What is Valerian Tea, What are its Benefits?

Valerian is known as “valerian” in Turkey. Its medicinal properties have been used for years. It is known for relaxing the body and providing a deep sleep.

Valerian or “valerian” tea is one of the very useful and healing teas known for its calming and soothing properties. It is called “valerian” because cats eat the root of the plant. Although it is not known exactly why cats consume this plant, people have been consuming it for hundreds of years to benefit from its many healing properties. Valerian, which is a plant species whose benefits have been proven in modern medicine, is especially recommended against insomnia. Valerian tea, with its many more features, is quite surprising.

What is Valerian Tea?

Valerian; Also known as “cat grass” or “valerian”, it is a plant from the “Caprifoliaceae” family. Its scientific name is “Valeriana officinalis”. The name of the plant is derived from the Latin word “valere” meaning “to be strong, healthy”.

That’s why it’s also known as “cat’s grass”. It is referred to as “healing herb” in some sources.

Valerian, which grows annually in Europe and Asia, is also seen in North America. It can reach 1 to 1.5 meters in height. Grassy and moist environments are suitable for its growth. Its stems are hollow. It has pointed, dark green and hairy leaves. It has fragrant, white, pink and lilac small flowers. Its flowers bloom in June.

Since ancient times, various forms of the roots of the plant have been used due to its calming and sleep-regulating properties. Valerian; It is consumed in various forms such as tea, tincture, extract, capsules and pills. Fresh or dried valerian root is used for these forms.

What are the Benefits of Valerian Tea?

Valerian is a very useful plant for human health. The benefits of the tea form are seen in a short time. The reason for this is that the beneficial substances contained in the plant come out of the hot water. Its medicinal properties have been known since the 2nd century. More than 200 scientific studies have been conducted on the pharmacology of the plant.

It is a plant that has been used for years because it relaxes the body and supports sleep. The tea form has become popular in recent years.

The potential and proven benefits of valerian tea can be listed as follows;

Improves sleep quality, it is effective against insomnia. This feature provides the antioxidants “hesperidin” and “linarin” in its content.
Research; It has been shown that it facilitates falling asleep, prolongs sleep time and provides deep sleep.
Soothing and soothing properties relaxes the nervous system.
A decrease in the symptoms of “restless legs syndrome” was observed in those who consumed 800 mg of valerian extract every day for eight weeks.
Prevents panic attacks and hysteria problems; It reduces stress and anxiety.
It has therapeutic effects on stomach and digestive problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal colic. Its diuretic feature helps to lose weight by promoting calorie burning.
It has high blood pressure lowering properties; supports cardiovascular health; It makes the blood vessels elastic by making them strong.
It is effective against migraine and headaches.Its sedative components can bind to the same receptors as “barbiturates” and “benzodiazepines” in brain cells. “valerenic acid” in its content; It lowers blood pressure and increases GABA levels.
It can help in chronic conditions characterized by anxious behaviors such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). and a significant reduction in compulsive behaviors was observed.
It can increase focus and reduce hyperactive behaviors in children. For this reason, it is recommended for attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder, memory and mood problems.

What are the Side Effects of Valerian Tea?

Valerian, which is generally known as a safe tea, does not have a negative effect unless the dosage is exceeded.

The side effects seen in some cases are;It is stated that when consumed in high amounts for more than a month, effects such as headache or depression can be seen.
In some people, withdrawal syndrome (physiological adaptation) can be seen when consumed for a long time. In 7 percent of people who consume it, the opposite effects of the benefits may occur. It should not be consumed before heavy machinery and long-distance driving, as it causes drowsiness in some cases. strong>

How to Prepare Valerian Tea?

This tea can be prepared in various ways.

It is also sold in the form of bags in the markets. The root of the plant is used to make tea in the form of dried and ground powder. The following methods can be used to prepare valerian tea;

Hot valerian tea;

Prepare a teaspoon of valerian root.
Add it to a glass of hot water.
Cover and let it brew for 15 minutes.
Consume hot after straining.
Honey can be added if you prefer.

Cold valerian tea;

Put two teaspoons of sliced ​​valerian root in cold water.
Soak for 8 to 10 hours.
Strain the water and drink all day long.

Note: Valerian tea; It can also be combined with herbs such as St. John’s Wort and hops. It can be consumed with milk and lemon. Sweeteners other than honey can also be used. Adding mint enhances the flavor of the tea.

Useful Information About Valerian

Valerian extract, vitamin It can be consumed as medicine. This extract improves sleep quality when consumed a few hours before going to sleep.
For insomnia, it is recommended to consume about 500 milligrams of valerian 1 hour before going to sleep.
Against depression and anxiety about 300 milligrams of valerian per day is recommended.
Some sources indicate that it helps those who want to quit smoking.
Medications derived from valerian root are used in some European countries as “over-the-counter sleeping pills”. It can cause abnormal fatigue when consumed.
It can interact with fungi and antihistamine drugs.
It is not recommended to consume tea for more than 1 month