12 Herbal Teas for 2023 Winter Bed Time ills.

 

Bed time herbal teas have become increasingly popular in recent times. So what’s so special about these teas, this 2023 Winter?

For one they don’t contain caffeine, and two they are herbal or Ayurveda teas and not true teas. True teas all contain caffeine and give you energy and vitality. You don’t need these two things towards bedtime , more so in winters. Herbal teas are a beverage that has an edge over coffee or other energy drinks.

While most herbs are generally recognized as safe, they may also come with their own limitations. For example Diuretic herbs, need to be taken with care. We always recommend  you to take advice from your physician or trained professional or do some preliminary research before starting a new herbal teas.

During winters we tend to eat heavier meals, are less active, have more digestive issues and cold and coughs, than in summer or spring. All the cold and stressful lives - both psychological and physical (example arthritis or joint pains) can lead to insomnia and lack of sleep. Herbal teas can be a good escape during evenings after a stressful or a busy day. Herbal teas can be made delicious with a drop of honey, agave or maple syrup.

A famous quote of William Gladstone is:

“Tea is something:

If you are cold, it warms you,

If you are overheated, it cools you,

If you are depressed, it cheers you, and

if you are excited,it calms you”.

A cup of tea on a chilly night can feel like a hug in a blanket.

Here are a Dozen (12) Ayurveda Herbal teas that can relax you, and give you a restful night and quality sleep.

1.Hawthorn Berry tea:

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is a centuries-old herbal remedy for insomnia and anxiety.  It's also called the heart tea. Drinking hawthorn tea before bed can help you relax, drift off to sleep more quickly and give you a better quality sleep.This tea may calm your nervous system and promote relaxation.

Some studies have also shown that hawthorn can effectively reduce arthritis symptoms. In one  research study, patients who took a hawthorn berry extract for eight weeks experienced a significant reduction in pain and stiffness. They also had a better range of motion and could walk more easily.

It is believed that hawthorn berry tea can keep colds and coughs at bay.

2. Ashwagandha Tea:

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) tea has great potential to calm the mind and promote a good night’s sleep. It’s a double edged adaptogen, in that it promotes energy and vitality on one  hand and is a relaxant and may be a cure for insomnia. Ashwagandha is capable of adjusting to our body needs by tackling any imbalances.

3. Lemongrass and Ginger:

The Ginger (Zingiber officinale) herb is a great digest-ant, a common, yet a herb with great qualities in dealing with a range of day -to-day ills. Ranging from colds to pain relief and relaxing muscle cramps or helping digestion, ginger tea is considered to be a good adaptogen. Accompanied by the aroma and flavour of lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) it is a wonderful and healthy tea.

4. Golden Spiced Tea:

Turmeric (Curcuma aromatica) the deep golden colour herb with black pepper for better absorption is another useful adaptogen or Ayurveda herb for pain relief and digestion. Although turmeric (curcumin)is useful for cancer patients, but it is advisable to take turmeric on a day to day basis. Curcumin enhances the concentration of serotonin and dopamine and together these two chemicals aid in dealing with depression, mood swings and insomnia.

In recent decades, Turmeric milk or golden milk with black pepper, cinnamon, star anise and green cardimom has become popular in not only inducing quality sleep but also in cafe’s and tea shops.

5. Tulsi or Holy Basil:

Some studies have found that tulsi(Ocimum sanctum) helps fight stress among a huge number of other well-being issues. Tulsi stimulates the prana and is an effective digest-ant for all three Doshas ( body types- Vata, Pitta and Kapha). It protects organs and tissues from stress. This goddess of plants is also revered by Hindus and has religious connotations.

6. Bacopa:

Bacopa herb(Bacopa monnieri) is known for helping with stress and physical exhaustion. This is also a double edged herb that induces restful sleep  on one hand and aids in cognitive function and memory boosting on the other. Bacopa is mostly used in combination with gotu kola/ brahmi herb.

7. Moringa:

Recent studies have evaluated the surprising and innate abilities of the Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves for internal and external benefits. Moringa leaves are used for women’s hormonal balance, arthritis or pain relief and support heart, kidneys and pancreas’ function. Moringa tea helps induce quality sleep and restoration of body tissues.

8. Chamomile Tea:

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) helps in inducing sleep due its mild sedative effect. It also improves the quality of your sleep in that you wake up rested and refreshed. Chamomile helps in depressions like SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and mood swings and mild mental health issues according to some studies.

Chamomile contains apigenin, a chemical and antioxidant that binds certain brain receptors and thereby promotes sleep and reduces insomnia.

 9. Lavender Tea:

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an all time favourite with most people even though there is little research on this tea and what all is there, mainly focuses on lavender extract. Lavender tea is made by steeping the purple buds of lavender anguvstifolia plant in hot water.

Lavender and its oil preparations have shown to aid calm nerves,decrease  feelings of anxiety and depression. Some research suggests that the calming fragrance of lavender extract promotes better sleep.

Breathing lavender essential oil may also help with menstrual cramps

10. Valerian Root:

Tea prepared from the roots of the Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) plant, has  been used for centuries. It has a calming effect, improves quality of sleep, alleviates anxiety, and relaxes your mind and body. Research suggests that the valerian root tea has deep impact on sleep when compared to over-the-counter medicines.

Valerian root especially eases menstrual cramps and improves poor sleep patterns. This root tea is usually well tolerated for about six weeks in doses of 300-600mg, beyond that it may have side effects. It's best to consult with your doctor before starting this tea.

11. Nutmeg and Saffron Tea:

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans houtt.) powder,  a few strands of saffron (Crocus sativus), and pre-soaked raisins can be boiled together in water to make tea and drift off to sleep sooner rather than later, more so if your insomnia is related to anxiety.

Saffron has been found to exert its neuroprotecttive effects via anti-neuroinflammation and anti-apoptosis. Clinical trials confirm that saffron could reduce depressive and anxiety-related symptoms in both depression and anxiety patients.

12. Peppermint Tea:

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) has a soothing effect, as a relaxant that can help your mind and body to wind down. Peppermint tea can ease digestive issues at all ages. It also helps to relieves headaches and migraines.

Peppermint tea may be  your bestie in winters during colds, coughs and clearing clogged sinuses. Again it can be beneficial against bacterial infections on one hand and menstrual cramps on the other. It may help to improve sleep.

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