tea leaves, chamomile flowers have been added, you will get a drink that increases the level of glycine in the blood. And glycine is an excellent remedy that relaxes the brain and muscles, helping a person fall asleep quickly and sleep soundly.

If we talk directly about the breakdown of fat, then chamomile tea, like tea with St. John's wort or wild rose, will "work" in the same way as pure water, i.e. only in combination with diet and exercise. That is why it is better to stop on this drink for people who experience difficulties associated with sleep.

6. Soy protein shake

Soy is another useful product that many people undeservedly ignore. It turns out that soy, whether it's milk or protein powder, contains a valuable amino acid called tryptophan. When ingested, tryptophan activates the production of the hormone melatonin, which promotes healthy sound sleep, and also reduces the production of the “stress hormone” cortisol, thereby helping to fight the accumulation of fat in the abdomen.

Like the drinks listed above, soy shake only works great when paired with exercise and a healthy diet. And if you decide to use a soy protein shake for sound sleep and weight loss, do not forget to add Greek yogurt to it. Thanks to this, your muscles will receive the necessary portion of the milk protein necessary for muscle growth after training.

7. Natural coconut water

In order to pleasantly relax in the evening and fall asleep soundly, the human body needs magnesium. This amazing mineral takes part in almost every process that occurs in the body. It is responsible for muscle contraction, which means that a person could not take a step, or even raise an eyebrow, without magnesium in his body. This macroelement also affects the nervous system. With frequent awakenings at night, as well as problems with falling asleep and night cramps, you should immediately think about a magnesium deficiency. If the above problems are combined with uncontrolled weight gain, try drinking a glass of natural coconut water an hour before bedtime. This drink is a generous source of magnesium, and it also contains B vitamins, which help to normalize the nervous system.

Such a drink does not directly burn fat, but given that 100 g of it contains only 19 calories, we can confidently say that by replacing dinner with it, you can quickly put your figure in order.

At the end of the article, I would like to say that losing weight in a dream is by no means a myth. Each of us can get this amazing result, you just need to show willpower by eating right, playing sports and drinking drinks every night for sleep and weight loss.
Good night!

Some people have problems sleeping and use sleeping pills that normalize the night's rest, but they have a detrimental effect on the brain and the person gradually gets used to these drugs. After sleeping pills during the day, lethargy, dizziness, drowsiness and dry mouth are often observed, these side effects can cause many problems. Therefore, experts do not recommend immediately using sleeping pills at the initial stage of insomnia. It is much better to use a soothing tea before bedtime, which will reduce irritability and anxiety, and normalize sleep.

Benefits of herbs for sleep disorders

Herbal tea compares favorably with sleeping pills in that it does not cause addiction and addiction, moreover, even if you use herbal tea for several weeks, you are unlikely to experience any side effects. Although the calming composition will not give an instant effect, however, if it is used regularly, the nervous system will normalize, insomnia will pass and the general condition of the person will improve. Soothing drinks from natural plants not only normalize sleep, but also:

• reduce the excitability of the human nervous system;
• promote the removal of toxins from the body;
• improve brain activity;
• cure various inflammations;
• participate in blood purification;
• improve the immune system.

Adults can use many teas for good sleep without a doctor's prescription. Natural preparations, including flowers, roots, fruits and herbs, contain many vitamins, microelements, alkaloids and essential oils, thanks to which sleep problems are eliminated, because all components quickly penetrate into the circulatory system. Natural formulations do not lead to drowsiness in the morning and during the day, moreover, they have a minimum of contraindications. If a person has an increased sensitivity to certain components of the collection, then allergic manifestations may be observed.

