Article produced in partnership with HerbalGem.
Among well-known phytotherapy solutions, gemmotherapy is often used to improve sleep quality and provide an anti-stress, calming effect.
Gemmotherapy is more precisely the use of buds and young plant shoots, with a variety of benefits. And since the bud is the plant’s embryonic organ, it contains the full potential for the plant’s development.
That is why at this stage it contains a high concentration of nutrients:
- vitamins
- minerals and trace elements
- amino acids
- plant hormones
- or even enzymes
Harvested just before they open, the buds are macerated in a mixture of water, alcohol and glycerin in order to extract all the active ingredients.
Some stand out for their soothing effects and positive impact on sleep. In this article, I reveal which ones and how to use them.
1. Fig tree bud
Vos troubles du sommeil sont surtout associés à du stress ou encore à des problèmes digestifs? Alors c’est vers les bourgeons de Figuier qu’il est le plus judicieux de vous tourner. C’est LA référence en gemmothérapie pour réguler le système nerveux et vous apaiser en cas de stress.
Indirectly, it also acts on the associated digestive issues and helps you sleep better.
It is often used in combination with other buds, such as linden or blackcurrant.
2. Linden bud
Le Tilleul est l’un des bourgeons phares pour aider les personnes à mieux dormir et à calmer leur anxiété passagère.
It owes all these benefits to its calming, soothing and mildly sedative properties. It is also useful for easing the anxieties of children who are often prone to nightmares.
The best part? It is beneficial for the digestive system, which is a plus for people whose stress is accompanied by digestive problems and a knotted stomach.
Warning: if the dosage is too high, it can have the opposite effect. I recommend that you do not exceed the doses recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Hawthorn bud
It is often called the “ heart plant ”, and that is not without reason. Hawthorn is indeed often recommended to support healthy blood circulation.
But what is less well known is that it is also useful for regaining restorative sleep, particularly during stressful periods.
With stress, palpitations and rising blood pressure can make nights more restless. That’s where the Hawthorn bud comes into play: it acts on both the nervous and cardiovascular systems to help you fall asleep more easily.
Warning: if you suffer from hypothyroidism, it’s best to seek medical advice before using it.
4. Blackcurrant bud
Nicknamed “the adaptogen of gemmotherapy”, Blackcurrant does not act directly on sleep. On the contrary, it is even a recognized tonic; it is used for fatigue, whether sudden or chronic. This bud supports long-term vitality.
It supports the body in the face of stress and helps it regain better balance.
That’s why you can regularly find it in synergy with other buds, such as Fig or Hawthorn, whose virtues it helps reinforce.
Because Blackcurrant bud has a stimulating and energizing effect, it’s best to avoid taking it after 4 PM so as not to affect our nights.
My tips for using gemmotherapy to combat stress and insomnia
You can use the buds as a maintenance regimen a few days a week or as a treatment course during particularly stressful periods (exams, sports competitions, everyday worries…).
For a treatment course, follow 3 weeks on and 1 week off.
There are several ways to consume the buds, depending on your preferences: drops, spray (ideal for portability), capsules…
Prefer liquid forms because, unlike tablets that must be broken down by the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream, liquid solutions offer rapid absorption. They allow supplements to be easily absorbed by your body and provide optimal effectiveness.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dosage and timing of intake.
One last tip: establish an evening routine to relieve stress and fall asleep more easily. Read, put away screens 1 hour before bed, practice meditation or breathing exercises, and sleep in a place conducive to rest. This will only strengthen the effects of the buds!
