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| Traditional herbs to supercharge your dreams |
| The link between diet and sleep is complex, and the effect of specific foods and drinks on dreaming and REM sleep is not fully understood. However, there are some foods, drinks, and supplements that are believed to influence sleep and possibly the dream state, such as cheese, turkey, and other foods that are rich in tryptophan, as well as magnesium glycinate (which I can confirm). |
| 🌿 Now it gets interesting: While scientific research is lacking, the herbs below have been used throughout history to induce more vivid dreams. |
| ❇️ Mugwort: This herb has been used for centuries, especially in European folk medicine, to induce lucid dreaming and make dreams more vivid. |
| ❇️ Calea zacatechichi: Known as the "dream herb," this plant native to Mexico has been used by Chontal natives to induce lucid dreaming. It increases gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which can deepen sleep and dream states. It's generally taken as tea. |
| ❇️ African dream root: This South African plant's roots are traditionally dried and consumed to induce visionary lucid dreams. |
| ❇️ Blue lotus flower (Nymphaea caerulea): This was revered by ancient Egyptian civilizations. When consumed as tea, smoked, or soaked in wine, it's believed to have sedative effects that can lead to more vivid dreams. |
| ⚠️ It's crucial to use these herbs with caution and be aware of potential side effects or interactions with medications. Always consult with a knowledgeable herbalist or healthcare professional before using any herbs, especially if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking medications. |
| 💡 Keep a sleep and diet journal: Your diet, general health, and stress levels can affect the quality and quantity of sleep and dreaming. If you're interested in influencing your dreams, try keeping a journal to track what works for you. |
| Tell us: Have you found any rhyme or reason behind why your dreams are sometimes more vivid? Message us at nutritionedition@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter!) |
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| What we're using |
| These little gummies are made with lemon balm, magnesium, vitamin D, and an herbal blend containing tart cherry, chamomile, and passionflower. Each gummy also delivers a dose of melatonin to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. This is a month's supply, with 60 delicious vegan, gluten-free, and gelatin-free gummies. |
| Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. |
 | | | Goli Dreamy Sleep Gummies |  | | 4.2 | 2,400+ ratings | | | | | |
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| We focus on a different nutrient each week — some well known, others more unusual. This week's relaxing beverage is … |
| Calming Valerian Root 💤 |
| Valerian is a flowering plant whose roots and underground stems are used to make capsules, tablets, teas, and tinctures. It has been used since ancient times for its relaxing and sleep-promoting properties. |
| It contains compounds like valerenic acid that interact with brain receptors to increase GABA, a calming neurotransmitter. This may help with: |
| 😌 Anxiety: Studies show valerian can reduce anxious thoughts, obsessive behaviors, and stress. One study found taking valerian for a month significantly lowered anxiety in people undergoing dialysis. |
| 😴 Better sleep: A 2020 review of 60 studies suggests that valerian helps people fall asleep faster and improve sleep quality. In addition, one study from 2011 gave postmenopausal women 530 milligrams of valerian extract twice daily for 4 weeks; 30% reported better sleep compared with just 4% taking a placebo. |
| 😵 Side effects: While side effects are uncommon, valerian may cause headaches, dizziness, stomach upset, vivid dreams, or fatigue in some people. It can also interact with certain medications like sedatives and antibiotics, so check with your doctor. |
| 💡 Takeaway: Valerian is a popular natural remedy, but evidence for its benefits remains limited. However, if you're looking to relax and sleep better, valerian may be a gentle option worth considering. |
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| What we're digesting |
| 🥹 Holding in farts: Is it healthy? While not usually a problem on occasion, making it a habit may lead to pain, bloating, or discomfort. |
| 💉 "Real Housewives" star criticized for using weight loss drug. Emily Simpson says she was shamed for using Ozempic to lose weight: "People get really angry." |
| 💗 Being heart healthy can decrease risk of these 9 cancers. However, being more physically fit made two forms of cancer slightly more likely. |
| 💊 Our dietitian's pick of the 10 best probiotics for women. Probiotics are a type of beneficial bacteria, and some offer a range of benefits specifically for women. |
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| Thank you for reading! In Thursday's Nutrition Edition, when is getting up no good? |
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| Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon! | | | | |  | | This edition was powered by | | a good night's sleep. | | |
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