Sleep as a function of repair. Tea as a catalyst for sleep.
It can be tough to catch the Zzzzz in adulthood. The chaos of our life doesn't stop when the sun goes down. Our minds are on a play-by-play recap of past, present, and future scenarios. Sometimes you need some help from trusted herbal allies to set the stage for truly effective rest. Perhaps our Rest Easy herbal tea blend, with its neurotransmitter managing and whole body relaxing plant components, can be of assistance?
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) contains lactucin and lactucopircin which have sedative and analgesic (pain relieving) effects on the central nervous system. It's capable of more than just helping your muscles relax though. Wild lettuce has an interesting inhibitory effect on cholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for slowing down the electrical signals between brain cells. Intriguingly, an excess of this enzyme results in neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. The lactucopircin literally enhances the connections between brain cells making them stronger. I think it’s incredible that this plant that makes you sleepy ALSO has an effect on the strength of the connections between brain cells. Sleep is when your brain does it’s repair work! 🤯 This plant is in the medicinal category and should be consumed under the guidance of your preferred medical professional. I formulated this tea blend with a small ration of these potent plants but as with all herbs in the medicinal category, it is sensible to consume on a schedule not exceeding 10 days consecutively.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) are pretty powerful in the anxiety and restlessness department. They both have stimulating effects on the neurotransmitter GABA via the gut brain, which is responsible for calming excessively excited neurons. Neurons that are firing too easily and therefore too often. Racing thoughts halted. I think it's super neat how these plants can work in tandem to create a well-rounded approach to brain wellness. These herbs are in the medicinal category and should be consumed under the guidance of your preferred medical professional, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a weakened liver. I formulated this tea blend with a small ration of these potent plants but as with all herbs in the medicinal category, it is sensible to consume on a schedule not exceeding 10 days consecutively.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) make up the bulk of this blend. These gentle, food-type herbs relax the body, specifically the digestive system. When tension is released from this area more efficient digestion occurs. Did you know bile is released from the gall bladder only when it is relaxed? Digestion stops during the first half of sleep but resumes during REM sleep. The less your mind has to give attention to during this time the better it can focus on restoring brain tissues. This makes sense as far as restful sleep is concerned. The fewer side quests your brain goes on during the night, the more refreshed you feel in the morning.
Bee balm (Monarda didyma) is like the cherry on top, supporting the mood and digestion even further. I appreciate bee balm's antimicrobial nature in a before-bed drink. It's like a gentle mouth wash for your whole digestive tract. The taste is unexpected and definitely upgrades the flavor of the tea as a whole. Pregnant individuals should use caution around bee balm as it can stimulate contractions of the uterus in some people.
Neurons communicating steady and accurate, thoughts slowed down, tension released... Are you feeling sleepy yet?
I am not making any claims and I'l bet the FDA isnt on board with anything in this article either.
I got this information from these people.
Wild lettuce lactucopircin https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874116324631?via%3Dihub
Alzheimers and cholinesterase https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4787279/
Skullcap gaba https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29168225/
Passionflower gaba https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594160/
Chamomile digestive relaxant https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/#S4title
Peppermint digestive https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21791024/
Gastric emptying during sleep https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12184167/