Valerian: A herbal sleep remedy
There’s no mistaking the pungent scent of Valerian root. The Latin ‘valere’ from which its name originates means to be strong or healthy, which may refer to its healing properties or perhaps to its powerful odour!
Valerian is known for its relaxing action on the central nervous system, making it an excellent herb for getting to sleep. I prefer to take it as a tincture (alcohol extraction) before bed rather than as a tea, for the simple reason that fluids before bedtime will wake me up.
Its calming properties can ease a busy mind, and encourage a smoother transition to sleep. It can be used on its own, or I like to blend it with a homemade Passionflower and Rose syrup.
It can also be helpful for anxiety and used during the daytime to bring a deeper sense of calm without impairing concentration. Valerian also helps to relax smooth muscle tissue and so can be used to ease menstrual cramps and muscular pains.
Like any herb taken in medicinal doses, we ideally only want to take them for a fixed period of time as we bring our system into balance. When we feel calmer, we can better deal with the source of our stress / anxiety / insomnia, and thus remove the need to take the herb altogether.
Unless you have Valerian in your garden — in which case you could make a simple tincture by covering the fresh chopped root with vodka in a jar and leave for 4 weeks before straining — I recommend purchasing the herb in tincture or capsule form. London-based supplier Baldwins (baldwins.co.uk) has been around since the 1800s and is one of my favourites.
Please also note there are possible interactions with Valerian and some pharmaceutical sedatives, so consult with your doctor or medical herbalist if you are on medication and considering using Valerian. In a very small percentage of people it can have a stimulating action.
In a world where overstimulation is the norm, Valerian root helps to slow down the pace, nourish frayed nerves and build our inner strength. A wonderful herb friend indeed.
