Valerian root has long been used to support relaxation and sleep, but don’t think of it as just a nighttime herb! Many people use it during the day to support emotional well-being, ease discomfort, manage stress and more.
It makes perfect sense when you consider its name is derived from the Latin valere, which means “to be well” or “to be strong.” In fact, during World War II, England’s Vegetable Drug Committee listed valerian root as one of the most essential plants for collection because it was so helpful for relieving stress from the air raids. (1) (2)
What is valerian root?
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is flowering herb that has been used therapeutically since ancient times, when it was recommended by Pliny for pain and other complaints. (3)
Although the sweet smelling flowers have sometimes been used for perfume making, it’s the roots and rhizome (underground stalk) that are used therapeutically. They’re not used for perfume, though, because they smell a bit like sweaty socks. As you can imagine, that’s not really a plus in anyone’s book, so the popularity of valerian despite this downside speaks to how potent it is.
8 Valerian Root Benefits
Valerian root contains several powerful bioactive compounds that have relaxing, sleep promoting, anti-inflammatory, heart health and other benefits.
The list of known beneficial compounds has been growing over the past few years so there may still be some that are still undiscovered, but here are the most significant ones we know of so far:
- Valerenic acid
- Valepotriates
- Linerin
- Lignan 4
1. Valerian Root For Sleep
Research suggests that valerian may help with falling asleep, improving overall sleep quality, and increasing the amount of healing slow-wave sleep (deep sleep) that we get. (4)(5)
Valerenic acid – which is a component of valerian root – increases GABA, which is one of the main sedative neurotransmitters. It is associated with improved mood, a sense of calm and tranquility, improved sleep, help with PMS, and calm focus. (6) (7) (8) (9) According to WebMD, low levels of GABA may be linked to anxiety or mood disorders, epilepsy and chronic pain. (9) Other possible symptoms of low GABA are difficulty unwinding, becoming easily frustrated, feeling overwhelmed, and bowel issues. (10) The conversion of serotonin to melatonin, which is often called “The Sleep Hormone,” is dependent on GABA. (11)
Other supplements that may be helpful for supporting GABA are:
- Magnesium is also helpful for activating GABA receptors, which increases our ability to utilize this relaxing neurotransmitter.
- Passionflower
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- L-theanine
- Kava
- Although not a supplement, fermented foods are also helpful for increasing GABA because they produce it in the gut as a byproduct of amino acid metabolization
Also, coffee lovers check this out: Coffee works by binding with adenosine receptors in the brain, which control the body’s sleeping and waking rhythms. Adenosine is considered a “tiredness molecule” that lets us know when we need to rest, and coffee blocks it from being absorbed. A specific lignan – called Lignan 4 – in valerian also binds with the same receptors, but has the opposite effect of coffee. (12)
Valerian also contains the antioxidant linarin, which appears to have calming and sleep-enhancing properties. (13)
2. Valerian Root And Stress Management
Remember how I told you that England prioritized the cultivation of valerian during WWII? That’s because it’s been shown to help with both psychological and physical stress in two ways:
Increasing GABA – A stressful lifestyle, poor sleep, and other challenging experiences can cause us to burn through our GABA stores quickly. Ideally we’d get a break to replenish levels of this calming neurotransmitter before we encounter the next life challenge, but that doesn’t always happen. By increasing GABA signaling via the mechanisms discussed above, valerian helps the body optimize GABA levels during stressful times.
Maintaining Serotonin & Norepinephrine – One study found that valerian reduced stress in mice by helping maintain serotonin and norepinephrine in two specific brain regions that are associated with fear and anxiety – the hippocampus and amygdala. The presence of these two neurotransmitters inhibits excessive activity in the hippocampus/amygdala. (14) Another study done by many of the same researchers found that mice who were given valerian had reduced corticosterone levels, which is the mouse version of cortisol (often known as the “Stress Hormone). (15)
Here are some other ways to increase stress resilience:
- Incorporate adaptogens, which are herbs that help the body adapt to stress
- Focus on getting good quality sleep
- Gentle exercise such as walking or yoga
Click here for more ways to reboot your stress response.
