Valerian root is one of the best herbs if you’re suffering from conditions like headaches, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, menopause symptoms and general pain. In fact valerian is often referred to as “nature‘s Valium“ and has been used by humans from millennia.
If you’ve done any studying of herbs, you’ll be familiar with the Latin name usually listed next to the colloquial name, (i.e. Lemon Balm or Mellisa Officinalis) But have you ever stopped to ask where these names come from?
One of the most common names is “officinalis”. This refers to the Officina, or building where medieval monks would make their herbal medications to help heal the sick in their communities. The word Officinalis literally translates to, “from the officina.”
When the binomial system of nomenclature was created to help classify and list all plants and animals, this species designation was created to list herbs and plants that have been used by humans medicinally for millennia! Valerian root is one of said herbs, Valeriana Officinalis!
Valerian root is a highly studied and researched herb providing us with large quantities of supporting data to its effectiveness. Valerian is particularly studied for its effectiveness of treating insomnia. One study found that people who suffered from insomnia who took Valerian before bed for about a month fell asleep faster and stayed asleep more consistently. In addition, valerian root may increase the brain’s production of GABA as well as stimulate opioid receptors and serotonin production.
Unfortunately, valerian has a strong scent that some may find overpowering. This can easily be remedied by pairing valerian with herb, or even dried fruit which have more pleasing flavor. One of my favorite tricks is to save the peels from fruit and dehydrate them for using in tea blends. Apple, pear, oranges, lemons, even pineapple! These all work deliciously to boost the flavor of your herbal tea.
How to Take Valerian Root
For those struggling with sleep concerns, valerian may be taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, or up to 3 times in the course of the day. For most it takes between 3-5 weeks before the effects are felt but it is well worth the wait!
How to take valerian root:
Tea- The easiest way to take valerian root is to make it into a tea by pouring boiling water over a large spoonful of dried root, and allow the tea to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain herb and enjoy. Unfortunately, valerian has a strong scent that some may find overpowering. This can easily be remedied by pairing valerian with herb, or even dried fruit which have more pleasing flavor. One of my favorite tricks is to save the peels from fruit and dehydrate them for using in tea blends. Apple, pear, oranges, lemons, even pineapple! These all work deliciously to boost the flavor of your herbal tea.
Tincture- Another easy way to take 1 to 1 1/2 tsp (4 to 6 mL) of a valerian root tincture before bedtime. If you’re not familiar with tinctures, they are simply an alcohol extraction and one of my favorite ways to use valerian. To create a tincture, add valerian root to a sterile jar and fill about 2/3 of the way full. Choose an alcohol with at least 80 proof or higher like vodka, brandy or ever clear. Fill your jar with the alcohol you chose, making sure the valerian root is totally covered. Put a lid on it and let it infuse over the course of 4-6 weeks. Once the time has elapsed, strain the herbs well and then store in a dropped bottle. One of the many benefits of tinctures is the shelf life. If stored correctly, out of direct sunlight and at room temperature, tinctures last for YEARS!
