An Herbal Tea Cured Her Insomnia When Even Meds Couldn't
I can't go on like this, Jamie groaned after hours of tossing and turning. As a night shift RN at a bustling trauma center, she needed to be alert and energetic for her patients, not tired and drained.
After suffering from insomnia for two decades, Jamie was losing hope as she constantly fought to fall and stay asleep, especially in the summer. Jamie learned from researching online that sleep problems spike in warmer temperatures due to impaired thermoregulation and circadian rhythm. Over the years, her doctor prescribed Xanax to calm her anxiety and racing mind and trazodone (a heavy-duty sedative), but they did little to quiet her mind and help her drift off. She also tried over-the-counter Benadryl, which failed to help.
The medication's side effects and lack of sleep left her groggy and foggy-headed, and she never felt fully rested. Over time, the chronic sleep deprivation negatively impacted her quality of life and interfered with her daily activities and responsibilities.
As a busy single mom, Jamie was reluctant to try more heavy prescription medications that only made her feel worse. What am I going to do? she despaired. Then, in 2024, miserable and nearly losing hope, Jamie noticed a local herbalist she followed on Instagram, Michelle McAninch, founder of Tamarac Garden Family Farm, posting about a new organic sleep tea she created. Curious, Jamie reached out to Michelle to learn more.
Michelle's Sweet Dreams Tea is a synergetic blend of five of the most effective herbs for insomnia designed to ease tension, calm the racing mind and promote sound and restful sleep—minus the adverse side effects. Michelle explained that herbs are like people; they're good on their own and even better together, and that was her inspiration for Sweet Dreams Tea for better sleep.
Hops (used as a nonalcoholic flavoring in beer) and catnip both have a sedative effect and boost GABA, the brain's calming neurotransmitters, much like prescription anti-anxiety meds. They help ease stress and promote relaxation. The floral flavors of rose petals and the sweetness of lemon balm and chamomile are rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids and polyphenols that are beneficial for easing anxiety-related insomnia and emotional overload, nixing mental chatter, calming emotions and relaxing the body and mind.
With nothing to lose, Jamie started drinking the tea the next day after a grueling night shift to see if it would help her sleep. She steeped the tea bag in boiling water for 15 minutes, then removed it and put it in the fridge to cool down, allowing her to get two uses from each bag. When she wanted another cup, she simply set the used tea bag out for about 10 minutes before steeping again. Jamie enjoyed the mild herbal taste and added a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness.
After her first use, she immediately noticed the tea took the edge off and helped her relax and ease into uninterrupted sleep. Hopeful, she continued to drink the tea, and by day three, she'd drift off within the hour and stay asleep. Jamie marveled at how soundly she slept and woke up feeling rested and refreshed—not groggy.
Today, Jamie still drinks the tea daily for better sleep. 'I get amazing, restful sleep and feel so much better,' she says. She's energetic and no longer drags through her days. Her mind is clear, focused and finally calm. Her insomnia is finally erased, and Jamie is grateful for a natural remedy. 'This tea has changed my sleep and life,' she beams. 'I feel amazing!'
Want to read about more ways to get better sleep? Keep scrolling!
The Melatonin-Free Secret to Better Sleep (and a Better You)
Red Light Therapy for Insomnia: One Woman's Journey to Relief
Scientists Reveal Their 5 Favorite Ways to Get a Better Night's Sleep This Spring
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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