3. Valerian Root For Focus, Memory & Learning
In one study done with elementary children, a combination of valerian and lemon balm improved focus, while another study done with mice showed improvements in memory and learning. (16)(15)
4. Easing Discomfort
Pliny the Elder, who lived from 23 AD – 79 AD, recommended valerian for pain management, which makes sense if you consider that it supports GABA, which increases pain tolerance. (3) (17)
5. Valerian Root And Menstrual Cramps
Researchers have found that valerian relax the uterus, thus easing discomfort during menstruation. (18)
6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Valerian Root
As mentioned above, valerian root increases GABA. In addition to the benefits listed above – improved mood, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, help with PMS, and focus support – GABA also has anti-inflammatory properties. Specifically, it reduces the activity of NF-kappaB, which is pro-inflammatory. (19)
Is it safe to take valerian?
According to the Botanical Safety Handbook: 2nd Edition, which is the herbal equivalent of Robert Tisserand’s authoritative guide, Essential Oil Safety, this Safety Class 1B herbs are described as:
“Herbs that can be safely consumed when used appropriately.
- History of safe traditional use
- No case reports of significant adverse events
with high probability of causality - No significant adverse events in clinical trials
- No identified concerns for use during pregnancy
or lactation - No innately toxic constituents
- Toxicity associated with excessive use is not a
basis for exclusion from this class - Minor or self-limiting side effects are not bases
for exclusion from this class”
That said, “caution is advised during use of barbiturates, bensodiazepines, and other sedative drugs,” because valerian may increase their effects.
In addition, for a small percentage of the population, valerian root has a stimulating effect rather than a calming one. Herbalists generally do not recommend valerian root in those cases.
Should I use a tincture, tea or capsules?
There isn’t a “right” answer to this question. Alcohol-based extractions (tinctures) draw out a different a different phytonutrient profile than water-based extractions (teas), so it may take some experimentation to see what works best for you.
Tinctures
Especially when it comes to roots and berries, many of the beneficial compounds are better extracted by alcohol (or glycerin) than water. That’s probably why most of the valerian root preparations in the studies above are alcohol-based extracts, which are commonly known as tinctures.
There is one component of valerian root – glutamine – that is better extracted by water than alcohol. Glutamine is a building block used to make GABA. (There are several ways that valerian increases GABA signaling, this is just one of them.)
Teas
Teas can be made more quickly, but as mentioned above certain beneficial compounds are not easily extracted with water. You can increase the extraction rate by decocting them (making a long-simmered tea), but the finished product may not have as much of certain compounds as a tincture would. However, it will have higher levels of glutamine, which is a building block of GABA.
Capsules
Some valerian root capsules contain an extract of one or two “active constituents” rather than the whole root. Since valerian root has several known active constituents (and probably more that we have not yet discovered), I prefer to tinctures and teas that extract a wider range of constituents from the plant.
Some capsules do incorporate the whole root, but when herbs are taken as a capsule the body needs considerably more time to break down and assimilate the nutrients. If digestion is weak, sometimes not all the therapeutic properties will be absorbed.
So what’s the best extraction approach with valerian root? As I mentioned above there are benefits to both tincture and tea forms, so I’ve included recipes for both.
How much valerian should I take? (Valerian root dosage)
According to renowned herbalist Rosemary Gladstar, valerian root “is a nonaddictive, non-habit-forming sedative, and it will not make you sleepy or groggy unless really large amounts are consumed. So don’t be afraid to take adequate amounts of valerian.
Begin with a low dosage and increase it until you feel its relaxing effects. You’ll know you’ve taken too much if you have a ‘rubberlike’ feeling in the muscles – as if they were too relaxed – or a feeling of heaviness. If that’s the case, cut back the [amount] so that you feel relaxed but alert.” (21)
When taken as a tincture, she recommends starting with 1/4 teaspoon, taking an additional dose after 30 minutes if needed.
