tea with a blanket nearby

Banana Peel Tea For Peaceful Sleep (+Health Benefits & Easy Recipe!)

Did you know that you can use banana peel tea to help calm the nervous system, fight insomnia, and help you enjoy peaceful, restorative sleep?

It’s true!

If you find yourself having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, give this easy DIY banana peel home remedy a try!

So, if you’re ready to learn all about an easy (and tasty!) way to get better quality, restful sleep, be sure to read on!

What Is Banana Peel Tea?

Banana peel tea is just what it sounds like- tea made with banana peels.

Essentially, it’s hot banana water made from boiling bananas (or just the peels-your choice) that you drink before bed- it’s a super simple sleep tea recipe!

And, even though it sounds weird, it’s actually pretty tasty and relaxing 😉

Now, you may be wondering why you would make tea out of banana peels.

I mean, those are usually thrown away, right?

It’s true, banana peels are normally tossed in the trash and not given a second thought.

But after you read about the benefits of banana tea, you won’t want to throw another peel away again!

woman holding a mug

Health Benefits Of Banana Peels

Ok, here’s where things get really interesting (and a little weird).

So, most people know that bananas are one of the most popular fruits and can be part of a healthy diet, but did you know that using the peels and fruit of bananas is also a great way to provide nutrients like:

  • vitamin B6
  • vitamin C
  • magnesium
  • amino acids
  • antioxidants

Let’s quickly go over the benefits of each of these.

It is thought that drinking banana tea before bed can help relieve insomnia and aid in better sleep because both magnesium and potassium have been shown to be natural muscle relaxants.

The amino acid L-Tryptophan, commonly found in banana skins, is converted into 5-HTP in the body, which is then used to produce serotonin and melatonin, both of which are known as sleep-inducing hormones.

Since melatonin supplementation is somewhat controversial, why not help your body by giving it what it needs to make its own!


And finally, banana peels contain antioxidants.

These little substances are important because there is scientific evidence that they can prevent or slow oxidative damage to our cells from free radicals.

The good news- when you put these components together you get the perfect combination of nutrients to help fight sleepless nights so you get peaceful, restorative sleep!

Some people wonder if the benefits of drinking banana tea is a myth, but as you can see, banana peels contain a number of minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that are essential for good sleep.

No myth here, just an easy and effective home remedy!

bunch of bananas

How To Make Banana Tea

Ok, so you’ve read about all of the health benefits and are ready to give it try!

You’re going to love it, this recipe is so easy 🙂

Here’s how to make banana tea for sleep….


1. Choose The Whole Banana Or Just The Peel

Using the whole banana gives the tea a natural sweetness, but a lot of people don’t want to eat or drink sugar or sweetened foods (including bananas) before bed.

Blood sugar issues are a big reason a lot of people wake in the night.

If this isn’t a concern for you, go ahead and use the whole banana.

If you want to skip the natural sugar, just using the peel is completely fine!


2. Wash The Banana

This is important because you don’t want any dirt or chemicals in your finished product.

Just a little natural soap and water will do.


3. Cut The Banana (Or Peel) Into Pieces

Next, you’ll want to cut the ends off of the banana (discard) and then cut your banana into a few small pieces.

If you’re using just the peel you may be able to put it in a small pot without cutting it into pieces.


4. Add To Pot, Boil & Strain

After you wash and cut the ends of your banana off (if you are using the entire banana) or peel and set the fruit aside, it is time to pour water into a small saucepan until the contents are covered.

Boil for about 10 minutes, strain the banana or peel from the liquid, and pour the liquid into your favorite mug.

(Don’t forget to toss the banana peels in the compost bin when you’re done with them. It’s a good way to make your own natural fertilizer!)

That’s all there is to making this simple banana tea recipe.

Enjoy!


If you’re not using the whole banana you can use the peel for tea and save the banana for banana bread muffins!


Helpful Banana Tea Recipe Tips

Now that you know the benefits of this all-natural sleep aid and have the easy steps to make yourself a warm cup of tea, let me give you a few extra tips so you can make the ideal drink for your taste and health needs.


1. Spice It Up!

Banana tea has a naturally mild sweet taste, so if you’re looking to spice it up a little, consider adding cinnamon!

