Valerian Root - Monograph

Common Name – Valerian Root

Botanical Name – Valeriana Officianalis

Parts Used – Root and Rhizome

Active Constituents – alkaloids, isovaleramide, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), isovaleric aid, sesquiterpenes, flavanones.

So what can Valerian Root be used for?

Valerian root in my opinion is one of the best herbal sedatives. It can be useful in the treatment of anxiety sleep disorders, stress, IBS and also may be helpful for epilepsy sufferers.

Valerian root may also help people to get off of benzodiazepine drugs, but this should only be tried under the supervision of you`r doctor.

How to make valerian root tea - for a strong effective tea I boil one tablespoon of valerian root in one and a half cups of water for five minutes.

I have been told that this is not the proper way to make the tea. But the proper preparation method is to add the herbs to warm water in the morning and let them sit for the day and drunk in the evening.

Valerian Root can also be taken in tincture and pill form (follow the directions on the label)

Contraindications – valerian root has been found to be very safe. It should not be taken before driving or operating heavy machinery. Valerian root should also not be taken consistently for a period longer than six months.