How to Prepare Valerian Root Tea
Valerian is common to Europe and North America and is used as a sedative to treat insomnia and anxiety. It is available, in pills, tinctures and extracts at health food stores, commercial drug stores and online retailers. You can also make a tea from whole valerian root. Valerian tea can be bitter but blending it with other herbs softens the taste.
Things You'll Need
- Mason jar
- Ceramic bowl
- 1 cup valerian root
- 1/2 cup chamomile flowers
- 1/2 cup rose hips
- 2 tbsp. orange zest
- Tea ball or tea strainer
- Large mug
- Hot water
- Lemon juice
- Honey
Instructions
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1
Wash the mason jar and lid, then dry them thoroughly. Set the jar aside while you mix your tea.
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2
Add the valerian root, chamomile, rose hips and orange zest to the ceramic bowl. Use a spoon, or your hands, to blend the herbs together.
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3
Fill a tea ball with approximately 1 tbsp. of the herb mixture. Do not fill your ball more than half way because you want to leave room for the herbs to expand when they get wet. Set the ball aside.
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4
Put water on to boil and put the rest of the tea mixture into the mason jar, for future use. You can store this tea for up to 6 months.
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5
Pour a half-inch of boiling water into the bottom of the mug. Swirl the water around to heat the mug, then pour the water out.
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6
Put the tea ball into the warmed mug and fill the mug with one cup of boiling water. Let the tea steep for ten minutes.
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7
Remove the tea ball and add honey and lemon to taste. Your tea is now ready to drink.
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Tips & Warnings
If you prefer to have the valerian root alone, simply add 1 tsp. of valerian to the tea ball, add 1 cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes.
According to Dr. Linda B. White, author of "The Herbal Drugstore," valerian is not physically addictive. However, it is possible to develop a psychological dependence.
Some people have a paradoxical reaction, where the valerian acts as a stimulant instead of a sedative. If you have this reaction, stop using the valerian.
Valerian side effects are rare and include: headache, excitability and insomnia with frequent use.