One thing to keep in mind is that – at least in the book Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes For Vibrant Health – Rosemary uses the folk method for making tinctures. The folk method involves placing the herb in a clean jar and pouring in enough alcohol to completely cover the herb, whereas more precise methods involve weighing the herbs and measuring out the liquid by volume.
My reason for mentioning this is that the exact strength of a tincture made via the folk method can vary, so Rosemary’s suggestion is often considered a guideline rather than a strict rule. Kathi Kemper, M.D., recommends 1/2-1 teaspoon, taken up to three times daily. (22)
How long should I take valerian root? According to The Herbal Academy, ” Valerian should only be used for two to three weeks, followed by a break of the same duration. Continual use can cause depression and headaches in some people.” (1) However, according to the Mayo Clinic, “Valerian seems to be most effective after you take it regularly for two or more weeks.”
Is valerian root safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
According to the Botanical Safety Handbook: 2nd Edition, “Animal studies and human case reports have indicated no adverse effects of relatively high doses (2.8g/kg) of valerian in pregnancy (Cziezel et al. 1997; Tufix et al. 1994, Yao et al. 2003, 2007)
No information on the safety of valerian during lactation was identified in the scientific or traditional literature. While this review did not identify any concerns for use while nursing, safety has not been conclusively established.” (page 911)
What about children?
When my kids find it difficult to wind down, I tend to opt for milder herbs like the ones in these sleep tinctures or sweet dreams tea.
That said, one of the studies on focus mentioned above specifically looked at the benefits of valerian for school-age children, and valerian is generally considered safe for kids over 1 when used in age-appropriate amounts.
I like Herbs for Kids Super Calm, which incorporates valerian root with milder herbs and is specifically intended for children. They include dosage information based on age/weight on the bottle.
How To Make a Valerian Root Tincture
Ingredients
- 1 part dried valerian root (Valeriana officinalis – here’s where to find it) (I used 1/2 cup)
- 2 parts vodka (Preferably 100 proof, but 80 proof is okay. I used 1 cup)
Instructions
- Fill your jar about halfway with valerian root. Pour vodka all the way to the top, then cover with a cap and shake well. If desired, write the start date on the jar using a sticky note, label, or piece of tape – it makes keeping track of how long it’s been steeping easier.
- Place the jar in a dark area that is relatively warm. (I keep mine in a kitchen cabinet.) Let the mixture steep for 3-5 more weeks. Shake occasionally.
- When it’s ready, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, making sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Pour the liquid in a clean container and store in a cool, dark area.
Valerian Tea Recipe
Before you brew, one thing to know is that while very helpful for relaxation, valerian root is considered to have an unpleasant smell. I don’t mind it, but depending on your preferences this may not be your cup of tea.
