Tossing and turning at night? You’re not alone—1 in 3 adults struggles with sleep. The good news? A warm cup of chamomile tea might be the natural sleep remedy you need. Let’s explore how to brew this calming tea to help you drift off effortlessly.
Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that binds to specific receptors in your brain, helping reduce insomnia and encourage sleepiness. It also relaxes your muscles and soothes your digestive system, perfect for winding down after a long day. The answer for those wondering if chamomile tea helps you sleep is a resounding yes, but there's a catch.
You'll only enjoy those sleepy-time tea benefits when your chamomile is brewed correctly, and it helps to introduce a few other habits alongside the cuppa to help you sleep. This blog post will explore everything you need to know about making chamomile tea for sleep. We'll touch on the method, the best time to have your tea, and a few other tips and tricks you might not know!
A step-by-step guide to making chamomile tea for a better sleep
Even the act of brewing chamomile tea can be a simple, soothing process. Trust us, it’s easy to learn how to make chamomile tea for sleep, no matter whether you’re using loose leaf tea or tea bags to brew your perfect cuppa!
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers or 1 chamomile tea bag
- 1 cup of boiling water
- Optional: Honey or lemon for added flavour (but remember that the added sugar might counteract the sedative properties of the tea, so dip wisely!).
Method:
- Boil the water! Heat fresh water to a rolling boil. Chamomile steeps best at temperatures around 90-100°C.
- Next, place the chamomile tea bag or dried flowers into a cup. Pour the boiling water over the tea.
- Once your bag is in place, steep gently for five to seven minutes. Cover the cup to retain the tea's aromatic oils and let it steep. Let it sit slightly longer for a stronger brew, but avoid over-steeping, as this can create bitterness.
- Strain your tea and serve immediately: If you’re using our loose tea flowers, strain the tea into another cup. If you’re adding honey or lemon, now is the time to do so.
- Finally, enjoy your cup of tea warm! Make sure to sip slowly and relax as the tea works its magic.
When it comes to making chamomile tea for sleep, one of the most important factors is the quality of the leaves themselves. Where possible, we recommend using high-quality chamomile tea for the best results. Loose-leaf chamomile tea can provide a fuller, fresher flavour, but tea bags are best if you're looking for something convenient that doesn't require any extra equipment.
How long before bed should you drink chamomile tea?
Getting the timing right is key to unlocking chamomile's sleep-inducing benefits. Here are a couple of ground rules to keep in mind:
- Drinking chamomile tea 30-45 minutes before bed allows the apigenin compound to bind to brain receptors, promoting calmness and drowsiness naturally.
- Avoid consuming large amounts too close to bedtime to prevent trips to the bathroom from disrupting your sleep. That would be a little ironic!
Aside from its naturally sedative properties, incorporating chamomile tea into a nightly routine can help signal your body that it's time to wind down. It all comes down to routine, so consider pairing this habit with other calming habits like reading a book, meditating, or listening to soft music to create the ultimate sleep ritual. This approach will let your body know that sleep is on its way and that it should release enough melatonin to help you drift off quickly.
So, the bottom line is that learning to make chamomile tea for sleep is worth it! Including a quick cup of this delicious brew in your evening routine is a natural, effective way to improve sleep quality. The natural sedative qualities will chemically encourage your body to start going to sleep, while the soothing routine and habit of making a cuppa each night before bed will help your body find a sleep time routine that encourages better rest.
Using all the tips in this blog post, you'll drift off to sleep effortlessly in no time. If you're ready to start brewing, nab a high-quality tea for the best results!
Make the local choice for your chamomile tea with Chanui!
When sourcing the best chamomile tea brand for sleep, you can't go wrong with Chanui. We're the black bag on your local supermarket shelf, providing high-quality tea at affordable prices. Whether you're more into loose-leaf tea or premium tea bags, we're here to help you get a better night's sleep naturally.
Would you prefer to browse through our online tea shop? We don't blame you! You can easily have your favourite chamomile for sleep shipped directly to your doorstep. Browse our range to get started today.