Teas work. Don’t be afraid to make them strong (many studies will quote 5 tea bags). Here’s a fun overview with citations of a favorite: German chamomile - Roman Chamomile: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage
Love Dr. Balick’s comment on “placebo” which is being renamed the “meaning response” - mainly because “placebo”
has such a negative connotation.
The meaning response is the unique, human ability to heal through participation in a culturally meaningful healing process.
This reminds me of a influential quote for me as a physician by Voltaire — ‘The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.’
This is not to put down doctors, but rather reinstill confidence that herbal teas amplified in the context of this community (thanks for bringing me in Kaveh) have physiological impact, but even more important - they have meaning - that for many will be therapeutic - activating our own innate healing response.
Beware of the quick fix/instant gratification! One thing I hope Sofi can reinforce - teas are a ritual to be used on a regular basis a context (setting) that triggers meaning for each one of us! (Could be a prayer, or meditation, or aromatherapy or even a candle).
You might not get “knocked out” as you would with a medication I prescribe, or even a stiff drink - but your sleep (incredibly complex process we still don’t clearly understand) will improve long term on many measures without the concerns the other substances carry (addiction, withdrawal, dependence, disruption of a deeper, restorative sleep). Stick to the ritual!
A few late night thoughts on another amazing Sofi thread.
Sweet dreams everyone!