If you’re into weeds and herbs or simply natural ways to feel better, it’s likely you’ve heard about the Valerian root before. This “all-heal” herb is mostly used as a tea or tincture that helps calm your nerves and aids sleep.
Its plant is native to Europe and Asia but it grows wild in the North U.S. as well, as it prefers cooler weather and abundant rainfall to grow. This active rhizome of the Valerian plant has benefits beyond promoting restfulness. Here, take a look at five exclusive facts about the Valerian roots.
#1: Valerian Root Has Been Utilized For Centuries For Its Soothing Effects
Interestingly enough, herbalists have found mentions of Valerian roots in history dating back to the third or fourth century BC. Valerian been used for wellness purposes since the time of Ancient Greece and Rome. There’s evidence of its presence in the botanico-medical literature of the Arab world and the West, where it’s given different names and been used for different purposes.
For instance, judging from the Old English text, Valerian was used for external and internal purposes. In the Middle Ages, Valerian roots were believed to ward off spiritual evils and induce predictive dreams. In Sweden at that age, it was placed in the wedding dress of the groom to ward off the spirits ‘envy’.
There’s also a written record of Valerian used for medicinal purposes in China, such as stopping bleeding and moving blood. The Egyptians believed it to be the “all-heal” herb, which was even used during World I and II to bring calming effects to the patients.
#2: Valerian Root Contains Nearly A Dozen Unique Alkaloids
Actinidine, Valerianine, Chatinine, Isovelaric acid, and other unique alkaloids, are believed to be present in Valerian root powder. These plant compounds are primarily responsible for Valerian root “feel-good” effects.
For instance, Actinidine is believed to provide relaxing vibes, while the Valerine compound is responsible for helping you sleep better. All of these plant compounds in the Valerian root powder promote restfulness and quality sleep, ease muscles, help with the digestive system, calm nerves, and even reduce menstrual cramps.
#3: Valerian Root Has Been Mentioned In Folklores
Valerian is being mentioned in different folklore stories for all the right reasons. But mostly, it is associated with good sleep and a sense of calmness. For instance, from medieval times, there’s this tale of a young knight bedevilled with nightmares and restless nights. He went on a journey to find a solution and met a spirit who advised him to use Valerian roots. The young knight followed the advice and was able to get rid of his nightmares, leading to peaceful nights.
You will also find its presence in Hindu tales as a symbol of spirituality and safety. For example, once, a newly married man planted a Valerian outside his home and left his wife. The plant symbolizes his safety. Years pass, and Valerian continues to flourish with his wife, knowing he is safe. The plant remains healthy and beautiful, and the wife keeps waiting until the man comes back one day.
#4: Valerian Root Tea Helps With Better Sleep
The Valerian plant has various uses in different homemade remedies or soothing nighttime routines. However, its Valerian Root tea is quite popular among users for its calming effects that help aid with sleep issues. Simply put, it helps you not only sleep better but also fall asleep faster.
Here’s a quick recipe for Valerian root tea with ingredients that kind of aid the process:
- Ingredients: A mixture of Valerian Root, dried lemon balm, dried passion flower, dried rose petals, dried lemon grass, and dried hop flowers.
- Recipe: Add a tablespoon of the herbal blend to a cup of boiling water, and allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Then, discard the herbs. Sweeten your tea with honey or any other preferred alternative, and enjoy it 30 minutes before bed. It’s thought to soothe a restless mind and promote a peaceful sleep.
#5: You Can Grow It In Your Home Garden
Interestingly, you can grow this soothing herb in your home garden. You can use both the seeds and the roots for replanting. It requires some sun and partial shade to flourish within the soil, which has adequate moisture and is loamy enough to let the roots grow. Once grown, it blooms in the summer with pale pink or white flowers and a sweet smell, which you can detect from even 30 feet away.
Valerian roots are a wonderful addition to your herb garden during summer and early autumn, offering a pleasant fragrance that lifts your spirits. However, they take 2-3 years to fully mature, so you can take advantage of their medicinal role. But you can use younger roots as well, for instance, in home decor, for making potpourri in the fall season.
These roots have a musky, earthy scent that can perfectly serve as the base note for fragrance. Use either the Valerian roots powder or the chopped-up roots in your potpourri.
P. S: We recommend using chopped-up roots, as the powder can mess up with other leaves and flowers, making everything look chalky.
Or, you can use the Valerian flowers to decorate your vase and bring the amazing scent to your home.
Takeaway!
While valerian root is an effective sedative, it can also have that oomph to it, which means it is not a mild relaxant. A small amount of it is enough to produce noticeable effects. Therefore, it is recommended to consult your healthcare professional before you start with a specific dose of Valerian root powder.
Jennifer Kurtz is a founder of KratomGuides.com and studied medicine at the New Jersey School of Medicine (Rutgers). She is passionate about developing her knowledge of Kratom, and nutritional supplements. In addition to attending medical webinars and conferences, she loves to write research-based articles for magazines, healthcare professionals, and medical agencies. Jennifer is always looking to develop her knowledge for the Kratom through scientific researches and frequently asked questions of customers looking to buy kratom from reliable sources.
