Hello, David! I have recently begun a nursing position at a drug and alcohol recovery center. Nurses will sometimes lead group sessions for clients. When presented with the idea, my current employer seems very interested in the prospects that I might offer a group (class) on herbs that assist with relaxation and sleep. I cannot begin to tell you the issues those in recovery from addiction have with sleep. It's definitely a disturbed shen situation. Anyway, many of these clients are on "heavy-hitter" pharmaceuticals to detox and rehabilitate (not to mention psych meds for underlying mental health issues). We are talking Librium, Serax, Clonidine, Vistaril, Flexeril, Suboxone, Methadone, Seroquel, Trazadone, and the list goes on and on. Despite these pharmaceuticals, these individuals still complain of restless nights and only sleeping a couple hours per night. My question is... will I need to take extra precautions in the teas/herbs I choose given these pharmaceuticals? Obviously with addiction, I will not be focusing on tinctures... plus many of the clientele here are coming out of correctional facilities, or are unhoused, or have financial difficulties. So I wish to concentrate of affordable/attainable herbs in the form of teas they can find in their local grocery store. Thank you for any advice that you can give. Btw -- I might also give a class on nutrition in recovery -- focusing on foods that are easily accessible and affordable.

David said: Your best options are things like Sleepy time tea which is commonly available and relatively inexpensive, other options are chamomile tea.