Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture Recipe

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Homemade sleep tincture recipe for kids and adults
Wellness Mama » Blog » Natural Remedies » Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture Recipe

This natural sleep tincture recipe is made with some of my favorite herbs. It’s naturally relaxing, calming, and great for a better night’s sleep. We don’t need it often, but if I’ve got a sick kiddo, or we’re traveling and schedules are crazy, this is the one I reach for.

And it doesn’t just work for kids. Adults who struggle with sleepless nights and anxious feelings can also benefit from a sleep tincture. Things like keeping magnesium levels up and getting enough sunlight during the day are also key to a good night’s rest.

What Is a Sleep Tincture?

A tincture simply extracts the health benefits from herbs into a concentrated liquid form. If you’ve ever tried “sleepy time tea” and felt more relaxed and had better sleep, a tincture can work even better. Tinctures rely on alcohol to extract and preserve the beneficial components of the herb.

This is my basic tincture process. If you have an herb garden you already have a lot of the ingredients! I rely on tinctures for a wide variety of complaints, like tummy troubles, colic, teething, sore throats, or as a multivitamin. I even have one I like to use for postpartum care.

Tincture Without the Alcohol

If you want to skip the alcohol, you can make a glycerite or herbal-infused vinegar instead. These don’t have as long of a shelf life but will still last several years.

A popular strategy is to put the alcohol tincture dose in a cup of steaming hot water and allow it to evaporate some before drinking. However, this only decreases the alcohol a tiny amount and you lose the volatile oils and some other constituents in the process, according to the USDA.

Sleepy Time Herbs

Each herb in this blend has a unique role to play. Here’s what each herb does and why I chose it for my sleep tincture recipe.

Yarrow helps increase circulation in the body and has an affinity for the blood. When circulation is working optimally, the body can better deliver the nutrition it needs to different areas.

Catnip is a nervine and sedative that helps calm and relax. The active ingredient in catnip is similar to the sedatives found in valerian root. It was used as far back as medieval times as a strengthening tonic.

Chamomile is a gentle, yet powerful nervine that soothes and calms. It’s helpful for restlessness, crankiness, and anxious feelings.

Stevia is a super sweet herb, about 200 times sweeter than sugar, according to a 2019 article in the journal PNAS. We’re using it here for the flavor, though it can be omitted if desired.

Oatstraw and Milk Oat Tops

Oats help restore the nervous system, especially in times of stress, to rebuild energy and stamina. They help build resilience and induce rest, which in turn can boost libido. This relaxing herb addresses anxious feelings and sleeplessness and is a great addition to a sleep tincture.

You can even use oats to reduce night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings during menopause (which can interrupt sleep). Our family also used it to help stop bedwetting.

Both the stem and the milky, immature oat top are rich in minerals and nutrients including:

  • Silica
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorous
  • Chromium
  • Iron
  • Calcium
  • Alkaloids
  • Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K

Peppermint

Rich in minerals and vitamins, peppermint is a delicious addition to foods, like this healthy peppermint mocha. Mint helps to stimulate digestion, improves circulation, and supports toning and cleansing the liver. It both relaxes and stimulates the nervous system to help with tension and anxious feelings. So mint can calm you down while it gives a pick-me-up feeling.

Hops

Hops were used by indigenous tribes and the Arabic world for centuries before they became a popular addition to beer brewing. They help induce sleepiness and even King George III was rumored to have slept on a hops stuffed pillow for sweet dreams. Most of the evidence on hops shows it works as part of a blend of herbs.

Are Tinctures Safe?

Tinctures have been safely used in herbal remedies since ancient times and are still widely used today.

There are as many uses for tinctures as there are herbs, but make sure to research carefully before creating a new concoction. Just because something comes from nature doesn’t mean it is safe to concentrate and ingest! Quite the opposite sometimes, actually.

This sleep tincture recipe contains a blend of herbs I’ve used successfully for years. There are a few safety considerations though.

Sleep Tincture Safety and Contraindications

Herbs are largely safe options, but not every herb works for every person. That’s one reason why I keep a variety of herbs in my DIY herb cabinet. The following information comes from The Herbal Academy, registered herbalist David Hoffman, and herbalist and Yale-trained doctor Aviva Romm, MD.

