Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

Thanks to its calming effect, valerian is an excellent natural aid for nervousness, tension, stress, and insomnia. It may also relieve stomach discomfort, headaches, and symptoms of menopause.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is the best known herbal calmative. Greek and Roman physicians were already familiar with it and used it for digestive upsets, scanty periods, and to encourage the elimination of fluids. It was used in much the same way throughout the Middle Ages. Only in the mid eighteenth century was it formally recognized as a sedative. At first only the essential oil was used, and later the tincture as well. It has been prescribed for various forms of neurosis, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, irritability during menstruation and pregnancy, during the menopause, for nervous stomach and heart complaints, and for headaches. In general, valerian has a soothing effect and supports restful sleep. As a tea or tincture it gently calms agitation, relieves painful spasms of the stomach and intestines, eases cardiac neurosis and fear, and reduces overall tension. It is helpful for menopausal discomfort, especially for sudden changes in heart rhythm.

Valerian is a valuable herbal remedy that helps one cope more easily with stress, fear, restlessness, and low mood. Its use is also recommended during infections. For children it can aid sleep and concentration, and it may ease restlessness, morning stomach pains, and non organic headaches. Clinical studies involving approximately 12,000 patients with sleep difficulties have confirmed its practical effectiveness. Numerous other studies have demonstrated its calming and antispasmodic effects, which may also help lower blood pressure.

Recent clinical trials in Brazil have shown that valerian is not only effective for insomnia but can also improve sleep quality. Valerian extracts show strong potential in the treatment of disorders driven by pronounced anxiety and worry. At times it can act mildly stimulating, which may refresh those who are tired and overburdened and give them renewed strength. Valerian grows in damp meadows, along riverbanks, and on clearings from lowlands to the mountain zone. It is also an attractive ornamental for a natural garden, and its pleasantly scented flowers draw in bees and other pollinators.

In autumn the root is harvested along with the lateral branches and underground shoots. Freshly dug roots are almost odorless. The characteristic unpleasant scent develops only as they dry. Valerian should be dried quickly and carefully, then stored in tightly closed containers to protect it from moisture. It can be propagated from seed in April or from root cuttings in late summer.

It thrives in moist, fertile soil and does best in a sunny or lightly shaded position. Its upright, furrowed stem can grow up to two meters tall.

Valerian tea

Ingredients: 1 to 2 teaspoons of valerian root, 250 ml water

Preparation: Pour hot water over the root and leave to infuse for ten minutes.

Use: Drink two or three cups a day. Especially recommended before bedtime. For children, half that amount is sufficient. To feel the full effect, the tea should be taken over a longer period. For children, even one week may be enough.

Calming tea for children

Ingredients: 25 g valerian root, 25 g crushed anise, 25 g crushed fennel, and 25 g chamomile flowers

Mix all the ingredients and store in a jar. To prepare the tea, pour 250 ml of hot water over one teaspoon of the blend and leave to infuse for ten minutes. Strain.

Drink two to three cups a day.

Valerian calming tea for adults

Ingredients: 20 g valerian root, 20 g hop cones, 20 g lemon balm leaves, 20 g lavender flowers, and 20 g chamomile flowers

Mix all the ingredients and store in a jar. To prepare the tea, pour 250 ml of hot water over two teaspoons of the blend and leave to infuse for ten minutes. Strain. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Two cups a day, morning and evening. Ideally for three to four weeks.

Tea for menstrual cramps

Ingredients: 40 g valerian root, 30 g chamomile flowers, 30 g peppermint leaves

Mix all the ingredients and store in a jar. To prepare the tea, pour 250 ml of hot water over two teaspoons of the blend and leave to infuse for ten minutes. Strain and drink unsweetened.

Drink three cups a day.

Valerian tincture

Ingredients: 50 g freshly dried valerian root, 1.00 ml of 70 percent alcohol

Preparation: Cover the valerian with alcohol and leave it to stand for ten days in a warm place (25 to 30 degrees). Strain into a dark bottle.

Use: Take 15 to 20 drops on a sugar cube or in half a glass of water. Take before bedtime.

Valerian bath

Ingredients: 100 g dried valerian root

Pour half a liter of hot water over the dried root and leave it covered for 15 to 20 minutes on a warm hotplate.

Add to a bath before bedtime. For gout or bladder stones repeat daily for one week. When treating stones combine with poultices.

Valerian and fennel preparation

Ingredients: 2 g powdered valerian root, 2 g fennel, 250 ml water

Pour water over the valerian and fennel, then simmer gently for five minutes. Sweeten with honey.

Drink morning and evening when the lungs are clogged with mucus. If prepared in wine instead of water, the remedy promotes urination and helps with gallbladder complaints and gallstones.

CAUTION: Even with long term use, valerian does not cause dependence. If the recommended dose is exceeded, it may affect work performance or driving. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and give to children only for a short period and in consultation with a physician. Do not take with other sedatives.