A dash of cinnamon is a tasty addition to your tea and it can also be a great help if you are experiencing sleep disturbances due to blood sugar fluctuations at night.

In fact, researchers have found that using 1/2 tsp. of cinnamon can help improve blood sugar levels by lowering insulin resistance.


2. Add More Flavor

Feel like you want a little more flavor? Add some vanilla or raw honey.

If you have blood sugar issues or are watching your sugar intake, you may want to skip the honey, but if that’s not something you are concerned with you could add a little to help sweeten your tea.

There are some that believe a little honey before bed can be helpful because it helps maintain glycogen levels in the liver. Again, it may not be appropriate for everyone, but it’s something to keep in mind.


3. Buy Organic Bananas

Using organic bananas is actually quite important!

Conventionally grown bananas are commonly sprayed with chemicals and pesticides.

While washing the banana before use may help remove some of these chemicals, it won’t be effective at removing them all.

And no one wants to drink pesticide tea!

So, opt for an organic banana for tea 😉

tea with a blanket nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Peel Tea

1. What does banana peel tea taste like?

Banana peel tea has a unique taste. It’s subtly sweet and carries a slight hint of banana flavor, but it’s not overpoweringly banana-like. If you like a sweeter tea, feel free to also add honey or a dash of honey or cinnamon to enhance the flavor.

2. Can I use green bananas for making banana peel tea?

Yes, you can use green bananas to make banana peel tea, but the taste may be slightly different and less sweet compared to using ripe bananas. Also, the nutrient composition might be slightly different between ripe and green bananas.

3. How should I store the leftover banana peels if I want to make this tea regularly?

You can store leftover banana peels in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can also dry banana peels with the banana peels on a baking sheet, then store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Dried banana peels can be stored for several months and are handy for making tea whenever you want.

4. Can I use other fruit peels to make similar teas?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruit peels, such as orange or lemon. However, keep in mind that the health benefits and taste will vary depending on the type of fruit peel used. Always make sure to wash the peels thoroughly before use.

5. Can I reuse banana peels for making the tea again?

No, once you have boiled the banana peel and extracted the nutrients into the tea, it’s best not to reuse the peel. After boiling, most of the beneficial compounds have likely been extracted.

6. Can I make banana peel tea in advance and store it?

Yes, you can make banana peel tea in advance and store it in the fridge for about 2-3 days. You might want to reheat it before drinking, but avoid boiling it again as it could affect the nutrient content.

7. Is it safe to drink banana peel tea every night?

Banana peel tea is generally safe to consume regularly as long as you’re not allergic to bananas. However, as with any home remedy, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider if you plan to drink it every night, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or if you’re taking any medications.

8. Can I use banana peel powder instead of fresh banana peels for this tea?

Yes, banana peel powder can be used as an alternative to fresh peels. Make sure you source the dried peel powder from a reliable supplier to ensure it’s of high quality and free from any additives or contaminants.

9. What other health benefits does banana peel tea offer apart from aiding sleep?

While banana peel tea is well-known for its sleep-aiding properties, it offers other health benefits too. It’s rich in several essential nutrients like potassium and vitamin C that support a healthy immune system, promote healthy blood pressure levels, and contribute to overall wellness.

Other Natural Remedies for Better Sleep

While banana peel tea is a fantastic natural remedy for enhancing sleep quality, it’s not the only option.

Estimates suggest that between a third and a half of all Americans suffer from poor sleep or insomnia, experiencing negative effects like stress, fatigue, low energy, anxiety, irritability, and even depression.

These symptoms can often be traced back to a variety of issues, including medical conditions, prescription drugs, mental health disorders, or lifestyle choices.

Fortunately, there are many other natural remedies and helpful sleep tips that can contribute to better sleep and improve sleep quality, such as the following:


Related Articles

Printable Banana Peel Tea Recipe For Better Sleep

tea with a blanket nearby

Banana Peel Tea

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Banana peel tea is a great remedy to try when you have trouble sleeping.

