Are you curious to discover what herbs can support your occasional sleeplessness? You've probably heard of ashwagandha root or valerian root for sleep, but perhaps you haven't tried these others yet? While we love ashwagandha as a tonic herb to take daily for long term nervous system support, there are stronger plants with more sedative effects we prefer to take for in the moment shut eye. If you're having sleep troubles, try incorporating ashwagandha into your everyday routine with Zizia's Adaptogen Tincture, dose each AM and PM. Save your Zizia Sleep Tincture to take before bed to calm your mind and ease into sleep. Below you'll find a few of our favorite herbs for supporting occassional sleeplessness, take 30 min. to 1 hr before bed. The following herbs work well with in various preparations including teas, tinctures, capsules, glycerites, and powders. Rest best.

1. Valerian

Scientific Name: Valeriana officinalis, Caprifoliaceae

Part used: Root

A night-time nervine perfect for when you need to come down from a go-go-go kinda day. We use the plant’s intensely aromatic roots. Take it when you’re over counting sheep.*

Find it in Ziz: Sleep Tincture

2. Kava Kava

Scientific name: Piper methysticum, Piperaceae

Parts used: Root

A strong nervine that packs a punch against nervous stress, usually due to overwork and an emotional hangover from being ‘on’ all the time. We use this herb’s roots, which may give your tongue a little tingle—that means it works (thanks to the kavalactones present in the root). Our go-to for tension, easing a racing mind, and in place of that stiff dirty martini at the end of the day.*

Find it in Ziz: Relax Formulas

3. Hops

Scientific name: Humulus lupulus, Cannabaceae

Parts used: Strobiles 

A calming nervine that’s ideal for restlessness. We use the plant’s rich resinous flowers (well, technically ‘strobiles’). Use it when it’s time to x-out of the tabs and get a deep night’s sleep.*

Find it in Ziz: Sleep Tincture

4. Chamomile

Scientific name: Matricaria recutita, Asteraceae

Parts used: Flowers

This iconic flower is both a nervine and a carminative, meaning it will calm the brain belly connection. Use the honey-like smelling flowers to ease digestive cramping and discomfort. An underrated herb for trying times.*

Find it in Ziz: 11 Flowers Tincture, Damiana Ziz Drops,

Sleep Tincture, Digest Tincture, Relax Formulas

5. California Poppy

Scientific name: Eschscholzia californica, Papaveraceae

Parts used: Whole plant (roots, flowers, leaves)

A powerful nervine that also alleviates minor pains after running around all day. We use the whole plant, for extra oomph. Take your shoes off and get ready to relax.*

Find it in Ziz: Sleep Tincture

Explore the rest of our herbalist-formulated products and learn more about the herbs and their benefits. Made with organic and sustainably sourced ingredients in L.A.