Beauty Rest: Auntie Eve’s Guide to Healing Sleep
Herbs to take, foods to eat and nightly rituals to calm your mind and nourish your body for better sleep.
In chaotic times, rest is an act of self-preservation. Sleep is not just recovery — it’s resistance, fuel and protection for your mind, body and spirit. This question came straight from our Kinfolk, asking Auntie Eve — our resident doula and healing guide — how to reclaim better sleep when the world won’t stop buzzing.
Q: Auntie Eve, how can I naturally deal with sleep issues like insomnia or disrupted sleep? Are there any herbs, foods, drinks or bedtime routines you recommend?
—Foxee
A: Sis, if you’re out here tossing and turning, staring at the ceiling, or scrolling your phone at 3am, we gotta fix that — because sleep is sacred.
Herbs that will have you knocked out (in a good way!)
Nature already gave us the remedies.
Chamomile – The OG sleepytime tea. Relaxes the nervous system and calms anxiety.
Valerian root – POTENT. Knocks you out and keeps you asleep. Fair warning: it smells… earthy (like feet, lol).
Passionflower – Perfect if your brain won’t shut up. Calms overthinking and racing thoughts.
Lavender – Not just for candles. Sip it in tea, add essential oil to your pillow, or soak in a lavender bath before bed.
Foods for deeper sleep
What you eat before bed matters. If you’re in bed eating hot wings at 10pm, your body’s digesting, not resting.
Tart cherry juice – Naturally high in melatonin; try a glass 30 mins before bed.
Almonds or walnuts – Healthy fats + magnesium = relaxed muscles, better sleep.
Warm golden milk (turmeric + milk of your choice) – Anti-inflammatory, calming and comforting.
Skip before bed: caffeine, sugar and alcohol. Yes, even that “just one glass” of wine messes with your sleep cycle.
Bedtime routines to shut your brain down
Stress and rest do not go together. Try these wind-down moves to reset before you rest your head.
Put the phone down – No screens for 30–60 minutes before bed. I dare you to charge your phone in another room and get an alarm clock.
Read something chill – Poetry, a feel-good book or a sacred text. Nothing too deep or stressful.
Move & breathe – Do some gentle yoga, or deep breathing. Find a 7-day challenge on YouTube. I’ve done this with some sisters and it’s been life-changing frfr. Also, try the 6-7-8 method: inhale for 6 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Your nervous system will thank you.
Legs up the wall - Lie on your back with your legs extended up a wall (hint: scoot your booty close to the wall while sitting then rotate your legs up as you lie down). Calms the nervous system, eases tension and signals to your body that it’s safe to rest. Pair with deep breathing. 👆🏾
Speak your piece – Open that throat chakra. Pray, journal or express gratitude before bed. Keep a notebook handy to jot down anything that pops into your mind.
Honor your rest like it’s holy. You are not a machine — you are a divine being who deserves deep, healing rest. And if all else fails? Brew the tea, take your magnesium and stop scrolling in bed. You’re welcome.
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