*Nothing we share is meant to diagnose, treat, or cure anything—just time-tested wisdom the FDA hasn’t evaluated. (More about our philosophy here)
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The modern world isn't built for sleep.
We fill our heads with blue light, caffeine, and late night to-do lists, then wonder why we can't fall asleep. Or, we wake up at 2AM staring at the ceiling while our brain replays tomorrow.
The solutions we're typically offered are just as unbalanced:
BUT, there's a middle ground.
One that's not about knockouts or gimmicks, but instead about helping your body do what it already knows how to do....rest!
For centuries, humans have leaned on plants to prepare the nervous system for sleep.
These herbs aren't one-size-fits-all, nor are they magic bullets. They're subtle & powerful tools worth understanding.
Even though you probably know this one, don't mistake familiarity for weakness.
Chamomile works not by overpowering the body but by gently shifting it. It's especially helpful when the body feels tired but the mind is still scanning. That classic "I know I'm exhausted, but I can't seem to power down" mode.
Also worth noting: it's one of the safest herbs for kids.
Part of the mint family, lemon balm has a rare combination of being uplifting without being energizing.
It's especially good when stress or low-grade anxiety is interfering with sleep. If your brain keeps bringing up the future while you're lying in bed, this is one to try.
Valerian has a reputation. And it's earned.
It's a sedative that interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, which can help calm the nervous system.
But its dirty socks smell and strength make it one to use wisely.
This isn't really a casual tea to sip on. More of a "nothing else is working" kind of tool for when you need a short-term reset.
If valerian is the hammer, passionflower is the locksmith.
It's ideal for racing thoughts and a restless mind that won't settle.
Passionflower doesn't sedate though, it soothes.
It helps lengthen sleep time & improves quality without pushing you over a cliff.
(Highly recommend this one with other herbs like lemon balm or chamomile.)
This herb often gets overlooked, but it's quietly one of the most helpful for people who carry tension in their body.
Skullcap might be speaking your language if you're ever waking up with a clenched jaw, stiff neck, or a sense of unease you can't exactly name.
It can help reset the parasympathetic nervous system so the body feels safe enough to let go.
Not just for linen spray!
Lavender has well-documented calming effects on the central nervous system. And yes, you can drink it.
It has a soft floral taste that blends well with almost anything & its impact is subtle but dependable.
Think of it as a signal to your body: "Hey, it's okay to stop now."
Tulsi is an adaptogen that helps the body regulate stress.
If your sleep issues come from an overactive stress response (ex/ high cortisol at night, low energy in the morning), tulsi may help balance your system so sleep happens more naturally.
As with other adaptogens, daily use build its effects.
A few things worth understanding before you dive in:
1. Herbs don't work like pills
If you're expecting a knockout, you'll be disappointed. These plants help support your body's natural rhythms, they don't hijack them.
2. Blends work better
While any one of these herbs might help, combining them based on your particular sleep patterns will often yield better results. This is where the nuance comes in & a shop like ours can help.
3. Ritual matters
The actual process of making tea can be part of what helps it work. Boiling water, steeping, waiting - all of these signal to your body that the day is done, that you're shifting gears.
One of the best things about herbs is that you don't have to buy a 30-day supply to find out if they work for you.
At Tare, we carry all 7 of these herbs in bulk. So you can try a few tablespoons before committing. You can buy the herbs to make your own blend at home or ask us to help you piece on together based on what you're dealing with. (Again, we're not doctors though!)
It also means less waste, less cost, and a better relationship with what you're putting in your body.
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Sleep isn't something you force. It's something you allow.
And in a world that constantly asks more of you, even rest becomes an act of resistance.
These herbs won't fix your life, but they can help support it. Quietly, consistently, & without all the marketing gimmicks. Just dried plants.
And sometimes, that's enough.