- 2 teaspoons valerian root (Valeriana officinalis – here’s where to find it)
- 2 cups water
Bring water to a light simmer (not a boil) and add valerian root. Cover and simmer on low for 20-40 minutes, then allow to cool until it can be comfortably sipped. Strain and serve.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Sources for this article:
1. The Herbal Academy (2014) Sheltering With Valerian. Retrieved from https://theherbalacademy.com/sheltering-with-valerian/
2. Tibrewal, Nidhi et. al. Functional Identification of Valerena-1,10-diene Synthase, a Terpene Synthase Catalyzing a Unique Chemical Cascade in the Biosynthesis of Biologically Active Sesquiterpenes in Valeriana officinalis. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/33044427/Functional_Identification_of_Valerena-1_10-diene_Synthase_a_Terpene_Synthase_Catalyzing_a_Unique_Chemical_Cascade_in_the_Biosynthesis_of_Biologically_Active_Sesquiterpenes_in_Valeriana_officinalis
3. Sivasubramanian, Rama. Effect of Valerian Root Extracts (Valeriana Officinalis) On Acetaminophen Glucoronidation: In Vitro And In Vivo Studies. Retrieved from http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/10355/1/Sivasubramanian_thesis.pdf
4. Leathwood, PD et. al. (1982) Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7122669
5. Donath, F et. al. (2000) Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structure and sleep quality. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10761819
6. Kapalka, George. (2009) Nutritional and Herbal Therapies for Children and Adolescents: A Handbook for Mental Health Clinicians (Practical Resources for the Mental Health Professional)
7. Swanson, CJ et. al. (2005) Metabotropic glutamate receptors as novel targets for anxiety and stress disorders. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15665858
8. Cavadas, C. et. al. (1995) In vitro study on the interaction of Valeriana officinalis L. extracts and their amino acids on GABAA receptor in rat brain. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8573216
9. WebMD. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid). Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/gaba-uses-and-risks
10. Jockers, David. Is Your Brain Making Enough GABA? Retrieved from https://drjockers.com/gaba/
11. Balemans, MG et. al. (1983) The influence of GABA on the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, O-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptophol and O-acetyl-5-methoxytryptophol in the pineal gland of the male Wistar rat. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6844712
12. University of Bonn (2004) Relaxing with Lignan. Retrieved from https://www.uni-bonn.de/Press-releases/40_2004
13. Fernández, Sebastián et. al. (2004) Sedative and sleep-enhancing properties of linarin, a flavonoid-isolated from Valeriana officinalis. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S009130570300368X
14. Jung, HY et. al. (2015) Valerenic Acid Protects Against Physical and Psychological Stress by Reducing the Turnover of Serotonin and Norepinephrine in Mouse Hippocampus-Amygdala Region.. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26177123
15. Nam, SM et. al. (2013) Valeriana officinalis extract and its main component, valerenic acid, ameliorate D-galactose-induced reductions in memory, cell proliferation, and neuroblast differentiation by reducing corticosterone levels and lipid peroxidation. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24055511
16. Gromball, J. (2014) Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks’ treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school children. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24837472
17. Enna, SJ et. al. (2006) The role of GABA in the mediation and perception of pain. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17175808
18. Occhiuto, F et. al. (2009) Relaxing effects of Valeriana officinalis extracts on isolated human non-pregnant uterine muscle. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19178774
19. Jacobo-Herrera, NJ et. al. (2006) NF-kappaB modulators from Valeriana officinalis. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16909443
20. Bauer, Brent. Valerian: A safe and effective herbal sleep aid? Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/valerian/faq-20057875
21. Gladstar, Rosemary. (2008) Rosemary Gladstar’s Herbal Recipes For Vibrant Health
22. Kemper, Kathi. Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) Retrieved from http://www.longwoodherbal.org/valerian/valerian.pdf
23. Examine. Valeriana Officinalis. Retrieved from https://examine.com/supplements/valeriana-officinalis/
Meagan @ Growing Up Herbal
November 21, 2015 at 7:12 AMGreat post, Heather! I am a lover of valerian tinctures too. In fact, the first time I ever used them was when I had pregnancy insomnia during my first pregnancy and my midwife suggested valerian. It worked perfectly every time I needed it. From there I went on to use it with my kids for sleeping, and again it works great for them as well.
However, there are a couple cautions with valerian that I wanted to point out. I didn’t know these at first, but I learned them after more study.
First, valerian is considered a sedative herb, but in some people (very few – less than 10%) it has the OPPOSITE reaction and will stimulate instead of sedate. It’s best to try a half dose of the herb before taking a full dose to see if you feel any stimulating effects from it. If not, it should be fine to take a full dose.
Next, valerian is cautioned among people taking sedative medications because it can add to those meds, sedating the person more.
Again, I love valerian, and we don’t have any issues with it in our home. It’s a good one to always have on hand for sure. Thanks for the great post!
