Not every herb below has strong evidence for improving sleep, and I don’t want to pretend that it does. Some are traditionally used for relaxation, while others are simply lovely caffeine-free choices for an evening routine.

1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is probably the first herb most people think of when they hear herbal tea for sleep.
Those tiny daisy-like flowers are one of my favourites to grow, and when dried they make a delicate, floral tea.
Chamomile has been studied for sleep and relaxation, although the evidence isn’t strong enough to say it will work for everyone.
My pick: A simple cup about an hour before bed.
From my garden: Chamomile is one of the herbs I’d recommend growing if you want to start making your own herbal teas.

2. Lemon Balm Tea
Lemon balm has such a fresh, lemony scent that it’s hard not to love.
It’s also wonderfully easy to use as a tea, either fresh from the garden or dried for later.
Lemon balm has traditionally been used for relaxation, making it a lovely choice when your evening needs to feel a little calmer.
My pick: Lemon balm on its own or mixed with chamomile.

3. Lavender Tea
Lavender is one of those herbs that immediately makes me think of relaxing.
It’s better known for its fragrance and use in aromatherapy, but the flowers can also be used to make a delicate herbal tea.
I only use a small amount because the flavour can become quite strong.
My pick: A little lavender blended with chamomile rather than using a large amount on its own.

4. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint isn’t a traditional sleep herb, but it can be a very useful bedtime tea.
It’s naturally caffeine-free and has a wonderfully fresh flavour. I particularly like it after dinner, especially when I want something light rather than a heavy herbal blend.
My pick: After an evening meal.
From my garden: Grow peppermint in a pot if you can — it can spread very quickly.

5. Spearmint Tea
Spearmint is softer and sweeter than peppermint, which makes it a lovely alternative.
It doesn’t have a strong reputation as a sleep aid, but it makes a refreshing caffeine-free evening drink and works beautifully in blends.
My pick: Spearmint with lemon balm.

6. Ginger Tea
Ginger probably belongs more in the kitchen cupboard than the sleep category, but I wanted to include it because it is one of the herbs I use regularly.
Fresh ginger, hot water and a little lemon make a warming evening drink, particularly when the weather is cold.
It’s not something I’d describe as a sleep treatment, but it can be a comforting part of an evening routine.
Try next: Ginger & Lemon Tea (link to your future recipe/article)

7. Fennel Tea
Fennel seeds are another easy cupboard ingredient that can be turned into a simple herbal infusion.
The flavour is naturally sweet with a gentle aniseed taste, and many people enjoy fennel tea after meals.
Again, I’d think of this as an evening herbal tea, rather than claiming it is a sleep remedy.
My pick: After dinner when you want something warm and simple.

8. Rose Tea
Rose petals make a beautiful, delicate herbal infusion and can bring something a little different to your evening routine.
I love herbs and flowers that are not only useful but beautiful too, and rose tea fits perfectly into that idea.
My pick: A gentle rose and chamomile blend.

9. Passionflower Tea
Passionflower is more commonly associated with calming and bedtime herbal blends.
Some research has looked at its possible effects on sleep and relaxation, although evidence is still limited.
This is one I’d be more inclined to buy as a properly prepared herbal tea rather than grow and experiment with myself.
My pick: Look for it as part of a ready-made bedtime blend.

10. Valerian Root Tea
Valerian has been traditionally used for sleep and is one of the better-known herbal ingredients in bedtime preparations.
Research is mixed, however, and valerian has quite a strong earthy smell and flavour.
It’s also one of the herbs I’d treat with more caution rather than simply picking from the garden and making a cup.
My pick: Learn about it first and check that it’s suitable for you.