WHAT TO DRINK BEFORE BED TO DETOX AND SLEEP GREAT

No denying that I appreciate my morning coffee. In fact, I wrote about my adoration here as well as some things I like to put in it to amplify its healthiness here, but tea, has a place in my heart, too, and I hope in yours as well.

Plain iced organic black tea with lemon, especially in the summer, is a favorite way for me to stay hydrated a large part of the day,  But, my tea affection does not end there. Let me share my nighttime appreciation for some other tea leaves that I use to wind down and signal the nighttime slow down.

WHY HERBAL TEAS ARE A GREAT CHOICE AT NIGHT

Best pivot carefully away from any caffeinated foods and drinks come mid-afternoon to avoid sleep disturbances. Reaching for herbal teas that do not contain any caffeine is a great alternative with lots of added health benefits, too. Come take a look!

• Herbal tea is not the tea made from the Camellia Sinensis plant that gives us black, green, white, and oolong teas, but an infusion of leaves, seeds, roots or bark of various herbs.
• Drinking a well-steeped herbal tea gives you the plant’s benefits in an easily digestible and tasty form and may help you wind down, provide a hydrating boost before bed and even help clear toxins as well.

3 HERBAL TEAS PERFECT FOR NIGHTTIME

I rotate various herbal teas that I link to below to pour at night before bed depending on my mood and what I am trying to accomplish (give my digestion a boost, relax, or de-puff).  Here are three I reach for often and why you may want to as well. Make sure to not miss and pay special attention to the herbal tea prep tips below when making these teas to gain the many health benefits:

1.  Weeds may serve a purpose after all!

Squeeze all you can out of a nighttime teabag ritual and do some detoxification at the same time! When consumed as a tea, roasted dandelion root tea can serve as a gentle liver cleanser and may also assist in the production of bile, which can help with our digestive process.  The root is abundant in vitamins and minerals, and the slightly bitter flavor may help trigger the function of other digestive organs like the gallbladder and kidneys and help rid your body of excess water, too. Not bad at all for one bag of tea.

Don’ miss this: some current research that could show cancer-fighting benefits to this tea as well.

2.  A sleepy-time combo does double-time.

Chamomile tea’s association with sleep promotion is well deserved as it can cause a relaxing of the nerves and stomach, encouraging a sense of calm. But, I have been enjoying this chamomile and lavender tea blend adding a floral note to my evening that is nice.  The addition of lavender is a known insomnia fighter, but be sure to steep it well and note tips in the chart below to get all the medicinal benefits.

The two types of chamomile especially known for their health benefits and targeted in current research are German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile); thus, look for those when purchasing your tea.

3.  The freshness of mint soothes.

Peppermint herb tea is a naturally caffeine-free tea that has great stomach-settling benefits that can be a great choice after a big dinner or for a disagreeable tummy. Anything that upsets your stomach surely can play havoc with getting a good night’s rest.  This peppermint tea also contains good amounts of potassium, calcium, and vitamin B, all useful to fight a cold or flu as well. And, let’s not forget it does some good to freshen your breath!

HERBAL TEA BREWING TIPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Brewing herbal tea is a tad different than brewing black, oolong, white, or green teas to obtain health benefits. Remember these three important pointers when choosing and brewing herbal teas to do it right:

1.  Use a lid.

Steep herbal teas in a covered vessel or put a plate over your mug.  This aids in containing the beneficial essential oils of the plants.

2.  Watch the timer.

Brew herbal teas longer than other teas. Ensure you steep your loose tea or tea bags long enough—in some cases, as long as 10 to 15 minutes—to really bring out all the healthful properties.

3.  Shop carefully.

Purchase high-quality ingredients and brands as other harmful additives or toxins can be present.

Don’t miss this:  Here is some information on better herbal tea brands to buy.

SHOP HERBAL TEA MAKING

Here are some tools to make that herbal tea making a bedtime ritual you’ll love: