Health Benefits of Jilungin Sleep Tea
Are you struggling to get a good night's sleep, constantly tossing & turning until the alarm goes off? You’ve probably tried a handful of natural sleep remedies, or at least researched a few of them. One of the simplest ones seems to slip under the radar: Jilungin Sleep Tea.
This herbal tea has been used for millennia by Indigenous Australians because of the sleep benefits that it offers. Jilungin Sleep Tea will improve your sleep quality and help you fall asleep faster, even if you have sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnoea. So if you’re ready to explore the benefits of Jilungin Tea and finally sleep a full 8 hours every night, let’s get ready for bed!
What is Jilungin Tea?
Jilungin Tea, or more simply known in Australia as "Sleep Tea," is an herbal infusion made from the leaves of the Jilungin plant (Terminalia canescens). You may know the shrub-like plant by its common names, such as joolal, winged nut tree, and wingnut. It’s native to the Northern Territory, particularly the Kimberley region, and has been consumed by Aboriginal peoples for centuries, particularly as a tea.
Indigenous Roots and Traditional Uses
The Aboriginal people would harvest the leaves of the Jilungin plant and brew them into a tea, which they believed had various health-promoting properties. Traditionally, Jilungin tea was used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and other sleep-related issues, but it was also believed to have calming and soothing effects on the body and mind. As far as herbal tea blends go, this single herb tea is one of the most effective at minimising stress & anxiety and promoting relaxation before bed.
Herb Profile
The Jilungin plant is a small shrub that grows up to three metres in height. It has distinct elliptical leaves with a glossy appearance and a pale green colour. The leaves have an earthy aroma, similar to citrus and eucalyptus. The plant is rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, which contribute to its sleep-inducing abilities.
Jilungin tea is typically prepared by steeping dried, crushed leaves of the Jilungin plant in hot water for several minutes. This allows the beneficial compounds to infuse into the water, creating a flavourful and aromatic beverage.
Documented Health Benefits of Jilungin Sleep Tea
As with most herbal teas, it’s full of antioxidants, more so than commercial-grade green tea, according to a Queensland-based study. The primary benefits of Jilungin Sleep Tea are directly related to sleep, specifically its ability to help you fall asleep faster, manage sleep disorders, and improve overall sleep quality.
Improved Sleep Quality
Users have reported experiencing a deeper and more restful sleep after consuming Jilungin Tea regularly. This may be attributed to the calming and soothing effects of the tea, which can help relax the mind and body before bedtime.
Here are what a few Herb Cottage customers had to say about our wildcrafted Jilungin Sleep Tea:
“I have trouble getting to sleep. Found this product does seem to help better than the other common remedies (warm milk, Valerian and other pills, no screen time etc.).” – Niall R.
“This is my favourite sleep aid and works - fantastic to be able to source reliably.” – Melita J.
“I always have trouble getting a solid night sleep and this has helped me sleep right through.” – Jason D.
Fall Asleep Faster
For those who struggle with falling asleep quickly, Jilungin tea may offer some relief. The herbal infusion has been known to promote faster sleep onset, helping individuals drift off into a peaceful slumber more easily. This is particularly beneficial for those who struggle to unwind after a long, stressful work day, have trouble falling asleep after blue light exposure, or have been diagnosed with insomnia. Each of these keeps you from resting, which is one of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle.
Manage Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders like insomnia and sleep apnoea are medical conditions that negatively impact sleep quality over a period of time. While you may be able to recover from one or two nights of poor sleep, these conditions tend to make life increasingly difficult as your hours of shut eye are cut short.
A person with insomnia has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sometimes, both. If you can’t consistently rest your mind & body, your daytime functionality and mood will be impaired. Sleep apnoea, on the other hand, is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. And while there are medications and equipment that can be used to manage these disorders, they aren’t optimal, especially if you share a room with your partner.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction
Stress and anxiety are two of the greatest contributors to poor sleep quality. Jilungin tea is believed to have calming properties, helping to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation. A singular cup of tea before bed can help melt the stress & anxiety of the day away, calming your body for a full 8 hours of rest.
