10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Sleep Deprivation

Herbal tinctures for sleep deprivation are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants that promote relaxation, calmness, and restful sleep.

These natural remedies help alleviate symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Examples of herbal tinctures for sleep deprivation include Valerian root, Lavender, and Chamomile. By taking these tinctures before bed, individuals can experience improved sleep quality, reduced fatigue, and increased energy levels during the day.

This can greatly improve daily life, allowing people to feel more refreshed, focused, and productive.

The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for sleep deprivation, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because it contains compounds that interact with the brain's GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system.

This natural sedative effect slows down the activity of the mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Additionally, valerian tinctures have been shown to increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters that regulate sleep-wake cycles, further enhancing their sleep-promoting properties.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Isovaleric acid: This organic compound is a GABA receptor agonist, which helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle and promotes relaxation and sleep.
• Valerenic acid: As a GABA receptor antagonist, valerenic acid counteracts the action of excitatory neurotransmitters, leading to a calming effect and improved sleep quality.
• Valeranone: This sesquiterpene acts as a GABA receptor modulator, enhancing the activity of GABA and promoting a state of relaxation and reduced anxiety, ultimately leading to improved sleep.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Roots: They are the primary part used due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, a key compound responsible for sedative effects.
• Stems: Stems contain some amount of valerenic acid but at lower concentrations compared to roots, yet they are still used in tinctures for sleep aid.
• Leaves: Leaves of Valeriana officinalis also contain valerenic acid and are sometimes used to make tinctures, although their use is less common than roots.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest fresh roots of valeriana officinalis in the morning after the dew has dried for optimal potency.
2. Clean and dry the harvested roots in a cool dark place for at least 24 hours to prevent contamination.
3. Chop the dried roots into small pieces to increase the surface area for infusion and extraction.
4. Combine the chopped roots with 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
5. Store the jar in a cool dark place for 6 to 8 weeks shaking it daily to facilitate the extraction process.

2. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because they possess a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety levels.

The herb's natural sedative properties help to slow down an overactive mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Additionally, lemon balm has been shown to increase the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep-wake cycles, resulting in improved sleep quality and duration.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Rosmarinicine: Rosmarinicine is a monoterpene that has sedative properties, helping to calm the mind and body to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Linalool: Linalool is a terpene that has anxiolytic and sedative effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety that may be contributing to sleep deprivation.
• Limonene: Limonene is a terpene that has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation to help improve sleep quality.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part due to their high content of rosmarinic acid, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
• Flowers: The flowers are used for their sedative properties, as they contain melissic acid, which helps to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Stems: The stems are used due to their content of essential oils, which have a soothing effect on the mind and body, promoting better sleep quality.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of melissa officinalis leaves and flowers for use in herbal tincture production.
2. Clean and dry the harvested plant material by spreading it out on paper towels for 24 hours.
3. Combine the dried plant material with 500 milliliters of 35-40% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks to allow for solvent extraction.
5. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids.

3. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because they contain a unique combination of compounds that promote relaxation and calmness.

The herb Passiflora incarnata, also known as maypop, has been traditionally used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders due to its sedative properties. The tincture's active ingredients, including flavonoids and alkaloids, work together to reduce anxiety and stress levels, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

By calming the mind and body, maypop tinctures provide a natural solution for those struggling with sleep deprivation.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Flavonoids: These plant-based compounds help alleviate sleep disturbances by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which often contribute to sleep deprivation.
• Flavanones: These flavanones in Passiflora incarnata have been shown to possess sedative and anxiolytic properties, which can help individuals with sleep disturbances by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Harmane: Harmane has been identified as a key component in Passiflora incarnata that contributes to its sedative effects, helping individuals with sleep deprivation by promoting a deeper and more restful sleep.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, which contribute to their sedative and calming effects.
• Roots: The roots are known to contain the highest concentration of passifloric acid, a compound that aids in relaxation and sleep.
• Fruits: The fruits are a good source of passifloric acid, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that help in promoting sleep and reducing anxiety.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest fresh or dried passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves in large quantities for tincture making.
2. Clean and dry the harvested material thoroughly to prevent contamination and ensure quality.
3. Combine the dried passiflora incarnata material with 70 proof vodka in a 1:2 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
5. Strain and filter the tincture through cheesecloth and a coffee filter to remove solids completely.

4. Scrophularia nodosa

Figwort tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because it contains a unique combination of bioactive compounds that promote relaxation and reduce stress levels.

The tannins in figwort have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to slow down racing thoughts and quiet the mind. Additionally, figwort's sedative properties can help to induce a restful night's sleep by reducing muscle tension and promoting a sense of calm.

