Night-time Tea

[drmind]

I struggle with insomnia and have tried a whole host of medications that help, but which cause side effects that I don't want to have. I found Sleepy Time Tea that has been helping a lot and puts me to asleep within a few minutes. However, now I'm worrying if the Chamomile or Valerian Root or Tilia Estrella contained in this tea could be harmful to my kidneys. Don't see my nephologist for six months and my own search has not been productive. BTW I'm not a supplement person so i have no good sources to check this out. Can someone share their experiences if they have some information on this product or supplements. Thanks a bunch.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador]

Hi drmind,

I did some quick researching, regarding the three herbs in Sleepytime Tea, but unfortunately couldn't come up with a link to share.

So I will paste the information below.

What I did find is that chamomile tea looks like the safest choice for kidneys.

Here is the information that I came up with:

"Chamomile tea is generally considered safe for people with kidney disease. Non-caffeinated herbal teas like chamomile can be hydrating and soothing without putting extra strain on the kidneys."

" In fact, some studies have found that chamomile tea may improve kidney function:

One study found that drinking chamomile tea twice a day for four weeks improved kidney function, blood sugar control, and lipid profiles."

"Another study found that chamomile flower extract may help with kidney dysfunction associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). "

"However, chamomile tea may interact with some supplements and herbal products."

"Valerian root is relatively safe and no significant side effects are known, but try not to use it on a regular basis, or you may become psychologically dependent upon it. "

"People with impaired kidney or liver functions should not take valerian except under a physician's supervision. It should not be used with kava."

As far as the Tilia Estrella, I couldn't find much.

I did find a link from the NKF regarding Herbal Supplements:

kidney.org/kidney-topics/he...

I know that Celestial Seasons Chamomile Tea has been effective in promoting relaxation and sleep.

My thoughts; run the two teas by your nephrologist or PCP and clear it with them.

I take various supplements such as cinnamon, grapeseed extract and niacin but always run it by my doctors before taking anything.

I wish that I could have been more help as I can imagine how frustrating the insomnia is.

Please post again with the result.

B..

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

The tea is ok for CKD for the most part if you are drinking in moderation, like one or two cups. I found this on WebMD

Its risks include: Mild blood-thinning effects, which may increase the risk of bleeding if you take blood thinners such as warfarin. This usually only happens when you take chamomile in high doses for a long time. If you're having surgery, stop taking chamomile 2 weeks before the procedure.

[drmind in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for this information, but it's the Valarian root in that tea that may be problematic. Anyway. I'll try to find it on WedMD and check into it further. It's so weird thst something as innocent as tea could be harmful. I'm at GFR 31 and fall into 29 at times and don't want to temp fate. Again thanks.

[Bet117 NKF Ambassador in reply to drmind]

Hi, I'm sorry but I spelled it wrong.

Rather than WebMD, look for a site such as Drugs.com, Homeopathic Medications.

Just a thought.

B.

[drmind in reply to Bet117]

Thanks. Drugs.com had some information as well as Mayo Clinic, but none directly addrrss how it may effect the kidneys. Will continue to search.

[Birdwood in reply to drmind]

I found a little light exercise about an hour before lights-out a great help for insomnia. Emphasis on light e.g. using a 4kg weight do three sets of 10, curls, above head, sideway lifts, vertical lifts. Same on both sides. I'm normally 33 eGFR +/- 3.

[drmind in reply to Birdwood]

Thanks. I try to walk during the day, but it's been so hot here in Florida. Still, I stay active doing doing a varsity of chores

[Pontios in reply to Bassetmommer]

Did not know that re surgery and camomile tea. Thanks for that Bassetmommer. Every day is a school day.

[drmind in reply to Pontios]

Yes. It was good to learn about this.

[userotc]

I would be very surprised if the tea contained sufficient valerian to be a problem - how much is in it?. Does it help maintain sleep as well as send you to sleep?

A herbalist may know more but I doubt that most medics would and its not on the warning lists eg 1st link below. The 2nd link below expresses caution with ckd but dont know how the dose compares with the tea. The 3rd link indicates its good at least for dialysis.

kidneyfund.org/treatments/m...

drweil.com/vitamins-supplem...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[drmind in reply to userotc]

Thanks so much for this information as it's been very helpful. The tea, "SleepyTime tea Extra" does not list the amount of Valerian in it but it does list the amount of Chamomile as 792 mg. There is also some Spearmint in this tea. The label also cautions that if you are taking prescriptions meds, to check with your health care team before taking it. I'll call the company directly on Monday to see what I can find. I will also check with my primary doctor when I see him in a few weeks, but as you noted he's unlikely to know much about supplements. About your questions on sleep: yes, I does put me to sleep within 10 to 15 minutes. About the quality of sleep: not sure because I'm up a few times to go to the bathroom. However, I fall back to sleep easily when I return. BTW I really have pretty bad insomnia and often dont fall asleep until 2:00,or 3:00 am. So, you can see this tea is a godsend provided it doesn't ruin my kidneys using it daily. There's always a trade-off, isn't there?

Again thanks

[lowraind]

This is from Cleveland Clinic: my.clevelandclinic.org/heal...

[drmind]

Thanks so much for this information. It's fairly complete. And, similar to other related information, it does suggest first checking with your care team before using it. Thanks again.

[drmind]

medscape.com/viewarticle/87...

This is a very good article from Medscape [Psychiatry) on Valerian. It also discusses Sleepy time Tea Extra which only contains 25 mg of Valerian. Capsules of Valerian sold for insomnia usually contain 300 to 500 mg. I think I found my answer because it looks as if its fairly safe to use this tea for insomnia. BTW comments on this article indicates that some say that Valerian works right away or not at all, but most say it worked for them. I'm amazed that the 3 mg in the tea works well for me and right away. Fingers crossed. Thanks to everyone who responded and offered information. I'm so glad to be part of this Forum. It helps us educate ourselves and to share experiences.

[OldTownhammock]

Sleepy time extra is pretty good. Also a CBD gummy at bedtime helps