Do you have trouble sleeping? Are you always tossing and turning at night, or waking up feeling exhausted? If so, you may want to try using adaptogenic herbs to help improve your sleep. Adaptogenic herbs are a special type of herb that helps the body adapt to stressors. They have been shown to help with everything from anxiety and depression to insomnia and fatigue. In this blog post, we will discuss the top 5 adaptogenic herbs for sleep and their benefits.
What Makes Adaptogens So Good?
Adaptogens are a special class of herbs that help the body adapt to stressors. They work by normalizing the body’s response to stress, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. This is why adaptogenic herbs are often used to help with conditions like anxiety, depression, and fatigue. But adaptogens can also be helpful for sleep as they help to regulate the body’s stress response, which can be a major contributor to insomnia and other sleep problems.
Although several adaptogenic herbs can improve sleep, some are more effective than others. Lets Take a look at some.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is considered one of the most powerful adaptogenic herbs, and for good reason. It offers a variety of benefits for conditions, including anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is being shown to improve sleep quality in people with chronic stress and assisted with reduced fatigue in people with insomnia.
Rhodiola Rosea
This is an herb that grows in cold, mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including fatigue and depression. Rhodiola Rosea sometimes called “golden root” or “arctic root” has been shown to be helpful for Bipolar Disorder and it does this by helping to regulate the body’s stress response.
Holy basil
Useful for centuries in traditional medicine, holy basil is an Indian herb. It is considered sacred in Hinduism and is often used in religious ceremonies. Holy basil is also known as “tulsi” or “the incomparable one.” Like ashwagandha and Rhodiola Rosea, holy basil is an effective adaptogen. One study found that it was helpful in lowering your blood sugar levels while naturally increasing your stomach’s defenses through increasing mucus secretion and decreasing stomach acid.
Cardamon
This is a spice that comes from the seeds of a plant known as Elettaria cardamomum, which is part of the ginger family. This plant has been used for many years and is native to India. Cardamom pods have a warm, aromatic flavor and are often used in curries and other Indian dishes. Just like ashwagandha, cardamon has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce fatigue in people with insomnia.
I-Theanine
I-theanine is an amino acid that is found naturally in tea leaves. It is responsible for the umami flavor of green tea. It has a calming effect on the mind and body and is often used to treat anxiety and stress. In one study, people who took i-theanine before bed fell asleep faster and slept more soundly than those who did not take the supplement.
When you are trying to take the step into a more holistic approach for bettering your sleep, there are many different options of herbs and supplements. However, not every natural sleep aid is created equal and some work better than others. The adaptogenic herbs on this list have been shown to be the most effective at reducing stress, and anxiety and improving sleep quality. If you’re looking for a more natural way to improve your sleep, consider trying one of these adaptogenic herbs or adaptogen drinks from Moment.