Plants that help you sleep well

Specialists have conducted many clinical trials, experiments, and have proven that many herbs help improve sleep. People who used soothing decoctions noticed that they began to react more calmly to various external stimuli, their internal tension disappeared, and sleep returned to normal. The following plants have sedative and hypnotic properties:

• Valerian has been known and popular for a very long time, as it has a calming effect. Valerian roots contain various alkaloids and isovaleric acid, they help eliminate headaches, spasms, migraines, nervousness and insomnia;
• hop inflorescences are rich in lupilin, this substance normalizes the central nervous system, improves nighttime rest and reduces pain;
• mint contains menthol and isovaleric acid. You can brew flowers, stems and leaves of this plant. Mint can be used as a sedative and vasodilator drink. Peppermint tea for good sleep should be drunk three times a day, one glass each;
• oregano is rich in flavonoids, which have a beneficial effect on the circulatory system, relieve pain and spasms, and also act as a sleeping pill. Oregano can be added to herbal tea for sound sleep, thanks to this the drink will acquire a spicy, very pleasant aroma;
• thyme contains various substances that improve the circulatory system of the brain, act on the body as a sedative, reduce irritability, neutralize headaches, restore normal sleep and good functioning of nerve cells;
• Ivan-tea or fireweed is a medicinal plant. Its roots, flowers and leaves contain many vitamins and other valuable components. Ivan-tea normalizes sleep, eliminates the effects of excessive agitation, migraine, stress and strong nervous stress. Herbal tea from this plant helps to sleep well and feel cheerful in the morning;
• lemon balm contains linalol, this substance is found in the leaves and tops of lemon balm, it has a calming and relaxing effect. Soothing tea from this herb not only improves night sleep, but also refreshes and invigorates well;
• passionflower has a sedative, hypnotic effect on the body, it is added to many medicines and herbal preparations. It contains many useful alkaloids and flavonoids that eliminate anxiety and various worries, have a positive effect on the state of the nervous system;
• motherwort is a light natural hypnotic that speeds up falling asleep, eliminates neurasthenia, nervousness, vegetovascular dystonia and depression;
• St. John's wort is used to cure all kinds of diseases. Herbal preparations are made from it, this plant in its pure form calms and relaxes a person, improves falling asleep;
• lavender acts as a hypnotic and sedative, soothing tea from it quickly normalizes sleep;
• Marin root or peony is very useful for the body, it eliminates spasms of blood vessels and organs, convulsions.

Methods for brewing herbal drinks

Optionally, you can brew either one or several herbal ingredients. It is advisable to drink the herbal collection every day for a month in the evening. If there is a strong nervousness and irritability, you need to take a drink three times a day.

Herbal decoctions are best done in porcelain, clay or glass dishes, the dishes must be covered with a towel. Experts agree that it is better to use not one component, but several different plants. In addition to all the above herbs, you can also use sage, hawthorn, linden blossoms, chamomile and blackberry leaves, all of which have a sedative effect and lead to a normal night's rest. Lemon and honey can be added if desired.

Important! First you need to drink a little decoction, and check if there is an allergic reaction.

For brewing, you can use the following recipes:

• pour a glass of boiling water over mint and lemon balm, which you need to take in a teaspoon, leave for 15 minutes;
• two tablespoons of hop cones pour 250 ml of boiling water, you can mix hops with valerian;
• steam lavender flowers with a glass of boiling water, pour out the water after 2 minutes, then pour boiling water again, leave for 5 minutes;
• half a teaspoon of peony roots pour 400 ml of hot water, leave for 20 minutes. Decoction to drink a day, preferably taken 30 minutes before meals, you can with honey.

If there is no desire to brew various plants on your own, then you can buy ready-made herbs in bags at the pharmacy, for example, “7 herbs for sleep”. This 7 herbal sleep tea contains a variety of ground herbs, including African rooibos. This remedy is rich in trace elements and vitamins, strengthens the immune and nervous systems, and has a sedative effect. In pharmacies, there are many different natural remedies for normalizing night rest, for example, Sleep Formula, Relaxosan. In addition to decoctions, some make herbal pillows to help you sleep soundly.

If with the help of herbal teas it was not possible to improve sleep, you need to go to the hospital for help from a specialist.

Everyone has experienced sleep problems at least once in their life. But many of us suffer from insomnia on a regular basis. The reason for this is constant stress, addiction to caffeine, a sedentary lifestyle and a lack of daily routine. What to do if you need to get a good night's sleep before a responsible event, but you can't fall asleep? Healthy drinks will come to the rescue.