Heather
November 23, 2015 at 1:04 PMHey Meagan! Thanks for reminding me to include a sentence about the potential stimulating effects of valerian. I’d planned to do that in the section on Class 1 Safety herbs just after the warning about combining valerian with sedatives. Interestingly, according to the Botanical Safety Handbook the risk of interaction is theoretical. To date, at least according to the guide, no actual interactions have been reported.
So glad it has worked well for you and your family. I would love to know what other essential herbs you keep on hand. 🙂
alita
February 9, 2016 at 9:41 PMhello.
my son has a few issues with anger.
he is ten and can often go from sweet to super angry within seconds.
do you think this will help?
thanks )0(
love and light
Donna
February 10, 2016 at 12:45 AMI would think that if it makes sense to you that you should try different things till you find what works for him and you
Holley
April 12, 2016 at 4:56 AMI do that too. It has something to do with low blood sugar. I have to eat when that happens. Also have to not eat so many sweets. Hope that helps
Angela Vanderski
June 16, 2016 at 12:07 PMHow much of the valerian root tincture do you take??
Karen
August 7, 2016 at 10:01 PMHi! I downloaded your free Kitchen Apothecary ebook. All pictures, no text at all. What happened?
Heather
August 8, 2016 at 7:44 AMHi Karen, it sounds like your download may have experienced a glitch. What page were you on when you opted to download? I’ll check the file there and also send a copy to the email address you included with your comment 🙂
lynn
March 23, 2017 at 2:36 PMwhat about us people that cant take alchol-how do you mix it then?
Dennis
March 25, 2018 at 2:37 PMHi. I noticed I need quite a large amount of valerian tincture to get relaxed. I feel over the 20 years I’ve used it I’ve built up some tolerance it seems. But the case is. Maybe I use it 10 times a year
I usually buy my tinctures in reform shops. Here in Finland you pay a good amount for the strongest they have. I usually take 5 to 10 times more than recommended on the label. I take it only for sleeping.
It gets a bit expensive that way but never had any issues or side effects. When I started I only needed little, but I just seen over the years my tolerance went up considerably. Do you happen to know similar cases?
Ryan
February 11, 2016 at 5:26 AMUh… Pretty sure those 2 points were mentioned in the post. Did you even read it?
Abby
July 1, 2016 at 6:45 PMNo need to be rude, and yes, your comment was rude. I read the post and missed the dose as well. Salty posts like that discourage people from trying new things. Maybe you should double your dose.
Homemaker
November 23, 2015 at 6:19 AMHow long will the tincture last? Will it go bad?
Heather
November 23, 2015 at 1:06 PMIt will last for several years. 🙂
Debbie
April 22, 2016 at 11:29 PMIf it has vodka in it, how can children take it?
Erica Levi
August 29, 2016 at 4:37 AMTinctures actually last years, I mean many years. They actually get better as long as you keep in air tight container and away from light and heat. If you make rather large jar, like the big pickle jar at the deli, it will never go bad as long as you do the above mentioned. I do suggest, if you make large jars of tinctures that you use daily, to take out with a ladle what you will need for a week or even a month and transfer into a smaller jar. This way you are not constantly opening your tincture exposing it to air. I get my information from Wise Women and Herbalist Susan Weeds writings. She is a great teacher and has lots of great info on websites and Facebook.
Amanda
November 26, 2015 at 3:30 PMDo you have any tips for disguising the taste? I made some and took it once and the taste was so awful and I can’t bring myself to take it again.
Kate Whorlow
December 3, 2016 at 7:12 AMTry making it with brandy instead of vodka – works exactly the same but tastes a bit less bitter. You can also add a little hot water to the dose in a mug and let the alcohol evaporate – or what I do sometimes is add the dose to a small amount of juice and down it ? hope that helps x
Michelle
January 20, 2019 at 11:03 PMI just heated up apple juice to steep my tea ball with the dried root. I hope it helps
Kathy Fuller
March 30, 2019 at 8:27 PMI have been using Valerian tea bags fromTraditional Medicinals for the past several years. Valerian worked so well fro my insomnia I actually got used to the taste, or rather didn’t mind it, because I knew I would get a good restful sleep with no morning grogginess. But I also love the taste of black licorice and started brewing a bag of licorice tea with my valerian. Licorice tea smooths out the harshness of the valerian and adds a pleasant light sweetness without sugar. Just came across some whole root at the Mexican market that I’m going to try and I steep a bag of the licorice with it.
