Because learning about your brain and sleep can be fun . . .
Reishi mushrooms are not your average fungi. The bioactive components found in reishi mushrooms (Ganoderma lucidum) have been shown and suspected, among other things, to have a soothing effect on the nervous system. One such compound is triterpene, which can ease anxiety. While unfamiliar to many Americans, reishis have long been used for general health…
For centuries, gotu kola has been a superstar in traditional medicine. It’s like an herbal superhero, swooping in to save the day with mental clarity and memory improvement powers. And if it were an herbal superhero, it would have more powers than just greater mental clarity and memory improvement. It’s also noted to be good…
Hops have been rocking the beer scene for centuries with flavor-packed goodness. Did you know they also possess some hidden talents in the realm of relaxation and shut-eye? The little green cones are more than just a pretty face in your pint glass. They contain natural compounds that can work wonders for relaxation and sleep.…
Looking for the strongest natural sleep aid? In this post, we’ll explore the most effective natural remedies. Many people turn to natural alternatives when they have difficulty sleeping. These remedies offer a gentle approach and often come with other benefits. From calming herbal teas to relaxing essential oils, there are options that may provide the…
When you hear “take some skullcap” you might think about taking a small hat worn close to the head somewhere. They might be talking about the hat, but they could also be talking about a herb. You’ll want to ask a few questions to be sure. Belonging to the mint family, this herb boasts distinctive…
When I was in school there was this kid, Dave. He remembered all of his dreams, so he said. They’d be crazy. They’d have monsters in them, people with no faces, and talking ducks. Every so often he’d keep us entertained before school and at recess with his tales from the night before. Sometimes his…
Valerian root has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a plant with a knockout punch. Its roots are harvested and worked into capsules, teas, and tinctures to help people sleep. What sets valerian apart from other sleep aids on the market is its…
There is more refreshment and stimulation in a sleep, even of the briefest, than in all the alcohol ever distilled. E.V. Lucas (1868–1938) English playwright and novelist Many people believe in the power of alcohol to get a good night’s rest. There’s even a special word for it, a nightcap. On the surface, it seems…
All cherries have some melatonin; tart cherries have the most. Studies have shown that consuming cherries can improve sleep quality by increasing melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is a hormone responsible for regulating our sleep-wake cycles. When we have low levels of melatonin, we may experience difficulty sleeping or staying asleep throughout the night.…
Olive oil. Coconut Oil. Food-grade lye. Fermented sugar. “The more complicated something is, the more that can go wrong with it,” said Georgia Cobb, co-founder of Ladybird Essentials, an up-and-coming consumer products company. The company is scheduled to appear next week at NY Now, an industry trade show. “Who doesn’t like to keep it simple?”…
Tired of herbal tea at bedtime? Want to try something else to help you sleep? Warm milk or atole (warmed milk with corn starch) might be what you’re looking for. Warm milk has all of the same nutrients as cold milk, but the heat used for warming the milk causes sleep-promoting compounds to get unlocked.…
Chamomile is a popular herbal tea often used to help people sleep. It contains a compound called apigenin, which is the active ingredient. It can be brewed using fresh or dried chamomile flowers. Most chamomile tea is consumed at bedtime. It has been used since ancient times to help people sleep and to soothe anxiety.…
There’s far more than just one tip here. Try out a bunch of them and see which one you think is No. 1! Do you ever find yourself tossing and turning in bed, struggling to fall asleep or falling back asleep? You’re not alone. According to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), three in 10 adults…