Know Your Herbs: Valerian Root

The Valerian Root is a flowering perennial that is instantly recognizable thanks to their sweet pink and white colors. While they can certainly boost the visual appeal of garden spaces, the root is a herb blessed with a wide range of medicinal properties that have seen it used for centuries. It continues to play a key role in the daily lives of millions to this day thanks to the plethora of health benefits it offers.

Origin

Valerian root is a herb that has been used around the world for a very long time. In fact, medicinal uses of the flowering perennial can be traced back to Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome. While it is native to several countries in Europe and Asia, its origins are identified as India. 

Health benefits of the Valerian Root

As with many herbs, like ginger or hibiscus, the Valerian Root is used by medical practitioners and homeopathy followers around the world for a whole host of different reasons. While different cultures may prepare the herb in varying ways or use it for unique properties, there is no doubt its widespread appeal and potential to support people as part of different recipes and treatments. Some of the most common attributes are detailed below:

• Anxiety reduction

Valerian has been used to treat anxiety for many years but has seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years due to the spike in anxiety rates. While it is not a cure for the mental health issue, using the valerian root when you feel an anxiety attack coming on can make a world of difference to your quality of life. Some people use it during a bout to help calm their minds too.

• Sleep improvements

The benefits of a good night’s sleep are universally accepted, but millions of people still struggle to establish a winning pattern. Valerian roots are deemed a safe but potent natural sleep aid. In fact, it has been prescribed by practitioners for centuries as a treatment for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It is scientifically and anecdotally shown to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall to sleep and may actively help individuals reach the REM cycle. 

• Pain relief

The calming properties that make Valerian a popular choice for anxiety treatments will also relieve physical pains. It has often been used instead of tablets for controlling migraines as it can calm the headache as well as the nausea without any major side effects.

Why we offer it

When using the herb for medicinal purposes, it is wise to consult a doctor first. Nonetheless, the health properties of Valerian root are hard to ignore, which is why we offer it as a bulk herb. The benefits of Valerian Root can be enjoyed as a tea along with other delicious herbs like lavender, ginger, and hibiscus.