Kat
November 30, 2015 at 10:14 PMI am an alcoholic. What are your suggestions as I cannot use the tincture? I have PTSD and regular sleep is very hard to get. I have been using capsules but do not have the right dosage.
Heather
December 1, 2015 at 2:26 AMIt is possible to make a tincture with glycerin instead of alcohol. I go over the basic method in this post: https://mommypotamus.com/sleep-tincture-recipe/
Janice
December 28, 2015 at 11:10 AMMany tinctures can be made with apple cider vinegar.
Kimberly
May 6, 2016 at 12:47 PMyou can make it with Food grade vegetable glycerine instead of alcohol
Erica Levi
August 29, 2016 at 4:48 AMI would go to your local herb store or even wholefoods, and buy the extract or capsules. Also, hops flower either on its own or used with valarian root works to not only fall asleep fast, but it relaxes the body into a deep restful sleep. Another thing you can do is take a sachet or even a sock and fill with dried hops flower, chamomile and lavender. You can put this by your pillow or in the case, and it will send you off to dreamland (works on most not all). The sachet may also calm your PTSD symptoms by inhaling a few deep breaths, but not too many or it may make you sleepy.
Erica Levi
August 29, 2016 at 5:01 AMAlso, you can try making the tincture the same way using olive oil, but I’m not sure if the results will be as effective. It’s worth a try.
Erica Levi
August 29, 2016 at 5:10 AMVegetable glycerine is also used to make non-alcohol tinctures. Tinctures made of vegetable glycerine have a shorter storage life, but a good alternative. Be sure to use very clean utensils because it’s easy to contaminate do to not having alcohol as a preservative.
Nelly
January 23, 2017 at 5:29 PM“People who do not drink alcohol can make tinctures using warm (but not boiling) vinegar. Herbalists recommend wine or apple cider vinegar, not white vinegar. The directions are the same for alcoholic tinctures.”
M. Castleman, (2003). The New Healing Herbs. Hinkler Books, Dingley, Victoria. pg 53.
Hope this helps Kat 🙂
Rachel
November 30, 2015 at 10:30 PMIs it difficult to wake up in the morning after taking the night before?
Heather
December 1, 2015 at 2:25 AMNot at all. 🙂
Donna Martin
December 1, 2015 at 9:08 AMThanks for the great recipe. I’ve used valerian as a supplement for years with mixed results. Seems to work best when combined with melatonin, for me. I bought the essential oil & discovered it works well & fast when applied to soles of feet. Can’t wait to try the tincture!
Kathy
January 13, 2016 at 5:33 AMWhat essential oil did you buy and use?
wesixcooks
May 24, 2016 at 7:16 AMValerian comes in an essential oil as well
Barbara
August 8, 2016 at 8:28 PMWhat is a tincture?
Erica Levi
August 29, 2016 at 4:57 AMA tincture is a herbal medicine made of plant parts and alcohol. The alcohol draws out the plant properties that water can not. You can use fresh or dried leaves, flowers and/or roots. I personally prefer fresh if I can. The alcohol can be any kind but vodka is used primarily. 100 proof is best because 80 doesn’t draw out the properties enough and over 100 will cause some of the plant property to deteriorate.
Elsa
December 1, 2015 at 10:33 PMHow much of the tincture does one take at night to fall asleep?
Deena
December 1, 2015 at 10:34 PMHow much do you take?
Carrie
January 26, 2016 at 8:30 AM“When taken as a tincture, she recommends starting with 1/4 teaspoon, taking an additional dose after 30 minutes if needed. Another reputable source recommends 1/2-1 teaspoon, taken up to three times daily.”
