Updated: Nov 30, 2024
11 Herbal Tinctures For Insomnia
Herbal tinctures can be a great way to help with insomnia.
These tinctures are made by infusing herbs in a liquid, which helps the active ingredients to be easily absorbed by the body. For example, Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian root, has been used for centuries to help people relax and fall asleep. It contains a compound called valerenic acid, which has a calming effect on the nervous system. Another herb that's often used to help with insomnia is Lavandula angustifolia, or lavender. Lavender has a soothing effect on the body and can help to calm the mind, making it easier to fall asleep. Some people also find that drinking a lavender tea before bed helps them to relax and fall asleep faster.
Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, is another herb that can be used to help with insomnia. It has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help to reduce anxiety and stress, making it easier to fall asleep. Some people also find that drinking a lemon balm tea before bed helps them to relax and feel more refreshed in the morning. Using herbal tinctures to help with insomnia can have many benefits. For one, they can be a natural alternative to prescription medications, which can have side effects and interact with other medications. They can also be more gentle on the body and don't have the same risk of addiction as some prescription sleep aids. Additionally, herbal tinctures can be customized to individual needs and can be used in combination with other herbal remedies to create a personalized sleep plan.
By using herbal tinctures to help with insomnia, people can improve the quality of their sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.
This article explains in detail what are the best herbal teas for insomnia and wh.
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Table of Contents
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis tinctures contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, which are the main active constituents.
These compounds have a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body. The valerenic acid also has a sedative effect on the brain, reducing anxiety and stress. Additionally, valerian root tinctures have a relaxing effect on the muscles, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, valerian root tinctures can help alleviate insomnia symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Valeriana officinalis root and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with the dried root, leaving 1 inch of space at the top.
- Pour the vodka over the root, making sure everything is covered.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking it daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
2. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia tinctures contains linalool and linalyl acetate, two biologically active constituents that have a sedative effect.
These compounds help to calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can cause insomnia. Linalool and linalyl acetate also have a balancing effect on the body's internal clock, helping to regulate sleep patterns. Furthermore, these constituents have been shown to increase the level of neurotransmitters like GABA, which helps to slow down brain activity and promote relaxation.
By reducing stress, regulating sleep patterns, and promoting relaxation, Lavandula angustifolia tinctures can help individuals fall asleep more easily and improve the quality of their sleep.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers, 2 cups of vodka, and a clean glass jar with a lid.
- Combine the dried Lavandula angustifolia flowers and vodka in the glass jar. Make sure the flowers are completely covered by the vodka.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops as needed before bedtime to help with insomnia.
3. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis tinctures contains rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin as its bioactive constituents.
These compounds have a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body. The rosmarinic acid in Melissa officinalis tinctures has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce stress and anxiety, common causes of insomnia. The luteolin and apigenin in the tincture have a relaxing effect on the muscles, promoting a good night's sleep.
By reducing stress and anxiety and promoting relaxation, Melissa officinalis tinctures can help alleviate insomnia symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Melissa officinalis flowers and 2 cups of 80% vodka or grain alcohol in a clean glass jar.
- Fill a clean glass with 2 tablespoons of dried Melissa officinalis flowers and place it in the jar with the alcohol.
- Seal the jar and store it in a dark, cool place for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After the infusion time, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Label the jar with the date, contents, and dosage instructions (typically 20-30 drops before bedtime).
4. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata tinctures contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which have sedative properties that help with insomnia.
The flavonoids, including kaempferol and quercetin, have been found to reduce inflammation and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep. The alkaloids, such as harmine and harmaline, have a sedative effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing restlessness. The glycosides, including passifloric acid, have a calming effect on the body, helping to reduce symptoms of insomnia like difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings.
By reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, Passiflora incarnata tinctures helps to improve sleep quality and duration.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Passiflora incarnata flowers and a clean glass jar.
- Combine the dried flowers with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in the glass jar. Stir well to mix.
- Seal the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to a dropper bottle and store it in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops before bedtime as needed.
5. Avena sativa
Avena sativa tinctures contains bioactive constituents like avenacoside, avenalol, and isovitexin.
These compounds have sedative properties that help relax the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep. Avenacoside, in particular, has been shown to interact with the GABA receptors in the brain, which helps regulate sleep patterns. Avenalol has anti-anxiety effects, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
By promoting a state of calm and relaxation, Avena sativa tinctures can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and improve sleep quality.
- Gather 1 cup of Avena sativa roots and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka.
- Chop the Avena sativa roots into small pieces and place them in a clean glass jar.
- Pour the vodka over the Avena sativa roots, making sure they are completely covered.
- Store the jar in a cool, dark place and let it sit for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids. The resulting liquid is your Avena sativa tincture for insomnia.
6. Humulus lupulus
Humulus lupulus tinctures contains the bioactive constituents lupulone, humulone, and xanthohumol.
These compounds have a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body before sleep. The sedative properties of lupulone and humulone work by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep. The xanthohumol in Humulus lupulus tinctures also has antioxidant properties, which can help reduce stress and inflammation that can disrupt sleep.
By promoting relaxation and reducing stress and inflammation, Humulus lupulus tinctures can help improve sleep quality and duration.