Ingredients

  • 1 Banana peel (or whole banana, if you choose) washed, with ends cut off
  • 1- 1 1/2 cups of boiling water
  • Optional:
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/4 tsp. raw honey

Instructions

  1. Gently wash your banana
  2. Cut off each end
  3. Cut the banana into pieces
  4. Remove peel (if you're not using the whole banana)
  5. Add peel to 1-1 1/2 cups of water
  6. Add optional ingredients if desired (except raw honey)
  7. Boil for about 10 minutes
  8. Remove peel (or strain liquid) pour into your favorite mug
  9. Add raw honey if desired
  10. Enjoy! Sleep well 🙂

Have you tried banana peel tea? If so, feel free to send me a message or leave a comment below and let me know if it worked for you 🙂


banana peel tea

32 thoughts on “Banana Peel Tea For Peaceful Sleep (+Health Benefits & Easy Recipe!)”

  1. Interesting. My daughter read that banana peel broth is a good fertilizer for plants so we’ve been using them for that, but I’d never heard of this before. I”m glad you mentioned to use organic bananas!

    1. Yvonne,

      I’ve never heard of banana peel broth for plants, that’s really interesting! Thanks so much for sharing, I have a little research to do now 🙂

      1. Hi, I’ve just made myself Banana Tea with Raw Honey. Tastes really soothing and sweet 💖
        I also used some of the Peel to fertilise my House Plants 🌹💖

        1. Hi, So glad to hear that you found the banana tea soothing. I have heard it’s a great plant fertilizer but have never tried it. Thanks for sharing your input and experience!

  2. I never knew you could make tea from banana skins. That is so cool! I battle falling asleep and I can’t wait to give this a try! Natural is totally better. Thanks!

    1. Hey Ashley,

      Tea from banana peels is kind of weird, right?! 😀

      If you try it send me a message and let me know your thoughts.

      1. I made some of this peel tea last night and it worked like a charm. I have enough left over for tonight and I’m trying it again!

  3. I tested low in magnesium. My Doctor said I could talk a pill or make Banana tea. Had never heard of banana tea. As don’t like taking pills decided to give banana tea a try. Love it! Helps me with more restful sleep and regulates my magnesium.

    1. Hi Carol,

      That is great that your doctor told you about banana tea! I’m so glad that you like it and it works for you. Thanks so much for sharing your experience!

        1. Hi Pati,

          I’ve never tried to make a large batch and freeze it so I can’t really give you a helpful answer about that :/
          If you decide to try it let me know!

  4. Yesterday on the Tamarin Hall Show banana tea was offered for insomnia. I looked on Google, found you, went to buy bananas. I made the tea last night and drank it one hour before bed. Instant relaxation. I went right to bed so as not to miss the window for sleep. Slept through the night without a bathroom visit. Thanks for the confirmation.

  5. Sleep is definitely not my friend 🙁 Saw a show a few sleepless night ago about banana peel tea but didn’t get all the details. Today I bought myself a few bananas so I can get the skin 🙂 And just looked up “how to make banana peel tea” and found your article and recipe, can’t wait to try it tonight. Thank you for sharing.

  6. I tried it. It really worked for me. I just wonder where this information was all along as I struggled with poor sleep for years. Am so grateful. Thank you so much

  7. I made it for my husband & he found d it really hard to drink..I even used abit of cinnamon for flavor, he said it was blahs.

  8. I’ve been drinking banana peel tea all this winter…so good and I believe has helped with my sleep. But I wonder how much calcium leeches out when boiled? I’ve been diagnosed with having too much calcium so need to reduce and apparently bananas are high in calcium….so wonder if there is a source that could answer this question re the peel? thanks!

    1. Hi Deb,
      I’m so glad to hear that you feel the banana tea is working for you! I can’t say for sure how much calcium would be available from boiling banana peels. Just searching for the calcium content of banana peels I found differing information. But there were two studies (that had nothing to do with banana peel tea), one found that banana peels had 19.2 mg of calcium, and the other study found that the peels had 59.10 mg.

      Study 1: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302118414_Identification_of_phenolic_compounds_from_banana_peel_Musa_paradaisica_L_as_antioxidant_and_antimicrobial_agents
      Study 2: https://www.arcjournals.org/pdfs/ijarcs/v5-i5/3.pdf

      So, I can’t say for sure how much calcium is actually in banana peel tea, but you could always check out the studies and ask your health care provider’s opinion if you are unsure if it’s right for you.

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