For centuries, women have infused flowers into teas, tonics, and meals to calm the body and open the heart.
Some of my favorites for sleep:
- Chamomile – classic, soothing, and gentle enough for children. Helps quiet the nervous system.
- Lavender – aromatic, relaxing, and known to ease anxious thoughts before bed.
- Rose – softens emotional tension, balances hormones, and adds a luxurious floral touch.
- Passionflower – a powerful ally for deep rest, often used for insomnia.
You can sip these as teas, sprinkle petals over evening meals, or infuse them into honey or warm milk as part of your nighttime ritual.
Adaptogens & Ayurvedic Herbs for Sleep & Energy
Adaptogens are herbs that help your body adapt to stress and restore balance. Many support restful sleep and sustained energy when you wake.
A few I recommend in my own Sleep Garden:
- Ashwagandha – deeply calming, balances cortisol, and eases the body into sleep.
- Reishi mushroom – called the “mushroom of immortality,” it supports immunity and deeper rest.
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) – clears mental fog, balances stress, and encourages serenity.
- Gotu Kola – a revered Ayurvedic brain tonic, it soothes the nervous system, improves circulation, and is known to calm restlessness before bed. It also supports clarity and focus when you rise.
- Brahmi– cherished in Ayurveda for its effect on the mind, memory, and mood. It reduces anxiety, encourages deeper relaxation, and helps create a clear, uplifted start in the morning.
The beauty of these herbs is their intelligence — they work with your body’s rhythms, helping you return to equilibrium naturally.
Here’s one of my favorite evening recipes to weave flowers and adaptogens together:
Floral Adaptogen Moon Milk
- 1 cup warm almond or oat milk
- ½ tsp ashwagandha powder
- ½ tsp reishi or brahmi powder
- 1 tsp rose or chamomile petals (infused in the milk)
- Pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg
- Honey to taste