While it may not be a standalone solution, incorporating Jilungin Tea into your holistic health routine, particularly before bed, may contribute to better sleep patterns and overall sleep management
How Does Jilungin Tea Help You Sleep Better?
If you're curious about how Jilungin tea works to improve sleep quality, you're not alone. While the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood, there are several ways in which Jilungin tea is believed to help promote better sleep:
Calming and Relaxing Effects
Jilungin tea is known for its calming and relaxing effects on both the mind and body. It contains bioactive compounds that may have a sedative-like effect, helping to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of tranquillity. By calming the nervous system, Jilungin tea can help prepare the body for restful sleep.
Regulation of Sleep Hormones
Sleep is regulated by various hormones in the body, primarily melatonin and cortisol. Melatonin is responsible for promoting sleep, while cortisol is associated with wakefulness and stress. Jilungin tea is believed to help regulate the production and release of these hormones, promoting a balanced sleep-wake cycle and supporting healthy sleep patterns.
Reduction of Inflammation
Inflammation in the body can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to sleep disturbances. Jilungin tea is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, two primary drivers of sleep disorders.
Regulation of Neurotransmitters
Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating sleep and wakefulness. Some studies suggest that Jilungin tea may have an impact on neurotransmitter activity, potentially influencing sleep-related neurotransmitters such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are involved in promoting relaxation and regulating sleep, and their balance is essential for healthy sleep patterns.
How to Use Jilungin Sleep Tea
Even though a full night of sleep might feel impossible right now, it’s only a few cups of Jilungin Tea away. We’re going to share our best tips and insights to help you finally get some rest.
When & How Much to Consume
We recommend that you consume a singular glass at least 60 minutes before bed to avoid any toilet visits that will disrupt REM sleep. Stick to this routine for at least two weeks in order to improve your sleep quality at night and energy levels throughout the day.
As for the quantity, start with a small amount and gradually increase it to find the right dosage that works for you.
We suggest crushing 2 or 3 leaves, bark, and/or twigs in the palm of your hand, then infusing in a short cup (200ml) of boiling water for 10 minutes. Your individual tolerance and sensitivity may vary from others, so make sure to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.
Want to make the perfect cup of Jilingun Sleep Tea? Check out our infusion guide.
Combine with Other Relaxation Techniques
Jilungin Sleep Tea can be a vital addition to your nighttime routine, but it’s best combined with other techniques. If you’ve had a long, stressful day, one cup of tea might not be enough to put you to sleep. But when combined with other relaxation methods such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, gentle stretching, or essential oils, rest assured that your sleep quality will steadily improve.
Along with relaxation techniques, make sure that your bedroom environment helps your body prepare for bed. These are some of the most common techniques recommended by sleep experts:
- Turn on the air con or a fan to lower the temperature
- Use blackout curtains and a sleep mask to block out external lights and internal lights from certain appliances
- Avoid exposure to blue light (phone, tablet, TV, and computer) for at least 60 minutes before bed
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on the weekends
Combined with Jilungin Sleep Tea, nothing will disturb your sleep.
Considerations and Precautions
As with anything that you consume, it’s important to take the necessary considerations and precautions.
Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to plants in the Combretaceae family, to which the Jilungin plant belongs, should exercise caution when consuming Jilungin tea. Or if you have a history of allergic reactions to plants or herbal remedies, be sure to consult with your doctor or holistic practitioner before consuming.
As a general rule of thumb, you should start with a lower dosage and progressively increase the dosage as your body adjusts to the effects. We’re not suggesting that you should consume as much as possible, but some individuals will require more than others to reap the benefits. Pay attention to how your body reacts in the first 60 minutes and how your sleep quality is affected, then make adjustments as needed.
There are a number of sleep benefits associated with Jilungin Sleep Tea, which is why it’s nicknamed “Australian Sleep Tea.” When used properly, it can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep throughout the night, without causing grogginess the next morning. Many people have reported improvements in quality of sleep, including entire Indigenous populations. Ready to finally get your sleep schedule back on track? Grab your bag of Jilungin Tea today.
