Valerian Root Tea

Valerian is a medicinal plant with the scientific name, valeriana officinalis that has gained high appreciation for combating anxiety. A perennial flowering plant indigenous to parts of Europe and Asia, it grows to about 4-5 feet and bears fragrant, white or pink colored flower heads during summer. Though all parts of the plant contain active ingredients, they are more concentrated in the hairy roots. Thus, herbal tea prepared from valerian roots is used for therapeutic approaches. Here, we shall take a look at the health benefits of valerian root tea along with tea preparation method.

Valerian Root Tea Benefits

Valerian is also known as garden valerian or garden heliotrope, to avoid confusion with other species. Possessing curative properties, valerian root uses are documented in herbal medicine. Chemically, the valerian root extract contains valeric acid, alkaloids, isovaleramide, volatile oils and flavanones amongst others. The active ingredients valuable for therapeutic purpose are the yellowish colored volatile oils. They are extracted from dried roots with a yield quantity of about 0.8 percent.

The main therapeutic applications of valerian root tea are treating anxiety and sleep disturbances. When taken after a long, stressful day, its sedative properties provide a calming effect. Drinking one cup of this herbal tea is effectual for relieving stress and inducing sleep. Other benefits of valerian root are treatment of nervousness, restlessness, headaches, stomach upset, migraine, depression, menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. As far as valerian root side effects are concerned, they may cause addictive reactions in high doses.

How to Make Valerian Root Tea?

When it comes to alleviation of medical conditions, usage of medicinal herbs is a reliable approach. Unlike chemical based drugs, it is free of major or long-term side effects. The same holds true for valerian root, and its use in herbal medicine dates back to ancient times. It can be taken orally or in form of tea. The recipe is very simple to follow, and anybody can prepare it with simple tips.

• As mentioned already, the active ingredients of this herb are volatile oils. Hence, to reap the health benefits, valerian root tea should never be prepared with hot water. Or otherwise, much of the oils will be lost during preparation.
• For this herbal tea recipe, first boil water and let it cool down to a lukewarm temperature. Then add chopped valerian roots, approximately 1 level teaspoon (or 2-3 g dried roots) for 1 cup. So, adjust the valerian root quantities according to amount of water that you are using.
• Put lid and leave the infusion, preferably overnight. Next day, you can drink your valerian tea after warming a bit, if preferred.
• Regarding consumption amount, 2-3 cups of valerian tea per day is normal. For people having troubles in sleeping, drinking 1 cup of valerian root tea about 40 minutes before sleep will help in getting sound sleep.

In case, you are not accessible to dried valerian root, you can opt for the supplement form. The dietary supplement based on valerian root is marketed under the trade name Valerian. Sold in capsules, you can purchase them from your local health food stores. Remember to check the product label for dosage, as it has strong anxiolytic and sedative effects. Do not drink this herbal tea in excess, as increased valerian root dosage intake or administration of the same for long period can lead to addiction side effects.

Speaking about valerian root tea recipe with the supplement form, you can use half of a capsule or 225 mg for five cups of boiled and cooled water. For better health benefits, add a teaspoon of honey and 3 bags of chamomile. Let the ingredients seep for 5-10 minutes before drinking. In addition to using valerian roots for anxiety, you can add it in baths for reaping aromatherapy effects.