This natural remedy can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle with insomnia or have difficulty falling asleep due to anxiety or stress.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Scrophularia nodosa tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds help alleviate sleep deprivation by promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation in the brain, which can contribute to improved sleep quality.
• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, including scrophularin and scopolin, have a sedative effect by acting on the GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can help with sleep deprivation.
• Steroidal glycosides: These compounds have a sedative and anxiolytic effect by modulating the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to a calming effect and improved sleep quality.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of figwort used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Roots: The roots of Scrophularia nodosa are used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their sedative properties, which help to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
• Leaves: The leaves of Scrophularia nodosa are used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their ability to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness, making it easier to fall asleep.
• Flowers: The flowers of Scrophularia nodosa are used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their calming and sedative effects, which can help to soothe the mind and body before sleep.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic figwort for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest mature scrophularia nodosa roots in autumn when they are at their peak potency and dry them thoroughly.
2. Chop the dried roots into small pieces and combine them with 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
3. Steep the root pieces in the vodka for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
4. Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into another clean glass container and discard the solids.
5. Store the tincture in the refrigerator and use it within 5 years in a dose of 20 to 30 drops.

5. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because its unique combination of bioactive compounds, including glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, promotes relaxation and calms the nervous system.

The soothing properties of licorice root help to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Additionally, licorice tinctures have been shown to regulate cortisol levels, which can become imbalanced due to chronic sleep deprivation, allowing the body to naturally relax and prepare for a restful night's sleep.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Licorice saponins: These saponins, particularly glycyrrhizin, may help regulate sleep patterns and reduce stress levels, contributing to improved sleep quality.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids present in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as liquiritin and isoliquiritin, have been shown to exhibit anti-anxiety and sedative effects, promoting relaxation and sleep.
• Coumarins: Coumarin compounds in Glycyrrhiza glabra, such as coumarin and umbelliferone, possess a calming effect, which may help alleviate insomnia and other sleep-related issues.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their high content of glycyrrhizin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping to improve sleep quality.
• Flowers: The flowers of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their mild sedative and anxiolytic properties, which help to calm the mind and promote a restful sleep.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest 500g of glycyrrhiza glabra roots in autumn after the plant has dried out completely.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces to increase their surface area for extraction.
3. Mix 250g of the chopped roots with 1000ml of 40% ethanol in a glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
5. Filter the liquid and discard the solids, then store the tincture in a cool dark place.

6. Tilia platyphyllos

Broad-leaved lime tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because it contains a unique blend of herbal compounds that work synergistically to calm the mind and body.

The herb's natural sedative properties help to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

Additionally, the broad-leaved lime's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can also help to soothe any underlying physical discomfort or pain that may be disrupting sleep patterns, leading to a more restful and rejuvenating slumber.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia platyphyllos tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and maintain a restful night's sleep.
• Terpenes: Terpenes in Tilia platyphyllos have sedative and calming effects, reducing stress and promoting a peaceful state conducive to sleep.
• Saponins: These natural compounds exhibit a sedative and hypnotic effect, contributing to improved sleep quality and duration.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of broad-leaved lime used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Buds: They contain flavonoids and volatile oils, which help to soothe anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and tannins, the leaves have a calming effect and can reduce stress levels.
• Flowers: Containing sedative compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, the flowers help to promote a restful night's sleep.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic broad-leaved lime for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest 30g of fresh tilia platyphyllos flowers and leaves in the morning after the dew has dried.
2. Clean and prepare the harvested plant material by gently washing it with cold water and patting dry.
3. Combine the plant material with 60% vodka in a 1:5 ratio in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks, shaking the jar every 2 days.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, discard the solids.

7. Camellia sinensis

Tea tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because they promote relaxation and calmness, allowing the mind and body to unwind before bed.

The combination of herbs such as chamomile, lavender, and valerian root work synergistically to reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

By calming the nervous system, herbal tea tinctures create a peaceful environment for the body to repair and rejuvenate itself, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Camellia sinensis tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Theaflavin: Theaflavin, a type of phenolic compound, helps with sleep deprivation by acting as an antioxidant and reducing inflammation in the body, leading to a calming effect and promoting relaxation.
• L-theanine: L-theanine, an amino acid, helps with sleep deprivation by promoting relaxation, reducing stress levels, and regulating sleep-wake cycles by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and GABA.
• Epigallocatechin gallate: EGCG, a catechin, helps with sleep deprivation by regulating the body's circadian rhythms, reducing stress levels, and promoting relaxation due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of tea used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Leaves: The leaves are commonly used to create tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their calming and sedative effects.
• Roots: The roots of Camellia sinensis are also used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation as they contain compounds that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Flowers: The flowers of Camellia sinensis are used to create tinctures for sleep deprivation due to their soothing and calming properties, which help to promote a restful night's sleep.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic tea for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest the camellia sinensis leaves during the peak season when they are young and tender for optimal flavor and potency.
2. Clean and dry the harvested camellia sinensis leaves in a warm dry place for 7 to 10 days.
3. Chop the dried camellia sinensis leaves into small pieces and combine them with 80% 190-proof ethanol in a 1:3 ratio by weight.
4. Steep the camellia sinensis mixture in a glass jar with a lid for 2 to 4 weeks in a cool dark place.
5. Strain and filter the camellia sinensis tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle for storage.

