VALERIAN
Valerian tea is made from valerian root and is an ancient medicinal tea. Hippocrates prescribed it to treat insomnia back in the 4th century. Like many of the stress reducing teas, valerian appears to work by lowering cortisol and inflammation in the body and brain.
BENEFITS OF VALERIAN
Even though Valerian is most well-known for its stress reducing and relaxing properties, it offers a variety of other health benefits, including the following:
- Relieves anxiety and stress
- Calms nerves and body
- Treats hyperthyroidism
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Improves memory
- Relieves menopausal symptoms
- Treats sleep disorders including insomnia, sleep apnea, and irregular sleep pattern
- Stops hand tremors
- Calms irregular heart palpitations
- Improves heart health
- Treats restless leg syndrome
- Treats fibromyalgia
- Relieves migraine and headaches
- Regulates hypertension
- Relieves menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms
- Treats digestive disorders including intestinal cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and colic
- Helps fight hyperactivity and helps focus
WORD OF CAUTION
- Valerian may increase the effects of sedatives. If you are taking any sedatives, please consult your doctor before taking valerian.
- Pregnant women should avoid taking valerian.
- It has mild sedative effects therefore, it should not be taken when you are driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Valerian should not be taken for more than a month without the consultation of your health care provider.
HOW TO BREW A PERFECT CUP OF VALERIAN TEA
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoons of dried valerian root
- 1 cup of water
Method
- Bring water to a rapid boil.
- Remove the pot of water from the heat. Pour the water into a teapot and then place the dried root in the water. Place a lid on the pot and let the tea steep in the water for 10-15 minutes. The steep time is long because it is root, not tender leaves or flowers.
- Strain and enjoy!