As soothing as tea can be, tea with caffeine right before bedtime can interrupt your sleep. That’s why herbal teas are preferred for those with sleep or relaxation issues.

Brewed teas are made from tea leaves and all tea is made from the dried, processed leaves and buds of the Camellia Sinensis bush, which is native to Asia. But herbal teas, which look like tea and are brewed as well, are made from fresh herbs (caffeine-free naturally) with medicinal properties such as chamomile, lavender, cardamom, açai, mint, fennel, ginger and jasmine. An herbal infusion, known as a tisane, may contain select dried leaves, pieces of ripe fruit, flowers, grasses, nuts, barks, seeds or other botanicals that give them their taste and their benefits. Both chamomile and lavender teas are ideal as a sleep aid.

Chamomile tea comes from the herb Matricaria recutita, also known as manzanilla, and has been regarded as a medicinal cure-all. It is said to:

• Boost the immune system and fight infections associated with colds
• Relieve muscle spasms and menstrual cramps in women
• Relax the nerves
• Soothe the stomach
• Reduce inflammation
• Improve liver function
• Help relieve back pain and rheumatism

Lavender tea is particularly beneficial to disorders involving the nervous system as its fragrance is known to relax and soothe the mind and body. It can be made simply by putting a few lavender flowers and into a pot of boiling water and steeping for seven to 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy. Even if you don’t prefer to drink tea, just the aroma can help you relax. In addition to helping ease insomnia, lavender tea may help calm nervousness and anxiety and be used to alleviate stress and uplift flagging spirits. Other benefits include:

• Help treat an upset stomach, as well as flatulence, colic and stomach and bowel infections
• May help alleviate depressive and migraine headaches
• May help alleviate colds, cough, asthma, bronchitis and similar problems in the respiratory system when applied topically
• May help induce sweating and consequently reduce the body temperature during fever
• May help heal cuts, wounds, ulcers and sores when applied topically.
• Useful as a mouthwash to combat halitosis