8. Piper methysticum

Kava tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because it promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety, and calms the mind and body.

The active compounds in kava, such as kavalactones, interact with GABA receptors in the brain to slow down neural activity, leading to a sense of calm and tranquility.

This can help individuals fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night, making it an effective natural remedy for addressing sleep deprivation and related issues like fatigue and irritability.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Kavain: Kavain, an alkaloid, has been shown to have a sedative effect by acting on the GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety that may contribute to sleep deprivation.
• Yasokavain: Yasokavain, a lactone, helps to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes involved in neurotransmitter breakdown, thereby facilitating a restful night's sleep.
• Dihydromethysticin: Dihydromethysticin, a sesquiterpene, exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties by interacting with GABA receptors and potentially reducing the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can disrupt sleep patterns.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Rhyzomes: Rhyzomes are commonly used due to their high concentration of kavalactones, which have been shown to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Leaves: Leaves are another popular choice for their kavalactone content and ability to induce a calming effect, making them suitable for addressing sleep deprivation.
• Roots: Roots are used for their rich kavalactone content and traditional use in Pacific Island medicine to promote relaxation and improve sleep.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest mature leaves and stems of the plant in the early morning when the dew is still present.
2. Dry the harvested plant material in a well-ventilated area for 1 to 2 weeks or until crumbly.
3. Combine 100 grams of the dried plant material with 500 milliliters of 40% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.

9. Lavandula angustifolia

English lavender tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because it contains a calming and soothing essential oil that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.

The sedative properties of lavender help to calm an overactive mind, allowing the body to relax and unwind, making it easier to fall asleep.

Additionally, the sweet, floral scent of lavender also has a subtle hypnotic effect, helping to quiet the mind and induce a restful night's sleep, ultimately alleviating the symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Linalool: This terpene helps with sleep deprivation by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative effects on the nervous system.
• Linalyl acetate: This terpene also contributes to the calming effects of Lavender, helping to reduce stress and promote a peaceful sleep environment.
• Caffeic acid: This phenolic acid has antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation, which can contribute to improved sleep quality by creating a more restful environment.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Flowers: Lavandula angustifolia flowers are commonly used for their calming and relaxing properties, which help to promote sleep and reduce anxiety.
• Leaves: The leaves of Lavandula angustifolia contain similar compounds to the flowers and are used for their sedative and calming effects to alleviate sleep deprivation.
• Stems: Lavandula angustifolia stems are also used for their calming and relaxing properties, which help to promote sleep and reduce stress and anxiety associated with sleep deprivation.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest 1 pound of fresh lavandula angustifolia flowers in the morning after dew has evaporated.
2. Clean the flowers by gently removing dirt and debris using a soft brush or a fine mesh.
3. Combine 1 pound of the cleaned flowers with 2 cups of 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
4. Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily.
5. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.

10. Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile tinctures helps with sleep deprivation because of its ability to calm the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

The herbal extract contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to GABA receptors in the brain, slowing down nervous activity and inducing a sense of tranquility.

This allows individuals to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night, helping to combat the negative effects of sleep deprivation on physical and mental health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with sleep deprivation.

• Apigenin: This flavonoid acts as a GABA receptor agonist, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which are essential factors in inducing sleep.
• Luteolin: This flavonoid has a sedative effect, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting a restful sleep by acting as an inhibitor of inflammatory pathways.
• Α-bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has a calming and sedative effect, reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation, contributing to improved sleep quality.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for sleep deprivation.

• Flowers: Used for their calming and soothing effects, which can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Leaves: Although not commonly mentioned, leaves do contain some of the same beneficial compounds as flowers.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for sleep deprivation.

1. Harvest 1 part of dried matricaria chamomilla flowers and 2 parts of vodka in a clean glass jar.
2. Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place shaking the jar weekly.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean glass jar discarding the solids.
4. Add 1 part of glycerin to 1 part of the tincture and stir well to combine.
5. Label and store the tincture in a cool dark place for up to 5 years.

What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for sleep deprivation?

The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with sleep deprivation is a blend of valerian root, chamomile, and ashwagandha.

Valerian root promotes relaxation and calms the nervous system, while chamomile soothes anxiety and stress. Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, helps regulate cortisol levels and promotes a sense of balance. Combining these tinctures can lead to improved sleep quality, reduced insomnia, and enhanced relaxation.

Take 10-20 drops of each tincture, 30 minutes before bed, to promote restful sleep and address sleep deprivation.

What ailments similar to sleep deprivation are treated with herbal tinctures?

Ailments similar to sleep deprivation that are treated with herbal tinctures are stress, anxiety, and fatigue.

Herbal tinctures such as ashwagandha, valerian root, and passionflower have been traditionally used to calm the mind and body, promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms of insomnia and restlessness.

These natural remedies can help alleviate feelings of burnout and promote a sense of well-being, allowing individuals to recharge and refocus.