Drink up and get your head down with these sleep-inducing infusions
It’s no secret that we’re living in stressful times. The human body is not designed to cope with prolonged periods of stress or anxiety, so it is important to look after yourself and follow the principles of Spinneys Eat Well, Live Well philosophy because what we put into our body has a huge impact on how we function. One of the most effective ways to calm frayed nerves is to drink herbal tea. Thankfully, Spinneys’ shelves are stocked with plenty of options to help you create a caffeine-free, calming zone before bedtime.
Lemongrass tea
Forgive yourself for thinking you’re in a spa when you sit back with your cup of lemongrass tea. Typically used in Thai curries, this shrub-like herb’s distinct aroma and flavour is extremely calming as a herbal tea. To make it at home: Cut off the top and root end of the lemongrass stalk and peel off any dry outer layers. Use a pestle to pound the stalk and add it to a pot of boiling water. Turn off the heat and allow the liquid to steep for at least 10 minutes. Pour it in a cup and stir in some honey.
Camomile tea
Made with the dried flowers of a daisy-like plant, camomile is perhaps one of the most popular herbal teas and for good reason - it contains a sleep-inducing chemical. Its delicate floral notes can be enhanced with a dash of cinnamon, which has a double duty: imparting a sweet and woody flavour and preventing damage to cells, thanks to its high number of antioxidants.
Ginger tea
If you don’t have ginger tea bags, you can always make a cup with fresh ingredients. Peel and grate a stub of ginger and add it to a pot of water. Bring the water to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Pour the tea into a cup through a strainer and add a slice of lemon and honey. This potent blend will boost your immune system when you’re feeling under the weather, especially if you add lemon and honey to calm a sore throat.
Rooibos tea
If you’ve never heard of rooibos, it’s a plant with needle like leaves that grows in the western and eastern cape provinces of South Africa. Also referred to as red bush, a cup of rooibos tea works like a power button, which helps you switch off immediately. It’s naturally caffeine-free and contains magnesium and calcium, a combination that promotes good sleep.
Peppermint tea
A cup of peppermint tea after dinner and before bedtime aids digestion and also relaxes the muscles so you can rest assured you’ll get a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re using a teabag or loose leaf tea to make your cup, add a sprig or two of fresh mint leaves for extra aroma and flavour.
