Trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Between 50 and 70 million adults in the U.S. alone suffer from lack of sleep and sleep disorders. The reasons vary; overstimulation, adrenal burnout, or prescription drugs are but a few causes for lack of sleep.
Stress, in particular, can affect our sleep in various ways. During stressful moments, it is especially hard to stick to our routines, care for ourselves, and fall (and stay) asleep at a reasonable hour. Luckily, herbs with sedative properties can help ease you into a restful sleep.
According to resident herbalist & contributing writer for The Alchemist’s Kitchen, Micaela Foley, herbs are arguably more effective than prescription sedatives. “Oftentimes taking medication to fall asleep can lead to next-day drowsiness, weird side effects like sleep paralysis, or eventual tolerance to and dependence on that medication.”
The experts at The Alchemist’s Kitchen have summarised some of their best recommendations on their herbal saviors for stress and sleep and are including an exclusive offer to take advantage of discounts on their remedy products. Use Code: WOMENSDAILY15 at checkout.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania Somnifera or Indian Ginseng, is an evergreen shrub that is found and cultivated in warm, dry climates like in parts of Africa and India. The root is the part most valued by herbalists and is said to possess an anti-inflammatory attribute that aids stress and muscle swelling.
According to a 2017 study, ashwagandha contains a compound called Triethylene glycol, responsible for sleep induction. The (study) states, “results clearly demonstrated that triethylene glycol is an active sleep-inducing component of Ashwagandha leaves and could potentially be useful for insomnia therapy.”
Most herbalists agree that ashwagandha rejuvenates and tonifies the endocrine and immune system. Herbalists also note that though its effects can be felt after a single use, like most adaptogens, it provides maximum benefit when taken in small doses over an extended period of time; most medical studies recommend between one and three months of supplementation. As a tonic herb with many beneficial actions, it may be taken regularly or daily for as long as necessary. Consult with a physician before taking ashwagandha, especially if you are taking other medications.
Plant Alchemy’s Organic Ashwagandha Root goes through a complex extraction process yielding powerful results of 500 mg per capsule. We love this for our daily regimen!
CBN
CBD has gained popularity over the years but its lesser-known sibling CBN was the first to be isolated around 1876 and was thought to hold the key to the sedative properties of the hemp plant. Many individuals that use CBN for sleep, report that they don’t have the next day grogginess associated with some over the counter options or supplements such as melatonin.
Consider Plant Alchemy’s Sleep Well CBD/CBN tincture, a carefully curated blend of Cannabinoids to help ease into a restful and deep sleep. Balances, Calms, and tastes like Rose petals & Coconut.
Passionflower
Traditionally, passionflower has been used to alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. In fact, it was a common herb in the 19th century to ease feelings of anxiety! As the Herbal Academy mentions, “Passionflower has the ability to slow breathing, allowing for deeper respirations while at the same time lowering the pulse and decreasing the blood pressure—three things that are common symptoms during panic attacks” (Ellingwood, 1919).
While mainly known for its nervine and sedative properties, passionflower can also help with withdrawal symptoms from opioid and benzodiazepine addictions. Some say this is because passionflower binds with the same receptor sites these drugs bind with, easing withdrawal symptoms, helping sleep, and soothing anxiety.
You can try passion flower in Anima Mundi’s Dream Elixir, an all-organic formula crafted to combat insomnia, promote deep sleep, and encourage lucid dreaming. The synergistic blend is composed of herbs that have been used by monks, shamans, and scientists for their deeply restorative properties on the hypothalamus – a pearl sized control center in the brain that directs the body’s most important functions.
Reishi
Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) has been celebrated as a healing ally & mushroom for over 2000 years in China and other parts of Asia.
Reishi is classified as an adaptogen, which aids the body in maintaining homeostasis through stabilizing stress-response. revealed the positive effects of its use on about 130 patients with neurasthenia and discovered the patient’s fatigue was reduced and well-being was improved after 8 weeks of fungi treatment. Reishi has also been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. Ideal for combatting stress, it is an excellent non-toxic option that can be taken consistently over long periods of time while balancing your physical and mental health.
Find comfort in this Harmony Tincture by The Medicinal Mushroom Company. Containing potent Reishi and Oyster Mushroom extracts, along with adaptogenic Ashwagandha and soothing Lavender, this spagyric tincture supports optimal cell absorption and nervine equilibrium. It not only eases stress and tension, but it also helps promote mental clarity, digestive strength and a better night’s sleep.
Good quality sleep is crucial to staying healthy – in mind, body, and spirit. Head on over to The Alchemist’s Kitchen’s Wisdom Blog to learn about more herbal allies for Stress and Sleep. Remember, to take advantage of savings by using the code: WOMENSDAILY15 on all products at The Alchemist’s Kitchen.