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When it comes to switching off at night, are you a natural sleeper or are you kept up counting sheep? Getting the right kind... The Natural Herbs For A Better Night’s Sleep

When it comes to switching off at night, are you a natural sleeper or are you kept up counting sheep? Getting the right kind of sleep is essential to the state of our health and yet for so many of us, switching off at the end of the day can be incredibly problematic. If you’ve been struggling to get enough sleep for some time, then you might be tempted to turn your attention to any number of medical miracle cures on the market and while they certainly will help you to get your shut eye, they only do so by pumping your body full of chemicals. If you prefer a more natural approach, however, there is a great alternative. Natural herbs can help to unlock a whole lot of hidden potential in your body, restoring balance in any number of hormonal functions. Want to get a better night’s sleep? These herbs might just be the secret.

  1. Passionflower
(source: wishgardenherbs.com)

(source: wishgardenherbs.com)

One of the most effective ways to help restore balance in your brain, passionflower has long been used as a way to help even the lightest of sleepers get a little shut eye. While clinical testing has yet to unlock why exactly the herb is so effective, passionflower has long been associated with alleviating symptoms of tension and anxiety, helping people suffering with stress to get a better night’s sleep. As well as this, the herb has been found to help calm symptoms of restless leg syndrome, which might keep light sleepers up at night. Simply take over the course of a few weeks before you go to sleep and watch what happens!

  1. Chamomile
(source: healtheatingfood.com)

(source: healtheatingfood.com)

Ever wondered why a cup of chamomile tea is just so relaxing? It might be due to its mild sedative powers. While less strong than medicinal cures, the natural herb can help sufferers from insomnia and stress to get sufficient sleep, reducing feelings of anxiety within sufferers. Better yet, the herb has been found to reduce the symptoms of physical pains like nausea, heartburn and colic, soothing sufferers’ malaises. When you whip up a cup, make sure you make a strong brew; chamomile works best the stronger it is, infusing its essential oils into your nightly cup.

  1. Lavender
(source: blog.absolutechinatours.com)

(source: blog.absolutechinatours.com)

One of the most relaxing scents, lavender has long been used as a way to help us unwind and destress and it should therefore come as little surprise that it can work wonders with sufferers of insomnia. Over the years, clinical trials have proved the herb’s healing power, showing how it can be used to effectively decrease symptoms of anxiety and insomnia, making it much easier to switch off after a long and stressful day. Lavender has also been linked to a better quality of sleep, with people who use it regularly enjoying better levels of deep sleep. Make it a part of your routine and wake up feeling all the more fresh!

  1. Hops
(source: cardinalpinefarm.com)

(source: cardinalpinefarm.com)

Thought that hops was just an essential part of the beer brewing process? Think again. As well as making falling asleep much more easy, hops has been proved to help even the lightest of sleepers enjoy a deeper, more restful night’s sleep. The herb might work best when steeped in tea, so try making it a part of your nightly ritual. While the bitter flavor can take some getting used to, small quantities of the stuff can still be very effective, so don’t be afraid to gradually up your dose until you get used to the taste.