Do you know which drinks can help you drift off to sleep?
In the above picture I am drinking sour cherry juice, pinch of turmeric and sparkling water.
These carefully crafted combinations of herbal ingredients are designed to promote relaxation and create an overall calming bedtime experience. Some teas include sedatives such as valerian or chamomile, while others include stress-reducing lemon balm or passionflower; others still aim to address ailments, such as indigestion (with mint or fennel), so your body and mind can concentrate on sleep.
That said, the act of sipping a cup of tea (hands clasped around the mug) is an intensely soothing one, and that in itself is powerful enough to help calm the mind, ready for relaxing and sleep.
Top Bedtime Teas
Chamomile
Fennel
Valerian
Lemon balm
Passionflower
Lemongrass
Ginger
Mint
Red teas with rosehips and hibiscus
Honeybush
Rooibos
Tulsi (holy basil)
Some facts about my My favourite Tea:
Chamomile Tea: Scientists are still trying to isolate which of Chamomile’s many components are responsible for its calming and sedative powers, but its effects have been known for centuries. Allow your Chamomile flowers to steep for up to 10 minutes for maximum flavour and effect, and enjoy 30 minutes before bedtime. Always check with your GP before serving these drinks to a small child, or a vulnerable or pregnant person.
Golden Milk:
This spiced draught, with beneficial curcumin from the turmeric, protects against the effects of sleep deprivation. Double up if you want to make it for two.
240ml of your favourite milk
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
A small pinch of ground black pepper
A small pinch of ground ginger
Cayenne pepper (optional; if you like a kick of heat)
1/2 tsp of your favourite sweetener
Simply blend all the ingredients together in a food processor and then warm through in a saucepan on a low heat.
Malted Milk:
With its combination of warm milk and nostalgic maltiness (not to mention a blend of magnesium, vitamin B, iron, zinc and phosphorus), this old-fashioned favourite will relax you and make you feel drowsy.
Sour Cherry Juice:
The sleep-promoting hormone melatonin is naturally present in foods, including tart cherries, goji berries and raspberries. Research has shown significant but modest improvements in sleep after boosting melatonin levels with two doses a day of this super-tasty juice.
Hope you liked my blog and do share your favourite Bed Time Drink!!
