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The 5 Best Sleep Teas of 2025: Valerian vs. Chamomile

Important Safety Note

Valerian Root is a powerful sedative that increases GABA levels. Do not mix it with alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other sleep medications. Consult your doctor if you are on medication.

There are two types of sleep tea: the ones that gently relax you (Chamomile) and the ones that knock you out (Valerian). Choosing the wrong one can leave you groggy the next morning or wide awake staring at the ceiling.

We tested the most popular "Bedtime" blends to see which ones contain therapeutic doses of sedatives vs. those that just taste nice. Here are our top picks for every level of insomnia.

Dried valerian root and fresh chamomile flowers next to a teacup.
Strongest Sedative
Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Extra

1. Traditional Medicinals Nighty Night Extra

★★★★★ (The Heavy Hitter)

This is not a "tasty" tea; it is functional medicine. It combines a high dose of Valerian Root with Passionflower and Lemon Balm. It has a notoriously funky, earthy smell (thanks to the valerian), but it is widely regarded as the most effective supermarket sleep tea.

Pros:
  • High potency Valerian
  • Clinically formulated
  • Pharmacopoeial Grade herbs
Cons:
  • Tastes/smells like old socks (Valerian)
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Best Tasting Blend
Yogi Tea Bedtime

2. Yogi Tea Bedtime

★★★★☆ (Spicy & Effective)

If you can't stomach the taste of pure Valerian, Yogi Tea masks it brilliantly with cardamom, cinnamon, and licorice. It still contains Valerian and Passionflower for sedation, but it tastes like a soothing, sweet chai.

Pros:
  • Great spicy flavor
  • Effective herbal blend
  • 100% Organic
Cons:
  • Contains Licorice (Check blood pressure)
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Best Gentle Relaxant
FGO Organic Chamomile

3. FGO Organic Chamomile Flowers

★★★★★ (Pure & Mild)

Sometimes you don't need a sedative; you just need to relax. FGO offers whole Egyptian Chamomile flowers in bags. It contains Apigenin, which binds to anxiety receptors in the brain gently. No grogginess, just calm.

Pros:
  • Whole flowers (Better essential oils)
  • No "hangover" effect
  • Resealable bulk bag
Cons:
  • Won't knock you out like Valerian
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Best for Anxiety
Pukka Night Time

4. Pukka Night Time

★★★★☆ (The Balancer)

Pukka uses a unique blend of Oat Flowering Tops, Lavender, and Limeflower (Linden). While it contains some Valerian, it relies more on "nervines" to calm a racing mind rather than just sedating the body. It has a distinct floral, grassy taste.

Pros:
  • Calms anxiety/racing thoughts
  • Plastic-free tea bags
  • Complex herbal profile
Cons:
  • Lavender flavor can be soapy for some
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Best Flavor Innovation
Twinings Superblends Sleep

5. Twinings Superblends Sleep (Spiced Apple)

★★★☆☆ (Dessert Replacement)

If you want a sleep tea that tastes like a treat, this is it. It blends Spiced Apple, Vanilla, and Camomile. It uses Passionflower instead of smelly Valerian, making it a gentle and delicious end to the day.

Pros:
  • Delicious Apple/Vanilla taste
  • No funk/earthiness
  • Fortified with Melatonin (in some regions)
Cons:
  • Contains flavorings
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