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Everyone struggles to wind down for bed now and again. You toss and turn, trying to get comfortable, and your mind races with thoughts of the day. Many people avoid sleeping medication because of the groggy feeling it leaves them in the morning.
There is, however, a natural sleep aid that can help you relax and drift off to sleep without any unwanted side effects: banana tea.
If you’re looking for a way to aid your chance of better sleep without the medication, read on to learn more about how banana tea can help and the simplest way to make it.
What is Banana Tea?
Banana tea is a herbal tea from steeping dried banana peels in boiling water. It’s naturally caffeine-free and rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Banana tea has a mild, sweet flavor with hints of spice. It’s also naturally rich in tryptophan, an amino acid known for its calming effect on the body.
How Can Banana Tea Help You Sleep?
There are a few ways in which banana tea for sleep is helpful.
First, the tryptophan in banana tea can help boost serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood and sleep. When serotonin levels are low, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and insomnia.
Banana tea also contains high levels of magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral known for its calming effect on the body and its ability to promote relaxation. Research has shown that magnesium deficiency can lead to increased anxiety and insomnia.
In addition, banana tea is rich in potassium. Potassium is an electrolyte that helps to regulate muscle function and nervous system activity. When levels are low, it can cause muscle cramps and irritability.
How to Make Banana Tea
Making banana tea is simple and only requires a few ingredients. All you need is the following:
- 1 cup of water
- 1 dried banana peel*
- Honey (optional)
- Nutmeg (optional)
*To dry the banana peel, place the chopped peel on a baking tray and place them in your oven on the lowest setting for a few hours until they are dried.
To make the tea, simply bring the water to a boil and add the dried banana peel. Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes, then remove the peel and sweeten it with honey if desired. Also, add a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra boost of flavor.
Drink banana tea 30 minutes before bedtime to give it time to work its magic and help you drift off to sleep.
Alternatively, you can purchase banana tea bags online or at a store if you don’t want to brew your herbal sleep tea.
Are There Other Benefits to Drinking Banana Tea?
In addition to promoting sleep, it is thought that banana tea has a number of other benefits.
Banana tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, which is a great way to boost your immune system. The antioxidants in banana tea can also help to protect your cells from damage and reduce inflammation throughout your body.
Banana tea is also thought to aid in digestion and help to relieve stomach cramps. Plus, it’s a great way to stay hydrated since it’s naturally rich in electrolytes.
Don’t Like Bananas? Try These Teas Instead
If you’re not a fan of bananas, then other teas can help you sleep. Chamomile and lavender tea are both great options.
Chamomile tea is made from the dried flowers of the chamomile plant and has a sweet, slightly bitter taste. It’s naturally caffeine-free and contains high levels of antioxidants. Chamomile tea is thought to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Lavender tea is made from the dried flowers of the lavender plant and has a floral, slightly sweet taste. It’s also naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants. Lavender tea is thought to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
Both chamomile and lavender tea can be found online or at most grocery stores.
Final Thoughts: Banana Tea for Sleep
Banana tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and potassium. All of these nutrients have been shown to promote relaxation and better sleep.
To make banana tea, simply steep the dried banana peel in boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Drink it 30 minutes before bedtime to give it time to take effect.
If you don’t like the flavor of bananas, as many people don’t, then try chamomile or lavender tea instead. Both of these teas are thought to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
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