So happy to have found this forum and this particular section. I have long used herbs and elixirs for many reasons and most of my favorites have been for sleep and dreaming. I love trying new ones that I come across, so I am hoping to spark some new tonic and herbal recipes/uses from others too! I have a homeopathic friend who makes me a great elixir for dreaming, but so far he has not given up his recipe or process. He says he will, so when I can get it out of him I will share it here for all who are interested ;-)
So for starters, I will share from a cool book I found, "Elixirs, Tonis and Teas" by Jeff Stein and Edgar Veytia. It has many great recipes and info. I like this one because it works consistently and it's easy:
SWEET SLUMBER
"Disharmony, discordant notes that jar you awake. Too many threads of melody going in too many directions. Weave the music into a harmonious song, compose your mind, and welcome wholesome sleep with this effective herbal tea." Serves one.
1 teaspoon chamomile flowers
2 teaspoons dried peppermint
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon ground valerian root
Add the chamomile, peppermint and honey to a cup of cold water in a saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat; then reduce to low and simmer for 2 minutes. Stir in the valerian and simmer for an additional 2 minutes. Remove it from heat an strain into a mug or cup.
Works every time! Sometimes I add a little cream. It helps me get such a calm peaceful sleep.
Lastly, I thought I'd include a little blurp about sleep from the same book while I got it open here. Since this is a sleep and dream forum, maybe readers will appreciate it:
"In traditional Chinese herbalism, sound sleep is said to be possible only when the heart system is at rest. At night, the heart is said to house the mind. Often, an overactive mind will consume itself with thought, getting stuck in a restless loop of anxiety fueled by tiredness. Herbal formulas for welcoming sleep are among the best alternatives to mainstream Western remedies. Safe and soothing, they aid in seeking Nature's best healing agent, sleep."
