{"id":10661,"date":"2021-12-09T04:59:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-09T12:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nourishedkitchen.com\/?p=10661"},"modified":"2019-07-07T15:31:23","modified_gmt":"2019-07-07T22:31:23","slug":"sleepy-tea-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nourishedkitchen.com\/sleepy-tea-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Sleepy Tea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The citrusy notes of lemon balm combine with spearmint, fennel, and rose for a gentle sleepy tea<\/strong> that's perfect for supporting a good night's rest. These herbs come together with passionflower and California poppy, which herbalists have traditionally used to encourage an easy mood and better sleep. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Herbal<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What is it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleepy tea is a bedtime tea blend that includes nourishing, sleep-supportive herbs. These herbs, which include rose and lemon balm among others, are traditionally used to calm the nervous system and encourage a good night's rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It has a minty flavor touched with notes of fennel and rose, undercut by a slightly bitter edge owing to the inclusion of California poppy. Ultimately, it's a soothing blend of herbs that supports rest and relaxation that is appropriate for both adults and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What's in it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This bedtime tea contains six medicinal herbs that support relaxation and rest. Some herbs are relaxing nervines, which work by soothing the nerves. Others are soporifics - herbs that encourage and support good sleep. In combination, they work to support relaxation, ease nervous tension and promote a good night's rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spearmint (Mentha spicata<\/em>)<\/strong> is a highly aromatic herb with a bright minty flavor undercut by the slightest sweetness. It's traditionally used to support digestion, but it also soothes the nerves. Animal studies have found evidence of the herb's anti-anxiety and sleep-supportive effects (1). Another study conducted on older adults found that spearmint helped improve memory and sleep (2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis<\/em>) <\/strong>is also a member of the mint family; however, it tastes of citrus rather than mint, and it makes delicious herbal tea. Lemon balm is traditionally used to soothe anxiety and promote good sleep. Current research supports this traditional use with researching finding that supplementing with lemon balm decreased anxiety, stress, and sleep disturbances (3, 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata<\/em>)<\/strong> makes an excellent tea. It has a light flavor and is used to support rest and sleep (5). A study on passionflower tea found that it improved sleep quality (6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>)<\/strong> blooms across the west coast of North America in sunny orange flowers. While botanically related to the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum<\/em>), California poppy is mild, gentle in its action, and non-addictive. The herb is a common addition to sleep remedies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damask rose (Rosa damascena<\/em>)<\/strong> has been used since ancient times in sacred and religious applications. It has a distinct, strong rosy aroma and is commonly used in both cosmetic and food applications. Like other roses, Damask rose promotes a sense of peace and calm. It also is a promising herb for encouraging sleep in adults (7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare<\/em>)<\/strong> is traditionally used to support digestive health and to ease painful gas (8), and it's this use that it's best known for; however, recent research has explored its role in supporting the mood and easing feelings of anxiety and worry (9). In this recipe, it lends a subtly sweet, anise-like flavor that complements the mint and lemon balm.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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