Valerian tea is said to have a calming effect on sleep problems and restlessness. You can cook it from the leaves and root of the medicinal herb. Here you can find out everything about the preparation and effects of valerian tea.
Valerian is a local medicinal herb and is considered a proven herbal remedy for restlessness and sleep disorders. Valerian has a calming and sleep-promoting effect, which, according to the PTA, has been proven by some studies today. This is why it is particularly recommended if you are restless due to stress or nervousness.
As an herbal remedy, valerian comes in many forms. It is found in herbal extracts, relaxing baths, sedative tablets or medicinal juices. One form of application is valerian tea. It is soothing, calming and easy to prepare.
How does valerian tea work?
Valerian can help against restlessness and sleep disorders. Here we give you a brief overview of the most important effects of valerian tea:
- According to the PTA, the medicinal plant now contains essential oils, valerenic acid and the secondary plant substance lignans, which are responsible for the positive effect of the medicinal plant. However, valerian only develops its sleep-promoting and calming effects after two weeks.
- According to the Medical Tribune, there is no objective evidence that valerian helps with insomnia. However, there is evidence that the medicinal plant can still improve sleep quality.
- According to a study, taking valerian tea changes heart rate variability (fluctuations between heartbeats), which is interpreted as a sign of relaxation.
- In combination with St. John’s wort, valerian can help against depression and anxiety, according to the German Medical Journal.
- Valerian can cause side effects. According to the Pharmacy Review, these include nausea, abdominal cramps and gastrointestinal complaints. To avoid side effects, you should first check with a doctor whether you can take valerian. This is especially true if you are taking other medications. However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should not consume valerian. Valerian is also not suitable for children under 12. In both cases the available studies are still too thin.
Preparing valerian tea: This is how it works
You don’t need many ingredients for a valerian tea:
- 200 ml hot water
- a tea strainer
- Valerian (root or leaf)
We recommend that you always use organic loose tea when brewing valerian tea. This way you avoid packaging waste and support the environment, as no chemical-synthetic pesticides were used when growing the plant.
You can use the leaves and roots of the medicinal herb for valerian tea:
- You can cut the roots into small pieces and portion them well in this way. For one cup you need two to three grams.
- If you’re using the leaves, you can measure out a heaping teaspoon. Of course you can also mix leaves and roots.
This is how you prepare the valerian tea:
- Boil the water and let it cool for a few minutes. The ideal water temperature is 85 to 90 degrees.
- Place the valerian in a tea strainer and pour hot water over it.
- Depending on how strong you like your tea, you can let the valerian steep for five to ten minutes. Then strain the tea.
This is how you can vary valerian tea
A mixture of different medicinal herbs and types of tea can refine the valerian tea or give it a specific effect. Here are some ideas:
- For a relaxing effect, you can also mix your valerian tea with other medicinal herbs. Chamomile tea and lavender tea are particularly suitable. They are also said to have a calming effect.
- If the tea is too bitter for you, sweeten it with a little honey or maple syrup.
- For a particularly refreshing variant, you can add a few mint leaves and fresh lemon juice to your valerian tea.
-
Hop tea is a popular sleep-promoting remedy. For a healthy sleep, you can mix your valerian tea with hop tea.
The best way to benefit from the calming effect of valerian tea is to drink it in peace and to take relaxation breaks in your everyday life when you need them – for example breathing exercises.
Edited by Lea Hermann
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Evening routine: 12 good tips for better sleep
- Planting herbs: Location and good neighbors are important
- Lemon balm tea: effects, application and recipe to make yourself
Independent journalism needs people who stand behind it – including in Google searches. Now send a signal for more sustainability and → Save Utopia as a preferred source.
** marked with ** or orange underlined Links to sources of supply are partly partner links: If you buy here, you are actively supporting Techzle\.com, because we then receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.