Valerian Tea
The earliest known method for people to benefit…
…from the calming effects of this root is to make tea with it. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are records of valerian tea being recommended for insomnia as early as the year 100 in Greece (NIH).
Valerian tea may not be the most practical form of this herbal treatment because it takes a pretty long steeping time to obtain the required potency. However, it is a tried-and-true method of consuming valerian, and you may benefit from the calming effects of making and then sipping a hot beverage.
What Is Valerian?
Valerian root, also known as the mother of all herbs. It has been used for thousands of years to help with sleep problems and anxiety. The active ingredient in valerian is called valerenic acid which works by blocking certain chemicals that cause you to feel anxious or restless. There are many different types of valerian including:
- valeriana officinalis
- valeriana sibirica
- valeriana jatamansi
- valeriana incana
The best way to use valerian is to take it before bedtime so your body can start producing its own calming hormones while sleeping. You may find that taking a small amount at night helps relax you enough to get some restful sleep. If you’re having trouble falling asleep try adding one teaspoon of valerian into hot water and drinking this just before going to bed. This will make it easier for your brain to fall asleep because it contains caffeine from the hot water.
Valerian Tea Taste
Brewed valerian tea tastes like an earthy blend of coffee beans and chai spices. The flavor comes from roasting the dried roots over low heat until they turn brownish red.
Health Benefits Of Drinking Valerian Tea
When taken regularly, valerian reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness. However, if you have insomnia then using valerian during the day might be helpful too. Taking valerian on an empty stomach could increase how much valerian reaches your bloodstream and therefore improve effectiveness. When taken over long periods of time, valerian can become habit forming.
How To Make Valerian Tea
Prepare the valerian root, then we steep them in boiling water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, ginger and cardamon pods. We let these flavors infuse in our brew for about 30 minutes before straining out the solids. If you want to enjoy this herb on its own without any added ingredients, simply drink a cup of warm milk mixed with two teaspoons of ground valerian root. Or if you prefer something stronger, add 2 tablespoons of honey to 1/2 cup of brewed valerian tea.
Ingredient and Tools
- 1 tablespoon of dried valerian root
- 3 cups of filtered water
- Cinnamon stick
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Cardamon pod
Direction
Steep valerian root overnight in 3 cups of boiled water. Strain mixture through cheesecloth and discard solids. Add cinnamon stick, clove, ginger and cardamon pod. Steep again for another hour. Pour into mugs and serve. Enjoy! Here’s some tips to serve valerian teas in different ways!
- Try mixing valerian with chamomile flowers to create a soothing blend. Chamomile calms nervousness and relieves tension, while valerian eases sleepless nights. Add 3 tablespoons of each herb per quart of boiling water. Steep 20 minutes, cover and let cool completely. Strain and serve chilled.
- Take advantage of the antioxidant power of honey. Mix equal parts of valerian leaves and stems with raw organic honey. Allow mixture to sit overnight, covered. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to consume. Honey makes a delicious addition to any meal.
- Put a few drops of essential oil like lavender or lemon into a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Shake vigorously and spritz onto pillowcases, sheets, blankets and pillows. Lavender creates a sense of calm and comfort; lemon adds a fresh scent.
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