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106. Exploring Natural Sleep Solutions: Herbal Medicinal Plants for Restful Nights

Updated: Feb 24


This is going to be a refresher for some but it was so popular, I'm sending it out again. Life often moves at a rapid pace and the importance of a good night's sleep cannot be overstated. Quality sleep is crucial for overall well-being, impacting both our physical and mental health. However, sleep issues and disorders can disrupt this essential aspect of our lives. Many individuals are seeking natural, holistic alternatives to aid in achieving restful nights. Herbal medicinal plants.  In Brooklyn's enchanting herbal shop Spiral Herbal Remedies, Clinical Herbalist and Former Registered Nurse, Donna Cleary and her apprentices offer guidance on plant-based, organic healing for a variety of sleep issues. In this blog post, we delve into how herbal remedies offer a holistic approach to improving sleep quality.


Understanding Sleep Issues

Sleep problems are more common than one might think and can manifest in various ways, including insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. These issues often result from factors such as stress, anxiety, poor sleep hygiene, or certain medical conditions.


Herbal Medicinal Plants for Better Sleep

Herbal medicinal plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to promote relaxation and improve sleep. Here are some herbal solutions that can be explored for sleep support. Keep in mind that each herbal extract or tea offers additional benefits, so read through and find the right one for you.


Other Thoughts

Light and noise “pollution” are huge contributors to sleep disruption. Nighttime light use in our never-ending workday sets us up for a disruption in our circadian rhythm - the normal sleep-wake cycle triggered by sunlight and its absence. Especially in a city environment, streetlights are a constant. An eye mask has been transformative for me. They’re an inexpensive and simple solution.

Noise also disrupts sleep, especially in the city... cars, people, planes, neighbors, the list goes on. Find yourself some good earplugs. I’ve found these block out nearly all sounds, including most of my partner’s snoring. :)But when racing thoughts and worries keep you up, here are some Organic, Plant-based, Herbal solutions.

Spiral Herbal Remedies has formulated a unique way of delivering CBD which comes from  Donna’s 13 years of experience working as an RN at Harvard’s teaching hospital. Unlike other CBD Oils, our CBD oil is made from 99.2% CBD. Other products include the other properties of the plant and count them toward the total milligrams. That means the CBD has been diluted by the other properties in the plant.

CBD works by binding with receptors on the nervous system, calming it. There is no THC, so this CBD will not make you high. You can use it during the day as well for anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and its antioxidant properties.

The exciting part about our CBD is its anti-inflammatory properties. Using it consistently for a month or so, for some, has eliminated inflammation and therefore, eliminated the source pain… permanently.


Ashwagandha has a long history of use in India as Ayurvedic medicine. For sleep, it can help decrease Cortisol levels, our fight or flight / stress hormone. In a small study with 58 participants, those who took ashwagandha for 8 weeks had significantly reduced perceived stress and significantly reduced levels of Cortisol compared to placebo. 

 Ashwagandha also has a long history of use as a brain tonic, for memory loss, helping improve mood, cognitive performance, and reaction time. In animal studies, it was found to slow the progression of Alzheimer's by boosting a neurotransmitter vital to normal cognition. It may also help protect against neurotoxins.


Passion Flower has sedating properties in addition to its calming properties. A plant used in Indigenous practices in the Amazon for millennia, Passionflower has been used traditionally to calm the nervous system by increasing GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. Passionflower has also been used to help regulate Blood Pressure, IBS, Depression, Pain, and Asthma. Some people can tolerate taking it during the day but I suggest taking it at night the first time to see how sedating it is.


The feedback on this tea is that it “knocks you out” and you don’t feel drowsy when you wake. One woman said, “You better be lying down when you take it.”

Made from a blend of plants that have sedating and calming properties, this one is the “big guns”.


Herbalist's Guidance

Visiting Spiral Herbal Remedies in Brooklyn can provide personalized insights into the appropriate use of these herbal remedies. Herbalists offer tailored advice and guidance on selecting the right herbs to support improved sleep. They can consider individual health conditions, lifestyles, and preferences to create a suitable approach.

In the realm of natural and holistic remedies, Herbal medicinal plants are gaining recognition for their potential to aid in achieving better sleep. While herbs can be a valuable addition to a holistic approach to wellness, they should complement other healthy habits, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper sleep hygiene. Embracing the potential of herbal solutions, guided by the experience of Spiral Herbal Remedies in Brooklyn, can be a step towards holistic well-being and more restful nights. By combining traditional herbal knowledge with modern lifestyle adjustments, individuals can work towards a good night's sleep and a rejuvenated, revitalized self. Use the code: SLEEP for 10% off your next purchase on our website spiralherbalremedies.com  or in our shop located at 810 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NYFollow us on Instagram and Facebook @spiralherbalremedies




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