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Does chamomile tea make you sleepy?

Does chamomile tea really have the power to make your restless nights easier to manage? Find out if and how chamomile tea inspires sleep.

Are you feeling too tired to sleep, with the day’s worries still racing through your mind? Does your body long to relax, but it needs a little help to let go?

When it's time to wind down, a warm, soothing cup of tea is the perfect way to transition the mind and body into a state of rest. If you’re searching for a tea that helps you sleep, scientists and tea lovers agree that chamomile tea can be an excellent addition to your night time routine.

What is chamomile tea?

The effects of chamomile tea are all the more remarkable when you consider it is made from just one ingredient: Dried chamomile flowers. These flowers contain a chemical called apinine, which binds to the brain’s GABA receptors in the same way modern tranquilisers like benzodiazepine do. With such a powerful active ingredient, it is no surprise that chamomile has been used to treat a variety of ailments throughout human history. The ancient Egyptians used chamomile tea to treat nervous tension, Mediaeval Europeans used chamomile salve on dry skin, and the Aztec civilization of Mexico used the plant as a cure-all remedy for centuries. These days, chamomile is a universal sleep aid, with sweet German chamomile flowers used to make the best chamomile tea for flavour and relaxation.

Should you drink chamomile tea while pregnant?

While not all sleep teas are okay to drink during pregnancy, the good news for expectant mums is that drinking moderate amounts of chamomile tea is likely a safe option for pregnant women. Before you sit down for a hot cuppa, check with your doctor about any concerning ingredients and how some brews may interact with existing medications. While we love all things tea, we’re not trained to give you the green light on some inclusions!

How to make chamomile tea

Chamomile tea is one of the easiest teas to prepare, making it an effortless addition to your bedtime routine.

How to make hot chamomile tea

Boil your water, before pouring it over one Just Chamomile Herbal Tisane in a Bag or two heaped teaspoons of Just Chamomile Loose Leaf Herbal Tisane. Let the tea steep for at least five minutes, then strain or remove the tea bag. If you have a sweet tooth, add half a teaspoon of honey once the tea is steeped.

The best tea for sleep (that isn't chamomile)…

If chamomile isn’t your cup of leaves, or you want to mix things up a little with a combination of flavours, there are plenty of other delectable teas to help you fall asleep.

Rose tea

Not only is rose tea a fantastic source of vitamins A, C, and E, iron, and antioxidants, it has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve sleep. The flavour of rose tea also pairs well with that of other calming ingredients, such as lemon balm and calendula. If combination teas appeal to you, The Dreamer tea blends rosehip, lemon balm, rose petals, orange peel, calendula, and cornflower petals to give you a zesty, aromatic welcome to the land of slumber.

Lemongrass tea

The gentle citrus flavour of lemongrass is perfect for cleansing the palate and mind after a long day. The health benefits of lemongrass tea are numerous. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and stomach soothing properties, which can send you to bed feeling fresher and calmer. Add chamomile, hemp, licorice, spearmint, lemon and lime oil, lemon peel to the mix, and you’ve got Sleepy Hemp - a curated cup of bedtime refreshment.

Lavender tea

Lavender’s delicate aroma is famous for calming the senses, and it is well known that a late night cup of lavender tea benefits both the body and mind. Multiple studies have shown that lavender tea aids dopamine production, while simultaneously reducing the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in your body. Plus, lavender tea contains Vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, which can all help boost your body’s immune system while you sleep.

Making yourself a cup of tea is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to help ensure you get a good night's sleep. Not only do herbal teas (such as chamomile) have properties that help you relax, but taking time to make a cup of tea is a delightful way to transition from the hustle and bustle of the day to the comfort of your bed.