23 Jul Herbal Spotlight: Valerian Root
The Valerian plant or Valeriana officinalis is a perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, and naturalized in North America. It has a distinctive odor that some find unpleasant—if you’ve ever opened a bag of our tisanes containing Valerian Root, you may have noticed its pungent flavor. This medicinal herb has been used for a variety of ailments across cultures, most notably as a powerful sleep aid. Valerian Root has been used medicinally since the time of Ancient Greece and Rome to treat insomnia. In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, headaches, and heart palpitations, and psychological stress.
Modern studies have shown that Valerian Root is incredibly beneficial for treating severe PMS symptoms. When this herb is used in conjunction with St. John’s Wort, it’s benefits expand to help treat depression and anxiety. Additional studies have shown this herb to be helpful in treating inflammation in certain medical conditions such as arthritis. Valerian contains compounds that stimulate the opioid receptors and serotonin production in the brain, increasing relaxation, antidepressant effects, reducing pain, and acting as a mild sedative.
Our Top 5 Tisanes Featuring Valerian Root
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