The power of valerian root for calm and restful sleep
Valerian is a time-tested medicinal herb for nervousness, sleep disorders, and general restlessness. In ancient Greece, it was considered a panacea, but it wasn't until the late 18th century that physicians became aware of valerian's calming and sleep-inducing effects. Valerian is a perennial plant that grows up to 100 cm tall and blooms from July to September with numerous small, light pink to white flowers. Its valuable roots emerge from a short, vertical, grayish-brown rhizome, reaching up to 20 cm in length and 2 to 5 mm in thickness. Active properties: The constituents inhibit neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, thereby having a calming effect and promoting both falling asleep and staying asleep. Valerian tea: Pour 250 ml of boiling water over 3 grams of dried and grated valerian root or one teaspoon of dried leaves and let the tea steep for 10 to 20 minutes. In the kitchen: As a relative of lamb's lettuce, the fresh spring greens of valerian are a good addition to wild herb salads. The flowers are also edible.
Natural habitat: Valerian is native to Europe and the temperate zones of Asia and thrives in damp and shady locations.
