Sleep problems aren't all the same, and neither are sleep herbs. Some are gentle nerve tonics for a busy mind. Others are deeply relaxing for a body that won't settle. Matching the herb to your kind of restless night makes all the difference.
What kind of sleepless are you?
- "My mind won't stop." Racing thoughts, replaying the day, planning tomorrow at 1 a.m. Look at passionflower, skullcap and lemon balm.
- "My body won't relax." Physical tension, restlessness, can't get comfortable. Look at valerian, California poppy and kava.
- "I'm wired and exhausted." Running on stress for weeks, too tired to sleep. Look at ashwagandha and milky oat, taken daily, not just at bedtime.
The herbs
Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a native North American vine with one of the most extraordinary flowers in the plant world. It's traditionally used to ease occasional nervousness and promote calm and relaxation. It's especially useful on those nights of circular thinking.*
Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is one of the oldest and best-known sleep herbs in Europe, used since ancient Greece. Its root has a famously pungent smell. It's traditionally used to promote relaxation and support restful sleep.* A small number of people find valerian stimulating rather than calming. If that's you, switch to passionflower or California poppy.
California poppy
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), the California state flower, supports the nervous system and is used to promote calm and deep, restful sleep.* It's non-addictive and not related to the opium poppy.
Hops
Yes, the same plant that flavors beer. Hops (Humulus lupulus) strobiles have been used for centuries to help with restlessness and tension, and to support restful sleep.* Hop-pickers were said to tire easily in the fields.
Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a classic North American nerve tonic, used to support the nervous system and ease occasional tension and nervousness. It's good for people who are "frayed at the edges."*
Lemon balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a fragrant member of the mint family, is one of the gentlest calming herbs. It's used to ease occasional nervousness and promote a calm mood.*
Kava
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a ceremonial and social drink across the Pacific Islands. It's deeply relaxing for both body and mind, and is often used for occasional nervousness and tension.*
Formulas
- Just Relax combines kava, ashwagandha, passionflower, California poppy and fresh lemon balm. It's designed for people who need to deeply relax, to support restful sleep and ease occasional nervousness.*
- Nox Out is our evening cannabinoid formula, with full spectrum CBD, CBN and a small amount of delta-8. Take 1–2 ml one to two hours before bed. Note that it contains THC. See our cannabinoids guide.
How to take sleep herbs
- Timing: take your evening dose about 30–60 minutes before bed, in a little warm water or caffeine-free tea.
- For a busy mind during the day too: most of these extracts are labeled for use two to four times a day, so you can take them during the day as well as before bed.
- Give it a week. Some herbs work on the first night; others, especially nerve tonics like milky oat and skullcap, work best with daily use.
- Pair with good sleep habits: a consistent bedtime, a dark and cool room, screens off an hour before bed, and no caffeine after noon. Herbs work much better on top of those basics.
Safety
Calming herbs can add to the effects of alcohol, sedatives, sleep medication and antidepressants. Don't combine them without talking to your doctor, and don't drive after taking them. Kava should not be combined with alcohol, and isn't suitable for people with liver conditions, anyone under 18, or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If sleep problems persist for weeks, see a healthcare provider. Ongoing sleeplessness can have causes that need proper attention.
Shop this guide: Just Relax · Passionflower · Valerian · California Poppy · Skullcap · Nox Out
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Photo: Passiflora incarnata by André Alliot, dedicated to the public domain (CC0 1.0).