Mint tea

This fragrant herb is well known to all lovers of fresh breath. But did you know that a cup of mint tea at night is a great sleep aid? Mint relaxes the body, relieves fatigue and muscle pain. This component normalizes blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart. To make mint tea, take a small handful of prepared leaves, place in a saucepan and cover with hot water. Once the mixture comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Before drinking, strain the decoction and add a little honey to the cup. You will like this drink so much that you will consume it on a daily basis.

Chia seed infusion

Chia seeds are great for shedding extra pounds. They are also reliable helpers for all those who have problems with sleep. It's all about tryptophan, an aromatic amino acid that relieves stress and reduces anxiety. To prepare, you need to take one tablespoon of chia seeds, put in a glass and pour warm water. Cover the container with a lid and let it brew (you will see how they swell). To taste, you can put apple slices or berries in a mug.

Decoction of hop cones

Our next component will help you forget about sleep problems forever. Hop cones contain a substance called lupulin, which calms the central nervous system well. Even the ancient Chinese considered hop cones to be the best sleeping pills. They relax the muscles well and relieve fatigue. We warn you that the plant has a pronounced bitter taste, so it is better to prepare a decoction from a mixture of herbs.

Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is used by people with digestive problems. But even more famous are the sedative properties of the plant. This type of tea will help you relax in minutes. Also, chamomile perfectly fights inflammation (which is why it is drunk with a sore throat), lowers blood sugar and cholesterol levels. To prepare, take 2 teaspoons of chamomile flowers in a glass of water, brew like regular tea.

Valerian tea

The roots and flowers of valerian have been used to calm the nerves since ancient Greece. Today, many of us use tincture or tablets bought at a pharmacy to calm our nerves. Another good sedative is valerian tea. To prepare, take 2 teaspoons of the roots of the plant and pour boiling water over it. Insist 5 minutes.

The cause of the violations can be constant stress, prolonged depression or a disorder of the nervous system. First of all, you can try drinking herbal teas in courses. They have a calming effect, which has a beneficial effect on both active brain activity and rest. It is better to take such teas a few hours before bedtime.

Experts say that good tea is those infusions that contain fruits, flowers or herbs in their composition. After them, there should not be a state of excitement and activity, the tone should remain in a normal state, to some extent even decrease. Therefore, teas made from chamomile, rose petals of the Sudanese variety, and lemon balm leaves are a good option. You can also use dried herbs - for example, thyme.

The use of infusions in cycles or courses has a beneficial effect on the body. There is a feeling of peace and tranquility. A person begins to relax, however, this can happen already at the stage of preparing the infusion. The fact is that teas designed to activate sleep have a sedative effect.

Making your own tea before bed

To brew tea yourself, special skills or knowledge are not required. As well as free time. The total cooking time is five to seven minutes. Such a remedy as a relaxing tea is beneficial to prepare not only from the point of view of medicine, but also from the point of view of economy.
But do not forget about possible allergic reactions and edema. Before use, it is better to do a skin test and consult with specialists.




Chamomile tea. It will require the flowers of the plant. Can be used both dried and fresh. It is better to buy in a pharmacy. A tablespoon of the plant is scalded in boiled water. The infusion is left for half an hour. Then it is mixed with a black variety of regular tea. A spoonful of honey is added. and the composition is drunk.

Tea with wild rose and thyme. First, the prepared thyme is placed in a thermos, poured with boiling water and a spoonful of ordinary black tea is added. Rose hips fall asleep there. The infusion needs to stand in a secluded place for thirty minutes, after which a dessert spoon of honey is added to it. The tea mixes well and can be taken almost immediately.

Tea made from lemon balm. For cooking, you need the flowers of the plant. They are brewed in boiled water and infused for thirty minutes. Along with them, ordinary black leaf tea is prepared. Half an hour later, the two solutions are mixed. Optionally, a sweetener is added - sugar.

The Importance of Calming Tea

This tea affects the nervous system. He restores it, increases the duration of sleep, its quality. The sedative effects inherent in the drink will allow the body to relax and prevent insomnia.

Teas based on herbal decoctions help to cope with psychological disorders. These are stress, and depression, and poor health, and lethargy, and other factors.
The infusion promotes the functioning of the immune system, normalizes metabolic processes. Their wide spectrum of activity proves the benefits of plants, and quick preparation and availability increase the chance to improve health!