Yarrow – Yarrow is not safe during pregnancy and its safety during breastfeeding is unknown.

Catnip – This herb is used to bring on menstruation. Large doses are not recommended during pregnancy.

Oatstraw – Both the stem and milky oat tops can have trace amounts of gluten due to cross-contamination. Oats themselves don’t have gluten, but they can be processed in a facility that does. People with celiac disease who are really sensitive can either grow and harvest it themselves, or find certified gluten-free oatstraw.

Peppermint – Large amounts can irritate already existing acid reflux or diminish breastmilk supply. The amount used in this recipe shouldn’t have those effects unless someone is really sensitive.

Chamomile – Is not recommended for people on blood thinners. Caution should be used with those using hormonal birth control, sedative drugs, and medications that pass through the liver. Chamomile can also cause allergic reactions for those allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.

Hops – Like red clover, hops naturally contains estrogenic compounds so it should not be used during pregnancy or for young, developing children. Some find it can worsen already existing depression or cause vivid dreams at night.

Sleep Tincture Safety Modifications

Pregnancy insomnia can be rough. While I prefer to stick to natural relaxing remedies, there are a few modifications needed. Expecting mamas should skip the hops, yarrow, and catnip. In general, it’s recommended to avoid medicinal use of herbs in the first trimester, but check with your midwife or doctor if unsure.

Breastfeeding moms may want to skip the yarrow and mint, though that’s not totally necessary. I’d also leave the hops out if breastfeeding.

Children can safely use this sleep tincture without the hops. While alcohol isn’t for kids, the amount used in a tincture is incredibly small and many consider it fine for kids. According to a 1996 article, Alcohol from Bananas, there’s actually more alcohol in a ripe banana!

Homemade sleep tincture recipe for kids and adults
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4.04 from 25 votes

Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture Recipe

This relaxing sleep blend is my go-to for a restful night. Be sure to check the safety precautions above to modify if needed. You can also replace any omitted herb(s) with more of another.
Prep Time5 minutes
Infusing time14 days
Total Time14 days 5 minutes
Yield: 14 ounces
Author: Katie Wells

Materials

Instructions

  • Put all the herbs in a clean glass jar, either tinted or keep away from sunlight.
  • Pour the alcohol over the herbs until they're completely submerged, leaving about 1-2 inches of space a the top.
  • Cap with an airtight lid and leave in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks and up to 8, shaking daily.
  • After the desired steeping time, strain the herbs out using muslin or cheesecloth and store in small tincture bottles for use as needed. I use 2 ounce bottles and the droppers that come with them

Notes

Consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbs, especially on children, if pregnant or if you have a medical condition. 

How to Use: Normal daily dose is 2-3 droppers full for adults and 1 dropper full for kids over two. Start with a small amount and work up as needed. I’ve found it works really well, even at low doses.

Shelf Life and Storage: Alcohol tinctures will last for many years when kept in a cool place away from direct light and heat.

Some people find that over time the rubber on the dropper bottles starts to degrade. For longer-term storage use a regular, screw-on lid or store in a glass mason jar. It’s easy to refill the dropper bottle with more tincture as needed from a larger stash.

Where to Get Ingredients

I grow a lot of herbs in my garden and get the rest online. You may be able to find some of these herbs locally. Starwest Botanicals sells high quality organic herbs that you can get from their website or on Amazon.

Other Tinctures to Try

If you love having a homemade tincture on hand, try these other recipes!

If You Don’t DIY

Steeping herbs isn’t everyone’s cup of tea (pun intended), so I also keep the homeopathic sleep tablets for kids from Genexa on hand for the occasional restless or anxious night. I love that they are independently tested for safety and purity (no toxins, artificial flavors or fillers, or GMO-derived ingredients). The tablets do seem to help my kids drift off to sleep.

And if you prefer to buy a sleep tincture, Herbpharm also sells an alcohol-free sleep glycerite that’s good quality.

This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Ever have trouble sleeping? What’s your remedy?

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

91 responses to “Sweet Dreams Sleep Tincture Recipe”

  1. April Avatar

    Hi I was wondering if this would be safe to use while pregnant. I am in my second trimester about 19 weeks. I am having a hard time falling back to sleep after getting up to use the bathroom. I want to try something natural not benadryl like was recommended to me. Please help need sleep.

