Soothing Sleep Tea
I just recently added a glorious calming tea to our shop called Soothing Sleep Tea, and I wanted to tell you a bit about it. We love a soothing and calming tea at night, one that helps the body and mind settle after a long day, so this was a no-brainer to add to the collection. I also figured I would tell you a bit about formulating tea blends, just in case you wanted to learn more about it.
A base herb is the first component to any good herbal blend, this herb is what supports the main purpose of your tea blend. The base herb should take up 40-70% of the formula, so it’s best to use herbs that have a pleasant or neutral flavor profile. Supportive herbs compliment the actions of the base herbs and help address secondary symptoms or imbalances in the body. They work by providing support to the base herb by either strengthening or enhancing their properties or having a similar effect of flavor. Supportive herbs should take up about around 20-40% of the blend. Synergist herbs are those that amplify the effects of the base and supportive herbs, improving their absorption, bioavailability, or overall impact. They should make up about 10-20% of your tea blend and they can have a more potent flavor profile or stronger energetic action than the other categories. In our recipe, Chamomile is the base herb, Lemon Balm is the supporting herb, and rose petals and lavender are the synergists.
Chamomile, also known as Matricaria chamomilla, a small daisy-like flower with a delicate, sweet aroma, has been loved for its soothing properties in tea for centuries. This beautiful little flower is well-known for its calming properties as chamomile tea provides a soothing and relaxing effect. This makes it an excellent choice for stress relief and promoting of restful sleep. In addition, this wonderful herb is cherished for its potential to aid digestion, alleviate stomach discomfort, and reduce inflammation. It’s rich in antioxidants, so chamomile tea may also support the immune system and promote overall well-being. With its delicate, floral flavor and remarkable health benefits, chamomile tea stands as a timeless favorite for those seeking a gentle and natural way to improve their health and wellness.
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, offers exceptional benefits for the nervous system. Known for its bright, citrusy aroma and soothing properties, lemon balm has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and overall well-being. Its calming and relaxing properties make it a popular choice for alleviating stress and anxiety, and this herb is rich in compounds that can also help to improve mood, reduce nervousness, and enhance cognitive function. I’m sure you can see that this herb is a valuable natural option for those seeking to soothe their nervous system. You can enjoy this herb as a tea, tincture, or essential oil; lemon balm provides a gentle but effective way to support overall nervous system health. When steeped in hot water, it releases a gentle lemony flavor that pairs extremely well with a variety of teas.
Rose petals, Rosa spp., in tea offer a range of benefits, making it a delightful addition to any tea blend. Rich in antioxidants, rose petals can help combat free radicals in the body, promoting overall well-being. The floral infusion also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in soothing the digestive system and reducing discomfort. Additionally, the gentle aroma of rose petals can contribute to a sense of calm and relaxation, making it an ideal choice for a soothing bedtime beverage.
Lavender, also know as Lavandula officinalis, when steeped in tea, offers a multitude of benefits for both the body and mind. This aromatic herb is renowned for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for relieving stress and anxiety. Lavender tea can also aid in promoting restful sleep, making it an ideal bedtime beverage to help soothe the mind and prepare the body for a peaceful night's rest. Furthermore, it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can contribute to overall wellness. Its gentle, floral flavor adds a pleasant twist to any tea blend, making it a delightful and beneficial addition to one's daily routine.
Hopefully you learned a little bit from this short article. Maybe you’ll continue to read and learn, and maybe even order some herbs to work on a blend of your own. But if that’s not your cup of tea (see what I did there?), we’ve got you, boo. Both of our kids enjoy this blend in the evening and it’s become a normal part of our routine while reading books together. We invite you to give it a try, too! Head over to our shop here and grab yourself a bag to enjoy.