Valeriana ( Valerian Officinalis) - Health Benefits, Uses and Important Facts

Valeriana officinalis, also known as Valerian, is a herb. Traditionally, valerian roots are consumed or brewed into a tea to promote drowsiness and relaxation.

Folklore about Valeriana officinalis 

Hippocrates, the founder of medicine and a well-known Greek physician, found this plant in the 18th century. Its name comes from the Latin word "Valere," which means "to be strong or healthy." Because of its long history as a potent sedative that has been used to cure a number of ailments and combat the blues, many European herbalists used its rhizomes or tubular roots as a sleep aid.

Different names of Valeriana officinalis: 

Blessed Herb, Capon's Tail, German Valeria, Wild Valerian, Heliotrope, Tagara, Vandalroot, and Vermont Valerian are some of its intriguing names.

Usage of Valeriana officinalis:

The plant was utilised in soups, stews, and beverages during the mediaeval era in addition to being used as tea. The herb's root extracts are commonly utilised as components in aromatic oils for aromatherapy and fragrant perfumes because they have a potent earthy aroma. In addition to being a strong herb for calming the mind, it is also a successful herbal remedy for digestive, cutaneous, urinary, and menstrual issues. Although valerian's branches, leaves, and flowers are also frequently used, supplements are primarily made from the plant's roots.

How does Valeriana officinalis work?

Valerian has several chemical components, all of which contribute to its positive effects. Numerous of its specific chemical constituents have been demonstrated to support a sense of serenity and relaxation.

Together, these chemical molecules function. There is still much to learn about how valerian affects the brain. It might cause nerve cells to release a substance known as GABA, or gamma-aminobutyric acid.

Valerenic acid might help the body's regular GABA release. GABA's calming effects may be due in part to the fact that it slows down neuronal activity rather than stimulating it.

Antioxidants contained in valerian root, hesperidin and linarin, may play a role in how the amygdala in the brain reacts to fear and extreme stress.

Health benefits of Valeriana officinalis

A cup of calming valerian tea has powerful effects on an anxious mind, helping it to overcome any blues that may be brought on by anxiety or lack of sleep. The plant helps promote peaceful sleep by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain and activating adenosine receptors, which reduces agitation. It not only treats sleep issues but also enhances mental clarity and brain function.

How to prepare Valeriana officinalis tea?

The most common way to purchase valerian root tea, often known as valerian tea, is in tea bags. This herbal tea is made the same way as the majority of other types of tea.

1. ·  In a teacup, add a valerian tea bag or a tea infuser with roughly a spoonful of loose tea leaves. Alternatively, you can just put loose tea leaves at the bottom of a cup.
2. ·  Water should be heated to a temperature of 194–205°F, or 90–95°C. If you don't have a teapot with a temperature control, boil some water, then let it sit for a minute to slightly lower the temperature.
3. ·  Over the tea bag, infuser, or tea leaves, pour eight ounces of water.
4. ·  Allow tea leaves to steep for however long you like. Two minutes is enough time for steeping for those drinkers who prefer a lighter tea. A stronger cup of tea with more potent benefits can be brewed with a three to five minute steep.
5. ·  Before drinking, remove the tea bag, infuser, or loose leaves from the cup.
6. ·  To "soften" the flavour of valerian tea, tea experts frequently advise combining it with additional ingredients. To sweeten the flavour, you can wish to include milk or honey. Some people also include mint or chamomile (manzanilla), but you might want to be careful combining those two teas because they can also have a relaxing effect.