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Can't sleep? Grab some warm milk and use this list of spices and herbs that you can add to your milk to fall right into slumberland
We are currently living in a time of extreme stress. With Covid-19, increasing workload and the propensity to encounter burnout, it can be hard to stay positive and to maintain your physical and mental health. In particular, it can be a challenge at times to get a good night’s sleep.
With our offices moving into our bedrooms, boundaries being blurred between work and personal life, it is no wonder why we are struggling.
Don’t read: World Sleep Day 2022: 8 of the Best Sleep Sprays You Can Get in Singapore
However, you don’t need to resort to medication or anything too drastic to get some well-deserved rest. Rather, there are many natural and simple ways that you can use to increase the quality of your sleep.
Below, we list some popular spices and herbs that are fantastic at calming nerves and helping you get the rest you deserve and need.
1. Nutmeg
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Nutmeg is probably one of the most underrated spices out there. However, the healing properties of the spice are certainly significant. It can help digestion, improve your brain health, relieve pain and can help with calming nerves and releasing serotonin.
You simply need to add a pinch of nutmeg to a glass of warm milk and drink that before you go to sleep to enjoy the benefits. Just make sure that you only use a pinch of nutmeg because too much of it can cause negative side effects.
2. Valerian
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The roots of the valerian herb may not be the easiest to acquire but if you can get your hands on them at the supermarket, know that it is a very powerful herb and that it is often used to treat insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.
The way it works is that valerenic acid in the valerian roots inhibits the breakdown of the neurotransmitter GABA. This basically acts as a natural anti-anxiety pill and can help you drift off faster.
Don't miss: How Covid-19 Is Affecting Your Sleep and How You Can Fix It, According to a Sleep Scientist
3. Mint
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You may either love or hate mint but no matter which camp you fall under, we all have to agree that mint does have some pretty stellar health benefits.
In fact, did you know that peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant? Adding mint to the tea you are drinking can help ease tension in your body as well as help with digestion so you feel comfortable and ready for bed. Just make sure your tea is not caffeinated.
4. Cinnamon
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Cinnamon is a relatively common spice that most people have readily available in their kitchen. However, did you know that it is more than just a topping for oatmeal or a great addition to pastries? Cinamon actually has many health benefits and can aid in preventing cardiac disease, help with weight loss and help to combat those sleepless nights.
It does this by relaxing you and preventing blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Try mixing cinnamon powder into a glass of warm milk before you head to bed and see how it works for you.
5. Saffron
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Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world and that’s because of how hard it is to harvest. Despite its price tag though, saffron is incredibly popular because it has many health benefits.
One of them is the ability to cure insomnia by helping you to fall asleep and to stay asleep longer.
All you need to do is to add a pinch of saffron to a glass of milk or tea before bed and you’re set.
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Camillia Dass is the digital writer for Tatler Singapore.
