GLOW Lavender Nighttime Tea

We kicked off the week by talking about nighttime rituals, and ways to relax for a better night’s sleep. I’ve also been talking to you about the healing properties of herbs and spices.

This week’s recipe is the perfect combination of healing herbs and relaxing nighttime ritual.

You can find all different herbal tea blends, but it’s important to make sure the blends you choose don’t have any additional fillers or additives.

Make sure they are just tea and/or herbs. Some of the best herbs for nighttime relaxation include:

Valerian Root: Helpful when you’re having a hard time sleeping due to anxiety or stress.

Poppy Plant: Contains a poppy plant acts as a mild sedative to help encourage a deep sleep when you’re feeling restless and achy.

Chamomile: Contains apigenin, an antioxidant that may promote sleepiness and reduce insomnia.

Lavender Buds: Tea that includes lavender can improve your sleep quality and relax you too.

My recipe this week features lavender. Lavender not only smells heavenly but has some amazing healing and relaxation properties.

Lavender has been shown to have antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.

Additionally, lavender applied topically has been shown to stimulate hair growth. Lavender is beneficial for relaxation and can help anxiety and depression.

One study showed that the smell of lavender had a positive effect on insomnia and depression.

As an added bonus in this recipe, chamomile is widely used among herbalists to improve digestion. So this tea can be especially helpful in finishing up digestion for the night and allowing for restful sleep.

Lavender packs a powerful punch and is perfect for nighttime relaxation. Try my GLOW Lavender Nighttime Tea this week and see if you feel more relaxed and get better sleep!

INGREDIENTS

• 8 ounces Almond Milk, unsweetened
• 1 bag Chamomile Herbal Tea
• 1 teaspoon Honey, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or ½ Vanilla Bean Pod, scraped, and seeds added to the tea mixture)
• 1/2 teaspoon Culinary Lavender Buds or use Chamomile Lavender Tea, optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the almond milk into a small saucepan.
2. Heat the almond milk until very hot, but not boiling.
3. Add the chamomile tea and lavender buds, if using.
4. Allow to steep 5–6 minutes.
5. Remove the tea bag and strain out lavender buds, if needed.
6. Pour into your favorite mug.
7. Sweeten with the honey or maple syrup.
8. Stir in the vanilla extract.
9. Drink immediately.

NOTES

For more of a frothy latte texture, pour all contents into a blender, or use a small coffee frother or stick blender, and blend before serving.