Valerian root tea

Valerian root tea is a herbal remedy, mainly to help relieve stress and insomnia, but is also used in flavoured tea. Valerian plant tea derives from the rhizomes or underground stems of the valerian plant, which is grown all over the world. The plant is 6 feet tall, with pink or white flowers. Its scientific name is Valeriana Officinalis. When used in herbal medicine as a tea, it is called Valeriana Officinalis tea. It has a strong but unpleasant aroma.

Forms of valerian root tea

Valerian root tea is usually available in the form of valeriana tea bags but can also be purchased as loose tea leaves and in bulk packs. Due to its unpleasant odour, it is usually provided in blended form and brewed in combination with other herbs as a beverage. Valeriana and chamomile tea or with lemon verbena, passion flower and vanilla is one such blended tea variety. It is also available in the form of powder, tablets, capsules, and extracts.

Benefits and medicinal uses of valerian root tea

Traditionally, valerian root tea was used as medicine to get relief from cough and fatigue. It was boiled with raisins and taken to treat cough. It was also used to treat the sting of venomous animals and internal and external wounds. It is still used today. For example, Valeriana root lemon balm has a soothing effect on restlessness, especially in children. The herb interacts with a brain chemical called GABA, which calms the nervous system. It relaxes muscular spasms and the overactive nervous system and enhances focus and concentration.

Valeriana root tea for sleep is used to treat nerve restlessness and anxiety. Anxiety is a feeling of worry produced due to the disturbed production of brain chemicals. The interaction of valerian root intake with GABA chemicals controls brain chemicals when taken in any form. Valeriana organic tea has more medicinal uses. It is used to treat insomnia, anxiety, nerve irritations, and stomach cramps because it has enhanced anaesthetic effects. It relieves pain and fatigue. It is also used to treat premenstrual symptoms and menstrual cramps and is generally safe for women during pregnancy.

Administering valerian root tea

Although valerian root tea has negligible side effects, precautions must still be followed. It is generally a safe herb for children and adults. However, it has side effects when used with sedative medicines. It can enhance the effects of relaxing drugs and alcohol. It is normally taken half an hour before sleep because it acts slowly. When taken orally, the dosage is normally 300-600 mg daily, up to 6 weeks, as long-term use can cause withdrawal symptoms. It is tapered off slowly to calm the nervous system to avoid these symptoms. Usually, 2 to 3 gm of dried root is advised for treating insomnia.

Prolonged use of valerian root tea can cause dizziness, headaches, uneasiness, dry mouth, vivid dreams, and upset stomach. Before using, consult a physician in case of heart disease, liver disease, kidney issues, or unusual allergic reactions. Valerian tea usage has not been tested thoroughly under such conditions. In feeding mothers, its effects are unclear, so it is better to avoid it. Follow the usage directions on the label. Consult a doctor before using any herb or drug. Valerian root tea should not be consumed two weeks prior to surgery.