- Gather 1 cup of fresh Humulus lupulus flowers (also known as hop flowers).
- Combine the hop flowers with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar. Stir well.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container. Discard the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to dark glass dropper bottles and store in a cool, dark place. Take 20-30 drops before bedtime as needed for insomnia relief.
7. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba tinctures contains flavoglycosides, bilobalide, and ginkgolides, which are the active constituents that make it beneficial for insomnia.
These compounds have a sedative effect on the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and body. The flavoglycosides, in particular, have a relaxing effect on the muscles, making it easier to fall asleep. Bilobalide also helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle by reducing the activity of the brain's neurotransmitters that keep us awake.
By promoting relaxation and regulating the sleep-wake cycle, Ginkgo biloba tinctures can help individuals with insomnia sleep more soundly.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Ginkgo biloba leaves and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Combine the Ginkgo biloba leaves and vodka in the jar. Make sure the leaves are completely covered by the vodka.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar. Discard the solids.
- Label and store the tincture in a cool, dark place. Use 20-30 drops of the tincture 30 minutes before bedtime to help with insomnia.
8. Scutellaria baicalensis
Scutellaria baicalensis tinctures contains a number of bioactive constituents, including baicalein, baicalin, and oroxylin A.
These compounds have sedative properties, which can help reduce anxiety and stress that often contribute to insomnia. Baicalein, in particular, has been shown to bind to GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and reducing excitement in the nervous system. Baicalin, on the other hand, has been found to have a calming effect on the body, reducing inflammation and promoting a sense of tranquility.
By regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and promoting relaxation, Scutellaria baicalensis tinctures can help improve the quality of sleep and alleviate insomnia.
- Gather 1 cup of Scutellaria baicalensis roots and 2 cups of 80% vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Fill a clean glass measuring cup with 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil.
- Remove the boiling water from heat and add the 1 cup of Scutellaria baicalensis roots to the water. Let it steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain the liquid from the roots into the jar with the vodka. Discard the roots.
- Close the jar and let it sit in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks, shaking it every week, to allow the tincture to mature.
9. Lavandula latifolia
Lavandula latifolia tinctures contains linalool and linalyl acetate as its primary bioactive constituents.
These compounds have a sedative and calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety that often contribute to insomnia. The linalool in Lavandula latifolia tinctures also has a direct impact on the brain's neurotransmitters, regulating the body's sleep-wake cycle and promoting relaxation. Furthermore, the tincture's sedative properties help to slow down the heart rate and lower blood pressure, creating an ideal environment for sleep.
By promoting relaxation and regulating the body's physiological processes, Lavandula latifolia tinctures can help alleviate insomnia symptoms.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Lavandula latifolia leaves and flowers.
- Combine the dried herbs with 2 cups of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar.
- Store the tincture in a cool, dark place and take 10-20 drops before bed to help with insomnia.
10. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale tinctures contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols, which are responsible for its therapeutic properties.
These bioactive constituents have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation. The sedative properties of shogaols can help calm the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep. The anti-inflammatory properties of gingerols may also help alleviate pain and discomfort that can contribute to insomnia.
By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, Zingiber officinale tinctures can help individuals prepare for a restful night's sleep.
- Gather 1 cup of Zingiber officinale root, 2 cups of 80% vodka, and a clean glass jar.
- Cut the Zingiber officinale root into small pieces and place them in the glass jar.
- Add 2 cups of 80% vodka to the jar, making sure the root is completely covered.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle. Discard the solids.
11. Vitex agnus-castus
Vitex agnus-castus tinctures contains a group of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and iridoid glycosides.
These compounds have been found to have a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help regulate sleep patterns. The flavonoids and phenolic acids in vitex have antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and promote relaxation. The iridoid glycosides, such as agnuside and aucubin, have been shown to have a calming effect on the body, which can help with insomnia.
The combination of these compounds in vitex agnus-castus tinctures may help promote a restful night's sleep by regulating the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Gather 1 cup of dried Vitex agnus-castus flowers and 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Add the dried flowers to the jar and cover them with vodka. Make sure the flowers are completely covered.
- Close the jar and store it in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- After 2-3 weeks, strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discarding the solids.
- Label the jar with the date and the name of the tincture (Vitex agnus-castus). Store it in a cool, dark place and use 20-30 drops as needed to help with insomnia.
FAQ
Can drinking herbal tea prevent insomnia from forming?
Drinking herbal tea may help prevent insomnia from forming.
Some herbal teas, like chamomile and lavender, contain calming properties that can soothe the mind and body. As we drink the tea, the active ingredients can help slow down our heart rate and brain activity, making it easier to fall asleep.
This can become a healthy bedtime habit.
Is it safe to consume herbal teas for insomnia every day?
While herbal teas can help with insomnia, it's not recommended to drink them every day.
Some teas, like chamomile and lavender, can be habit-forming if consumed regularly. This may lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking them.
It's best to use them as needed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
How long does it take for herbal teas to show results in insomnia?
Herbal teas can help with insomnia, but it's not an instant fix.
It may take a few nights for your body to adjust to the new sleep patterns. Some people notice a difference after one week, while others may take up to two weeks to see results.
It's all about finding the right combination that works for you.