This easy chamomile lavender sleep tea is made with dried herbs, fennel seeds and raw honey for a relaxing homemade herbal tea.
Are you having trouble sleeping?
I've had lots of sleepless nights ever since March 2020. I don't think I'm alone!
To cure my insomnia, I've tried herbal supplements like L-Theanine, exercising consistently, stretching, ZzzQuil, cutting out caffeine after 11 a.m., and more.
Everything helped (to an extent), but occasionally I've still found myself awake at 4am.
Recently, I decided to go back to basics and start drinking herbal tea at night.
Specifically, I've been drinking this chamomile lavender sleep tea. It's a delicious, calming herbal tea that's easy to make from scratch.
Want more tea in your life? Lear more about loose leaf tea vs tea bags, or try making pine needle tea, catnip tea, ginger tea, cranberry tea, thyme tea and mint tea!
Will This Tea Help Me Sleep?
I wish I could tell you "yes" with certainty! I wish I could tell myself the same thing.
However, I can tell you that it will be a delicious nighttime drink that will, almost certainly, help you relax before bedtime.
Chamomile + Lavender Benefits
Chamomile tea is a traditional home remedy for insomnia.
It's also thought to help improve anxiety levels and reduce menstrual cramps.
Lavender is also thought to help with sleep quality and reduce stress levels.
They also taste really fabulous together, a major perk!
Why Add Fennel Seed?
Fennel seed is totally optional in this recipe, but I think it adds a nice complexity to the flavor!
The fennel seed will add a faint licorice flavor to the tea. I know that licorice is a divisive flavor, so if you don't like it, skip it!
Where to Get the Herbs
If possible, harvest them from your garden!
Otherwise, you can buy dried chamomile flowers, dried culinary lavender and fennel seeds online.
How to Prepare the Fennel Seeds
If you're using fennel, I recommend gently crushing the seeds with a small mortar and pestle (or the back of a wooden spoon).
Crushing the seeds will help release extra flavor.
How to Make Chamomile Lavender Tea
Simply add the herbs to a strainer basket in a tea pot, or to a French press, or divide between two tea balls.
Pour boiling water over the herbs and steep the tea for eight to ten minutes.
Finally, serve this chamomile lavender tea along with a spoonful of raw honey (if you like!).
Sip the tea as you relax before bedtime. And we all wish you a restful night.
Chamomile Lavender Sleep Tea
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- 2 teaspoons dried chamomile Dried chamomile should still be fragrant before brewing.
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender Use culinary grade lavender
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (optional), use more or less to taste
Instructions
- If using fennel seeds, crush with a mortar and pestle or with the back of a wooden spoon.Bring tea water to a boil. Pour into a teapot, two mugs or a French Press.
- Tea Strainer or Tea Balls: Add any chamomile, lavender and fennel (if using) to a tea ball or tea strainer. Add to the tea pot or mugs.French Press: Add herbs and seeds (if using) to the French Press, and plunge the press down into the water after steeping. Cover pot, mugs or French Press. Steep 8-10 minutes.
- Serve hot, adding honey if desired.
Janet Neuhauser says
fennel seed are a good idea
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Alisha Trenalone says
Yes, adds another nice layer of flavor!
-Alisha at Champagne Tastes
Anonymous says
Hi!! Can I save leftover, refrigerate it and so reheated the second mug for the next day?
Alisha Trenalone says
Yes, sure! That would work just fine.
-Alisha at Champagne Tastes