Nature has incredible healing powers. Our ancestors knew this very well. They used herbs for treating all kinds of health issues. With the development of medicine it’s much easier to get over-the-counter pills, supplements, and products that promise to improve our well-being. When exactly did we forget that nature may provide much better and healthier alternatives. One of the plants worth mentioning is the valerian or Valeriana officinalis. The most commonly mentioned benefits of valerian root tea are promoting sleep, and reducing anxiety and stress. Is there any evidence to support those claims?

4 Benefits of valerian root tea

Valerian root owes its benefits to four different compounds: Valerenic acid, Isovaleric acid, Hesperidin and linarin[2]. Because of these compounds it is mostly used for decreasing anxiety, treating insomnia and reducing stress. Valerian root can be used as an extract, tincture and tea. One teaspoon of valerian root should be brewed for about 10 minutes with boiling water. Valerian root is well tolerated and safe, with infrequent and benign side effects. [1] A short break might be needed after 4 weeks of continuous usage.

Dealing with insomnia

Although there is still not enough evidence to support the impact of valerian root tea on insomnia, the available researches are quite optimistic[3]. One research reported that despite the lack of studies, valerian root seems “to have some effect in mild to moderate insomnia.”[4] Valerian root should be taken 30-120 minutes before sleep,[5] and it is not advisable to drive, or operate any machinery while the effects last.

This plant also has very pretty flowers, but only the root is used for making teas and tinctures. Are valerian flowers trying to send out the message that out from the roots grows a beautiful dream?

Decreasing anxiety

Dealing with anxiety might be one of the best benefits of valerian root tea. Studies suggest that Valeric acid in valerian root “binds to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and promotes calmness and relaxation”[6].

Menopausal symptoms

Valerian root “can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.”[7] In 2013 an Iranian research reported that this is because of phytoestrogen in valerian, but a long-term study would be recommended.[8]

Reducing stress and relaxing muscle

The same compounds in valerian root responsible for reducing anxiety are linked to reducing stress as well. Valerian root might be reducing the levels of stress by promoting better sleep and relaxing the body and brain. [9]

Test the benefits of valerian root tea

The best thing about valerian root is that you can actually test it yourself. Valerian root tea is easily available and safe to use. However, don’t expect the same effect you will get from regular sleeping pills. Always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging, and consult your healthcare provider, especially if you are taking other medicine or have other serious health problems. Valerian root should be best avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women as where is still not enough information about possible side-effects.

Approved by cats

Here at California Tea House, we think the benefits of valerian root tea are astounding. It’s our tea of choice before sleep. However, many people might find the flavor unattractive. That’s why we have created our Bedtime Chai, a blend of valerian root, honey bush, chamomile, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and toasted rice. The tea you drink before sleep should be both relaxing and tatsy.

Next time when you need a sleeping aid, why not trying valerian root? By the way, keep it away from your cat. Why? Find out by yourself.

Read more:

- Does Sleepytime Tea Work?

- Review - Bedtime Chai - Sleepytime Tea

- Valerian and Chai Tea- A brew against insomia

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22863505

[2] https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/valerian-root.aspx

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4394901/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22863505

[5] https://www.drugs.com/npp/valerian.html

[6] https://articles.mercola.com/herbs-spices/valerian-root.aspx

[7] https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-870/valerian

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3813196/

[9] https://thethirty.byrdie.com/valerian-root-for-sleep