Get golden slumbers with golden tea

Do you have trouble sleeping?  Is falling asleep and staying asleep a nightly battle?

If so, you’re not alone.

Up to 70 million Americans suffer from some form of a sleep disorder. And, while not getting enough rest can leave you dragging through your day, irritable, and even cause mental confusion, the long-term problems associated with chronic sleeplessness are much worse.

Long-term insufficient sleep can lead to depression, joint pain, anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes, and even heart disease.

If you are trying to make a decision on whether or not to use prescription medications to deal with your sleep disturbances, don’t reach for the pill bottle just yet.

These drugs come with a long list of side effects, including changes in appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, headache and memory and attention problems. You could also end up with stomach pain, unusual dreams, weakness and even uncontrollable shaking of parts of your body.

Honestly, sometimes doesn’t it just feel like the side effects are worse than the problem itself?

If you want to get better sleep more naturally, there is a great option available…

Get better sleep with California’s “cup of gold”

The California poppy is the Golden State’s state flower. When it was first seen by the Spanish explorers, they named it “Copa del Oro” or “Cup of Gold” for its beautiful vibrant colors that made its petals look like they were filled with gold.

But, this gorgeous blossom has more going for it than just beauty.

It has been shown to help alleviate insomnia caused by restlessness and anxiety and improve both the quality and the quantity of your sleep. So if it’s golden slumbers you wish to fill your eyes, you might want to fill your tummy with golden tea…

California poppy acts as both a mild relaxant as well as an analgesic, meaning if joint or muscle pain is keeping you awake, this bright flower could be the answer you’re looking for.

It’s also very easy to use.

You have the option of either drinking it as a tea or using a tincture.

To make a tea or infusion, pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoons of the dried herb and let steep for at least ten minutes. One cup of tea up to two times per day should be enough to improve your sleep.

Most people prefer to use a tincture instead since although the smell of the poppy is sweet, as a tea it can taste quite bitter.

If you decide to go this route, you can take between 15-30 drops of the tincture, up to three times per day, with one of the doses at bedtime.

Tinctures of California poppy are easy to find at either your local natural health store or by ordering online.

So, if sleep is evading you, if your mind is running and you just can’t turn it off, or if aches and pains are preventing you from getting the rest you need, the help you need could be found in the golden petals of the California poppy.

Sources:

1. Insufficient Sleep Is a Public Health Problem — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2. Understanding the Side Effects of Sleeping Pills — WebMD

3. Bruneton, J. 1995. Pharmacognosy Phytochemistry Medicinal Plants. — Paris: Lavoisier Publishing.