Valerian Root

Valerian Root is the dried, cut root and rhizome of Valeriana officinalis, a calming herb with one of the longest records of use in Western herbalism. It is cut to a coarse tea-grade size and dried gently so the volatile oils are not cooked off, a simple raw material for tea, tincture or capsules. Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• Dried, cut root and rhizome of Valeriana officinalis, coarse tea-grade
• Carries valerenic acid, a volatile oil rich in bornyl acetate and valeranone, valepotriates, plus lignans and GABA
• Tea: 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 oz, steeped covered 5 to 10 minutes
• An evening herb with a musky isovaleric-acid aroma
• Offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes

The herb. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family, formerly Valerianaceae, native to Europe and western Asia and naturalized in North America; the root is dug in autumn from the second year. It carries valerenic acid, a volatile oil rich in bornyl acetate and valeranone, valepotriates, and small amounts of lignans and GABA, with the musky smell coming from isovaleric acid. Because so much character rides on the volatile oil, it is best steeped covered.

How to use. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of cut root per 8 oz of just-boiled water, cover, and steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Start at 1 teaspoon; honey or a few lavender buds softens the earthy, bitter taste. Drink it in the last hour of the evening. The cut root also makes a folk tincture macerated in spirits for four to six weeks, or can be ground for capsules.

What to expect. Users describe a grounded, melty calm and an easier wind-down. It is not a daytime herb; for a lifted afternoon calm, try our Lemon Verbena.

Safety. Larger amounts can bring morning grogginess, vivid dreams, a headache or a heavy next day; reduce the amount or shorten the steep. Do not drive after drinking it. Do not combine valerian with alcohol, sedatives, benzodiazepines or other calming supplements without professional guidance, and consult a professional if you are pregnant, nursing, have a liver condition or take any medication. Discontinue two weeks before scheduled surgery. Keep away from pets; cats are drawn to the smell.

Storage. Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis). Store sealed in a cool, dry, dark place; it loses its volatile oil with time and warmth, so use within a year.

Common questions

• How long does valerian root tea take to work? Most people notice a settling ease over twenty to forty minutes.
• What does valerian root tea taste and smell like? Earthy, musky and a little bitter, with a strong odor from isovaleric acid; honey or a few lavender buds make it more pleasant.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Valerian is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.