Valerian – Sleep Easy ZZZZ

We can all agree that Valerian has a beautiful flower but it is the root that is used medicinally.

The aroma of the dried root is very disagreeable, smells a bit like dirty socks. Due to the poor aroma and flavor of the herb, it is best to take it as a tincture rather than a tea. My family always know when I have been bottling Valerian because of its distinctive smell but honestly the tea just tastes herbal (if you can close your nose while drinking it!!)

Valerian is a very safe herb used mostly as a mild sedative. It is not habit forming and you do not feel groggy from it.

Valerian can be used for any type of tension or pain. Tension includes stress, anxiety, headache, migraine and muscle tension. Pain would include muscle pain, joint pain, backache and cramps.

It is best known as a relaxing nervine for insomnia. If you have difficulties with sleep, you can keep a tincture bottle next to your bed, take a few drops during the night and it will help you drift off to sleep again.

Valerian is also known to increase circulation of the digestive system, cardiac function and lung function.

This herb is easily one of my favourites for sleep.