Say Goodbye to Insomnia: Discover 4 Foods and 3 Herbal Teas for a Better Sleep

The Epoch Times

When you want to relax and get a good night’s sleep, foods and herbal teas can help. Following are four foods and three herbal teas that can facilitate relaxation and sleep when consumed a half hour before bedtime.

Four Foods That Promote Sleep

1. Edible lily bulbs

Lily bulbs nourish the lungs and heart and have a calming and soothing effect on the mind. They can be beneficial for addressing insomnia caused by lung deficiency, emotional imbalance, or depression.

Either fresh edible lily bulbs or dried edible lily bulbs from Chinese herbal stores can be used. Put the bulbs in a pot and simmer with water to prepare lily bulb soup. Add some rock sugar for a sweeter taste or some pork ribs for a savory flavor. The latter option is beneficial for individuals who are prone to nausea or acid reflux when consuming sweet foods.

2. Lotus seeds

Lotus seeds calm the mind, nourish the spleen, and strengthen the “essence,” which is defined as that which nourishes one’s body and soul. Lotus seeds are beneficial for addressing insomnia caused by restlessness, palpitations, and digestive issues. Like lily bulbs, lotus seeds can be cooked into sweet soup or added to pork rib soup.

3. Milk

Milk is widely recognized as a sleep-promoting drink, and a small cup of warm milk before bedtime has a calming effect. Milk contains calcium, tryptophan, and lactose. Tryptophan is a natural sleep aid that helps stabilize emotions and relax tense nerves. At the same time, calcium plays a role in quieting the nervous system, and lactose aids in the absorption of calcium.

4. Banana

Bananas are rich in magnesium and tryptophan. Insufficient magnesium levels in the body can disrupt sleep and lead to anxiety. However, it is essential to note that bananas have a cooling nature and should not be consumed excessively, as doing so may lead to abdominal discomfort and bloating.