Sometimes the quest for a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling exhausted. It’s hard enough to have a good day when you’re running on a sleep deficit, but it can be even worse when you find yourself stressing out about how to catch up.

Fortunately, there are some natural, gentle sleep aids out there. Mother Nature has your back when it comes to falling asleep, so try some of these flowers and plants to get a good night’s rest. You might be surprised just how powerful some of these petals are!

Jasmine Plant

Jasmine is a fragrant tropical flower that has proven properties as a sleep aid. It has a delightful scent, and if you live in the South, you may be able to plant some where the fragrance will waft into your bedroom window. If not, try using some jasmine essential oil in a diffuser on your night table to surround yourself with this calming scent as you drift off.

Lavender

People have been using lavender to help sleep for hundreds of years. This calming scent can be used just like jasmine in a diffuser, or you can make a flower spray to use on your sheets and pillow instead. To do this, simply add a 10-20 drops of lavender essential oil to a spray bottle filled with distilled water and spray over your bed linens an hour or two before bedtime.

Passion Flower

Using passion flower for sleep is also a good choice. Herbalists use it to manage anxiety and sleep disorders, and you can look for an herbal tea that uses it as an ingredient for a restful drink before bed. You can also purchase dried passion flower to add to your own favorite tea or opt for a supplement instead.

Chamomile

Chamomile is a small, daisy-like flower that smells like apples. It’s often used in herbal teas, and you can find plain chamomile tea easily at the grocery store. Chamomile is a calming herb, so try drinking a cup of tea with a bit of honey just before bed to help you relax and ease into sleep. This is a time-honored sleep aid, and the routine of enjoying a hot cup before bed will help you relax.

Valerian

Valerian is an herb that is often used in place of sedatives to help people with insomnia or anxiety fall asleep. Though the plant has fragrant white flowers, it’s the root that has the highest concentration for sleep compounds. Unfortunately, the root often smells unpleasant, so look for a valerian supplement that has been processed to remove the scent. You can also try a “sleepy time” herbal tea that uses valerian as an ingredient but masks the flavor with more pleasant herbs.

The beauty of using natural plants and flowers to fall asleep is that they are typically gentle and easy to use. If you decide to try aromatherapy with a flower spray or diffuser, choose your flower by scent, as your reaction will be highly personal. Likewise, choose an herbal or flower tea by taste. After all, you won’t want to drink it if you don’t like the flavor! It’s worth experimenting with sleep-inducing plants and flowers to find what works for you. Once you do, you’ll be well on your way to a great night’s sleep!