Cheap Natural Sleep Aids That ACTUALLY WORK

I don't know about you guys but I sometimes have a problem getting to sleep. As a businessman that travels a lot and keeps odd hours by necessity, I often find myself having to catch some Zs when I get the opportunity. This is NOT always convenient.

I've tried over-the-counter sleep meds like diphenhydrinate (benadryl, nytol, sominex, etc) and they dry me out and make me feel "run down". The effects linger for too damn long. I'm sometimes on the road for long periods and can't have my alertness compromised.

I have tried Rx meds like Ambien and Sonata but they don't make me sleepy in the least. They DO, however, make me trip balls for a while. They're a pretty good buzz, to be honest, but they don't help me sleep.

A couple years ago, I decided to find something natural and cheap--something with few side effects. I was mostly unsuccessful with the substances that I tried. However, I did find two that work consistently.

What they are might surprise you. For the herbalists out there, I'm sure you already know this.
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CATMINT TEA

Catmint--or, more commonly, "catnip" can be brewed into a light golden-brown tea with a pleasant month flavor. I like fresh-dried catmint from the garden but I use store-bought catmint as well. Some brands are "dried up" and don't have a minty aroma. Avoid these.

Two teacups of the tea will gently knock my ass out in 30-45 minutes regardless of earlier caffeine intake.

Brew it long and strong.
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SHANIN TEA

Shanin is just another name for the blossoms of purple petunias. They don't need to be dried before steeping.

Shanin tea is stronger than catmint. A single cup of this tea is enough to put me out--often before I finish the cup.

Just take 6 dried or fresh blossoms and steep them in boiling water for a few minutes. Instead of being purple (like the blossoms themselves), the tea is a brilliant blue like "Romulan Ale". It tastes pleasant and floral.
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For both of these teas, add sugar or honey if you like. I prefer them unsweetened. Neither is bitter or "weird" tasting.

Shanin tea sometimes causes vivid dreams. The first time I tried it, I was asleep before finishing the cup and immediately went into a bizarre dream where I was drinking tea with the fucking queen of England, having a pleasant conversation. LOL.

As with anything, your mileage may vary.

Last Edited by simultaneous_final on 02/02/2013 01:17 AM