Deena
December 1, 2015 at 10:35 PMWhat is a tincture?
Carrie
January 26, 2016 at 8:32 AMThis link has some great information explaining tinctures.
https://herblore.com/overviews/tinctures
Erica Levi
August 29, 2016 at 4:58 AMA tincture is a herbal medicine made of plant parts and alcohol. The alcohol draws out the plant properties that water can not. You can use fresh or dried leaves, flowers and/or roots. I personally prefer fresh if I can. The alcohol can be any kind but vodka is used primarily. 100 proof is best because 80 doesn’t draw out the properties enough and over 100 will cause some of the plant property to deteriorate.
Laura
December 1, 2015 at 10:44 PMI’m just learning about oils and natural remedies and was wondering how much to use. Thanks.
Linzi
December 3, 2015 at 2:12 PMI’m pregnant and looking for a way to handle my high anxiety, how can I make this with something other than vodka???
Amy Young Miller
December 5, 2015 at 6:36 AMMy daughter has been experiencing chronic daily headaches, and we’ve not found the cause. This sounds like something I need to make, and (next spring!) to grow. Thanks for the informative post!
Cheryl
February 9, 2016 at 10:12 AMAfter determining the cause of the headaches, you might want to look into a feverfew tincture. My two daughters both got debilitating migraines. Feverfew tincture was the only thing that helped when taken at the first sign of onset.
David @ Milk Frother Judge
December 20, 2015 at 3:40 PMHello Heather, nice and useful tip, but please let me know where can I get this root?
B. C. Walker
January 12, 2016 at 2:49 PMI keep VR tincture on hand also, but I cannot stand the bitter taste so I added a little mint to the tincture mix – nothing to lose. I like the chocolate mint best after all the trials and it doesn’t take but a few dried leaves to hide the bitterness and leave a light mint taste and smell. It doesn’t seem to alter the VR effectiveness and I like it much better. When I’m making tinctures, I put them on top of my hot water heater for warmth and cover with an orphan sock to ensure darkness. Masking tape on the sock lets me date each one.
Samantha
March 25, 2016 at 10:36 PMWhat a great idea for warmth and darkness!! And the mint idea seems great as well! I will be making my very first batch is weekend!!
Margaret
May 21, 2016 at 12:07 AMWhat is an orphan sock?
SW
June 30, 2016 at 6:57 AMThe one left behind after the dryer monster eats it’s mate. Use it to put the jar inside.
Kim
January 26, 2016 at 4:55 AMI have a mild mood disorder and when I tried Valerian for sleep it did have the opposite effect. I think it is possible that the 10% of people who have this stimulated effect may be on the bi polar spectrum as I am. I recommend Bachs Rescue Remedy in place of Valerian if you have a mood disorder. I can’t take anti depressants either because they make my symptoms worse so always looking for natural remedies. Any suggestions welcome.
Valerie
June 13, 2018 at 9:43 AMHi Kim! This might be a couple years too late, but I wanted to offer my own suggestion. I don’t have any diagnosed mood disorders and I don’t take any prescriptions, but I have tried Valerian also and got the opposite effect I wanted. It relaxes my husband and puts him to sleep quickly, but for me it only gives me anxiety and severe insomnia. I am not typically anxious, so it was a notable effect. I cannot take it at all, not even in small amounts or in tea. I have personally found St. John’s Wort to be effective for me. I have slept quite well since I started taking it and it doesn’t seem to give me any negative side effects. It says on one of the bottles that it’s good “for promoting a positive mood” so perhaps it’s something worth looking into.
Rhiannon
February 25, 2016 at 4:02 AMI was informed buy my herbals that valerian can be addictive over long periods of time….I suppose I’ll know in a few years time (I’m a Herbalist-and-Naturopath in training. 🙂 ). But some herbals say caution and some say it only occurs with certain individuals….anyone know anything definate?