  2. Lynn Avatar

    What a wonderful discovery this site has been! Thank you Katie.

    I would like to make the recipe above, but don’t know what amount of the dried herbs would make a tbsp. I’m assuming they, and any other bulky herb, would need to be crushed before measuring.

  3. Lotis Avatar

    I’ve been on my own mission for the last three years — intense, self-directed study of all things herbal, primarily form widely read books, less from other media. I recall only once or twice (aside from your newer tinctures) seeing the boiling water technique. While I’ve come to the conclusion that tincturing is nearly as much art as science, it would seem impossible to maintain consistent results from batch to batch, as more water in one batch would dilute the solvent, making the extraction less effective. I am assuming the use of dried herbs, which could have quite a range of retained moisture.
    Now for my questions: What is the purpose of the boiling water? Could that step be omitted? If not, would you also use it if using fresh herbs? And finally, from one of the 2012 posts, it appears that this tincture had contained fresh ginger at some point, and if so, would it hurt to add a bit?

  4. hannah Avatar

    hi, what would you say would be the maximum dose for this recipe per day? and how many drops are in a dropper full? im making a stress relief gummy and was going to use this tincture with a couple of extras and no hops. But i wasnt sure about the max dose when combined together like this. (also will make it with glycerin)

  5. maria potts Avatar
    maria potts

    the comment that oat straw helps with bedwetting is intriguing. would you give a bed wetter (who doesn’t have trouble sleeping, and therefore wouldn’t need the sleep tincture) oat straw tea before bed, or make an all oat straw tincture?

  6. Aviva Avatar

    Hi Katie, I just used the herbs to make a loose leaf tea (using the same ratio and then just putting the mixed herbs into a strainer ball). I would like to give try this out on my daughter as she has a terrible cold right now. If I wanted to warm some up with honey and put it in a bottle do I need to dilute it? How much would I give her if it’s a tea and not a tincture? Thanks!

  7. Aja Terrell Avatar
    Aja Terrell

    I’m sorry I was just wondering I out the liquid in with another drink when using it correct?? Also, can I not use it until the two weeks are up and after eight weeks foes it need to be disposed?

  8. Whitney Avatar

    What size glass jar should be used? This would seem to make a big difference with the amount of water and vodka used. Thank you!

  9. Kim Avatar

    Are the hops and stevia necessary for this tincture to be effective as a sleep remedy? Frontier doesn’t have hops, and my family is not big on stevia. Is the stevia just for sweetening? Thanks!

  10. Krissy Avatar

    Hello I have a few questions. should the drops be taken by them self or drooped in water or a choice of beverage? When you say droppserful you do mean filling up the drop correct? Last but most importantly when will I be doing this, will I be taking in the drops right before bed or will it be 2-3 drops thought the day several times?

  11. Zinette Georgia Nikolaos Zorzo Avatar
    Zinette Georgia Nikolaos Zorzo

    Is this ok to use for 5 mo externally? like rub on the soles of the feet and would it work if done so?

  12. Amber Avatar

    I just ordered all the necessary items for this. Fingers crossed for my husband with insomnia and my kiddo with autism!

  13. Megan Wolfe Avatar
    Megan Wolfe

    I have heard that valerian root is also good for insomnia. Could I add that to your recipe as well? If so, how much might you recommend?

    PS I love all your stuff! Thank you for helping us all on our “crunchy” journey :o)

  14. Sue Avatar

    Hi
    I picked several mullein plants this summer out in Montana. They are dry now so I can make a tincture. I have flowers and leaves. Should I make them separately or just put them all together? Are there any types of mullein that are not good for you? These were about to blossom with yellow flowers.

  15. Kathleen Becker Avatar
    Kathleen Becker

    I have a 14 month old son who has very bad gerds and troubles sleeping though the night, I have just started the natural path way, and I was wondering if this was a safe tincture for him?

  16. Alanna Austring Yousif Avatar
    Alanna Austring Yousif

    I’m curious if you used peppermint or spearmint leaves for this recipe or if they are interchangable in this case? Thanks!

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