Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

The name valerian (Valerianaceae) comes from the Latin word 'valere', which means health.
The herb was used in Anglo-Saxon times for calming down the nervous system in case of overstimulation. The Incas used it as massage ointment.

The valerian root is known for its relaxing and calming qualities.

Effects

Valerian root is often used as a muscle relaxant and mild tranquilizer. The herb might have positive effects on the central nervous system. It is used to help reduce anxiety and overexertion.

Valerian root is often used to reduce sleeping problems. It helps to fall asleep quickly, without feeling dazed when waking up. The herb is especially useful for people who are so overactive they have trouble relaxing. Valerian root can calm you down when feeling nervous, but does not interrupt the power of concentration.
Many students use the herb during their exams.

Please note that for some individuals it may take two to four weeks until there is any improvement in sleeping pattern and mood. At high doses it could give you the feeling of 'floating on air'.

Usage

Valerian can be used as tea. Mix a few table spoons in half a liter water and let this boil gently for 5 minutes in a closed pot.This is important because the healing vapours should not escape. Let it cool down and drink it with a little honey.

Another way to use it is to prepare 50 grams as described above. Let the tea evaporate slowly until a sticky residue remains. This can be used in small doses.

Another common way to prepare Valerian is to let 1 teaspoon soak in a cup of cold water, covered and placed in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours. This way none of the essential oils will evaporate.

When mixed with hops (Humulus lupulus), valerian yields a potent tea for inducing sleep.

Valerian powder can be used in yoghurt or juice.

Warning

For some people the herb has a stimulating effect instead of a relaxing one. In this case it should not be used.

With intensive and long term use it can cause headaches and restlessness.

Shipping restrictions

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Reviews

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May 29, 2009 Axel said:
  
“hehe, ive both eaten valerian pills (way too weak), made tea out of leaves and thinner stems (also too weak, tastes pretty good) and dried roots to use like chewing tobacco. the later is pretty nice, but valerian is not a very potent plant

mostly used it in attempts to still my THC habit when ive tried to quit

its all about ur expectations, if u think u will get high will be disappointed imo, but if u only want something to elliviate insomnia it is a viable option”

May 6, 2008 Boston-Sox said:
     
“It's odd to me that people have such negative reactions to smoking Valerian root, because I had a great experience. Take a small bit marijuana (not even enough to get high, but just enough that will visually burn), moisten it, and cover it with Valerian powder. Let the powder dry for a couple minutes and then smoke it. I slept for 8 straight hours (which is incredible!) on a single toke.”

Mar 5, 2008 trachotomy said:
   
“Valerian is not be considered a drug but as a remedy able to ward of sleeplessness and general unrest. I've been taking it on and off for the past weeks to help me ward of the symptoms of hashish-depravation to which i have been somewhat addicted for the past seven years. If you feel you need to sleep, take some before bedtime and if you're having trouble recognizing its effects you might consider boiling a big portion of valerian powder into a sort of syrup, which I am sure by high enough doses would put down even an elephant. This concoction however does leave you with a bit of a hangover, but no worse than that of marijuana. Another sideeffect is that the manufacturing of this concentrated valerian-syrup might leave your house or apartment smelling like mold, sweat and dirty socks for the next couple of days.
It is also noteworthy that Thomas De Quincy was prescribed a tinctum of Valerian by his physician to help him conquer his opium addiction, this was as early as 1821.
Sincerely, the throat surgeon, Denmark ”