Rest & Relaxation
Sleepy & Calm
Family-friendly herbal formula
Herbal Remedies for a Better Night’s Sleep
In today’s fast-paced world, finding restful sleep can feel like a challenge. Whether it’s stress, an overactive mind, or just a busy schedule, many people struggle to get the quality sleep their bodies need to function optimally. Fortunately, nature has provided us with gentle, effective herbs that promote relaxation and support a peaceful night's sleep. Today, we’ll explore three calming herbs (skullcap, chamomile, and lemon balm) that can help both adults and children drift off more easily and wake up feeling refreshed.
1. Skullcap: Easing an Overactive Mind
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a powerful yet gentle herb often used to calm an overactive mind, making it an excellent ally for those who struggle with racing thoughts at bedtime. It’s particularly useful for people who experience restlessness or anxiety that keeps them awake long after they’ve laid down to sleep.
Skullcap is known to have sedative properties, helping to relax the nervous system and promote deeper, more restorative sleep. It can also be beneficial for those who deal with nervous tension or who have trouble switching off after a long day.
How to Use It: You can find skullcap in various forms, including teas, tinctures, or glycerites. A small dose before bed can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to drift into a restful slumber.
2. Chamomile: The Classic Calming Herb
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) has been a go-to herbal remedy for centuries, thanks to its gentle calming properties. It’s widely recognized for its ability to soothe not only the nervous system but also the digestive system, making it an excellent herb for both adults and children who need help winding down in the evening.
Chamomile’s mild sedative effects make it a popular choice for those looking to relax before bed. It helps reduce anxiety, ease muscle tension, and promote a sense of calm, which are all essential for restful sleep.
How to Use It: Chamomile tea is a favorite nighttime beverage, but it’s also available in tincture or glycerite form for more concentrated doses. Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea about an hour before bed, or add a few drops of a glycerite formula to your child’s drink for a soothing bedtime ritual.
3. Lemon Balm: A Gentle Relaxant for Mind and Body
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is another calming herb that helps ease stress, anxiety, and sleeplessness. With its mild lemony scent and taste, it’s a pleasant herb to incorporate into a nighttime routine for the entire family.
Lemon balm is particularly effective for those who experience restless sleep due to stress or mild anxiety. It has been shown to calm the nervous system and can help promote a state of relaxation without leaving you feeling groggy in the morning. For children who are overstimulated or anxious at bedtime, lemon balm can be a gentle and effective remedy.
How to Use It: Lemon balm can be taken as a tea, tincture, or glycerite. A warm lemon balm tea before bed can soothe frazzled nerves and help ease you into sleep.
Creating a Calming Bedtime Routine
In addition to incorporating calming herbs into your nighttime routine, creating a consistent and relaxing bedtime ritual can help signal to your body that it’s time for sleep. Here are a few tips:
Turn off screens at least an hour before bed to reduce exposure to blue light, which can interfere with melatonin production.
Create a peaceful environment by dimming the lights, playing soothing music, or using essential oils like lavender to set the mood for relaxation.
Wind down with an herbal tea or a tincture/glycerite formula about 30 minutes before bed to allow the herbs to start working.
“Calm” infused oil blend
“Calm” infused oil blend is a topical formula that complements “Sleepy & Calm” perfectly!
Herbal Sleep Support for the Whole Family
One of the great things about herbs like skullcap, chamomile, and lemon balm is that they are gentle enough to be used by the whole family. For children who may experience difficulty sleeping, creating a calming bedtime routine that includes these herbs can help promote restful sleep without the need for stronger interventions.
Herbal glycerites, in particular, are an excellent option for kids. They are alcohol-free and have a sweet taste, making them more palatable for little ones. For example, my “Sleepy & Calm” glycerite contains lemon balm, chamomile, and skullcap—perfect for helping kids settle down at night in a safe, gentle way.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining health and well-being, and herbs can offer a natural, non-habit-forming solution for those struggling with restlessness, anxiety, or stress at bedtime. Skullcap, chamomile, and lemon balm are three of my favorite herbs to use when looking for relaxation and better sleep, for both adults and children.
If you’re interested in trying herbal sleep remedies or have any questions about how to incorporate them into your routine, I offer personalized herbal consultations to help you find the right herbs for your needs. Whether you need support for yourself or your family, I’m here to help you rest easy and wake up refreshed.