Ever find yourself staring at the ceiling at 2 AM, wishing for sleep to just happen? Or maybe you wake up multiple times a night and feel exhausted in the morning? If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sleep issues aren’t just about being tired—they’re often linked to imbalances in your body. And instead of relying on sleeping pills, TCM uses natural herbs to restore balance and help you sleep deeply and peacefully.
If you’re looking for a natural way to drift off into dreamland, here are five incredible Chinese herbs that can help!
1. Suan Zao Ren (酸枣仁 Sour Jujube Seed) – The “Sleep Berry”
This tiny seed is a TCM favorite when it comes to insomnia. It comes from the jujube fruit, but don’t let its size fool you—Suan Zao Ren is packed with compounds that calm the mind and help you sleep better.
Why it works:
✔ Quiets racing thoughts before bed
✔ Helps with frequent waking during the night
✔ Nourishes the Heart and Liver, which in TCM are connected to sleep
🍵 How to use it:
Make a simple Suan Zao Ren tea by boiling the seeds for 20 minutes. Drink it before bed and let it work its magic!
2. Bai Zi Ren (柏子仁 Biota Seed) – The Stress Reliever
If you can’t sleep because your mind won’t shut up, Bai Zi Ren might be your new best friend. It’s often used in TCM for people who feel anxious, restless, or emotionally overwhelmed.
Why it works:
✔ Eases stress and overthinking (great for “night-time worriers”)
✔ Helps with light sleep (if you wake up too easily)
✔ Even supports digestion—which, in TCM, is linked to better sleep
🍵 How to use it:
You can brew it into tea for 20 minutes or take it as a powder or capsule. Bonus: It’s also good for your skin!
3. Fu Shen (茯神 The Sclerotium of Poria Mushroom) – The “Peace of Mind” Herb
Ever had nights where you just feel restless for no reason? That’s where Fu Shen comes in. It’s a type of Poria mushroom that’s used in TCM to calm the spirit (Shen) and promote deep, peaceful sleep.
Why it works:
✔ Helps with anxiety, nightmares, and emotional stress
✔ Supports digestion (because an upset stomach can ruin sleep!)
✔ Promotes a calm, steady mood throughout the day
🍵 How to use it:
Boil Fu Shen with other sleep herbs for 20 minutes, a relaxing nighttime tea. Some people also add it to soups!
4. He Huan Pi (合欢皮 Silk Tree Bark) – The “Happy Bark”
Yes, you read that right—this herb comes from a tree’s bark! Also called the Mimosa Tree Bark, He Huan Pi is famous for lifting your mood and helping you relax after a stressful day.
Why it works:
✔ Helps calm the nervous system and ease stress-related insomnia
✔ Perfect for people who toss and turn from stress or sadness
✔ Supports the Liver, which in TCM helps with emotional balance
🍵 How to use it:
Brew it into tea (20 minutes) or take it in powder form. It pairs well with Suan Zao Ren for an extra sleep-boosting combo!
5. Ye Jiao Teng (夜交藤 Polygonum Vine) – The Sleep & Circulation Booster
If you tend to wake up multiple times at night, Ye Jiao Teng could be exactly what you need. Also known as Fo-ti Vine, this herb helps with restlessness and poor circulation, making it easier to fall—and stay—asleep.
Why it works:
✔ Relaxes the body and helps with tension-related insomnia
✔ Improves blood circulation, great for people with cold hands and feet at night
✔ Calms the Shen (spirit) and promotes deep, uninterrupted sleep
🍵 How to use it:
Brew a Ye Jiao Teng tea (20 minutes) with Suan Zao Ren for the ultimate sleepy-time drink!
How to Use These Herbs for the Best Sleep Ever
Want to make the most of these TCM sleep boosters? Here’s how:
🌿 Herbal Tea Blend: Try a mix of Suan Zao Ren, Bai Zi Ren, and Ye Jiao Teng for a powerful sleep tonic.
💊 Capsules & Extracts: If tea isn’t your thing, most of these herbs are available in supplement form.
🛁 Herbal Baths: Add Ye Jiao Teng or Fu Shen to warm bathwater for a relaxing soak before bed.
Final Thoughts
If sleep has been a struggle, these five powerful Chinese herbs might be exactly what you need. Instead of just knocking you out like sleeping pills, TCM herbs work holistically—calming your mind, balancing your body, and helping you sleep naturally.
So, which herb are you most excited to try? Let us know!
Explore TCM herbs, supplements, natural and organic herbal remedies, and products here: https://www.iherb.com?rcode=CCQ2380
Author: nadi
Helping others look and feel their best as a cosmetic acupuncturist, naturopath, and writer with a love for holistic wellness—flowing with ancient wisdom to inspire natural beauty and well-being.
Mmmm would love to try them!