Heather
February 25, 2016 at 12:06 PMI’m not an expert on this subject so I cannot give a definitive answer. However, the herbalists I know say it is non-habit forming, and The Botanical Safety Handbook makes no mention otherwise.
Tanya Crawford
June 9, 2016 at 10:34 PMIs there something other than alcohol that can be used for people who are sober. I would hate to give a recovered alcoholic something mixed with it
Nick
July 26, 2016 at 6:34 AMHi, is this better (as in much stronger, and much more effective) than using something like a store bought Valerian root supplement in capsule form?
I’ve tried said forms of Valerian before and didn’t get much good from them to be honest….
Melanie
August 30, 2016 at 9:49 PMCan you add the valerian tincture mixture to a food or drink if you don’t want to take it straight? Will this make it less effective?
Genevieve
November 21, 2016 at 10:32 PMSo I made the easy way and it tastes like I did something wrong my daughter will not drink it I taste it it’s not fruity at all bitter mostly
Chadwick Allison
March 12, 2017 at 1:45 AMThis works for all my herbs and roots
1. I blend the herb to make a powder,
2. put that in a canning jar with Everclear,
3. shake it up occasionally for a couple days
4. let it settle
5. pour off the liquid through 3 coffee filters into a bowl
6. put a fan on it for about a day, until it’s evaporated down
7. (optional) add vegetable glycerin as a preservative
8. put some in vegi caps, or dilute it in water to make an instant tea, or if you’re really hard-core, take it strait.
Marie Hooke
June 10, 2018 at 1:38 PMAs a now retired formulator of supplements and researcher (I have patented natural medicinal formulas), I have to mention this. Most clinical studies NIH being one of the best validated studies, finds the most important and active compound in Valerian root is the sesquiterpenoid valerenic acid, standardized to approximately .8%. I mention this because when you are making home brews and tinctures there is no way to accurately measure the amount of acid (if any) in the resulting product. You can have a million mg of valerian root and no active compounds of any sort, OR you could produce 100mg of valerian root with an excess of various medicinal active compounds. Just putting that out there. Personally, I love Valerian Root but rely only on standardized compounds with marked % of active ingredients.
Heather
August 1, 2018 at 8:02 PMAlthough I agree that there can be a time when standardized extracts are optimal, I generally prefer whole plant extracts because they often contain compounds that work synergistically together. For example, valepotriates, linerin and lignan 4 have all been found by subsequent research to have therapeutic benefits in addition to valerenic acid.
Madeline
June 10, 2018 at 7:52 PMHi Heather,
I’m 54 years of age and I’m breaking out with acne on my face. I get these big red bumps and the hurt. Any suggestions?
R
June 29, 2018 at 4:27 AMHi Heather,
I have a couple questions. I have 2lbs of VR(accidentally ordered too much!)that I’ve had for a few years. It’s dried. Is it likely still good?
Also I would like to try VR in tincture and tea as it seems like it could be helpful for a few reasons. I’d like to know, though, which method/dosage is recommended to use as a sleep aid? I’m a night Doula and have a little trouble sleeping more than 5hrs each day.
tracy
August 29, 2018 at 7:54 AMhi,
where is the best place to Valerian Ro
tracy
Mark
March 3, 2019 at 9:41 AMHi Heather,
I know this is an old post but I have a question. I’ve suffered terrible insomnia for the past 30 years. The only things I found helpful were herbal tinctures: valerian, passionflower, hops and lemonbalm. It was breaking the bank and I’d like to stay away from alcohol because I’ve been overusing it to get to bed at night.
Recently I purchased super-high concentrated extracts of the above in powder form. For some reason they aren’t working on me. I was wondering if you think adding lecithin to my nightly routine would make these extracts more bioavailable?
Thanks!
Heather
March 8, 2019 at 5:24 PMHi Mark, I’ve not used lecithin in that way so I can’t speak to its efficacy. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.