Dried valerian root is one of the most popular herbs for anxiety and for good reason. A cup of tea or even a few drops of valerian extract can help to calm anxiety right away. Despite being heavily marketed as a sleep aid. I used to drink the tea in the late afternoon to help curb stress while I was working as a waitress. The effect is not intense, but combined with a few deep breaths, a simple cup would always help me to feel sublime.According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, valerian root has a long history as a mild sedative and an anti anxiety herb. It was prescribed in the 2nd century in Rome for insomnia and used in the 16th century for nervousness, headaches and heart palpitations. This calming herb is even recorded as being used for stress relief in England during WWII air raids. Imagine sipping an herbal infusion in the pitch black during an air raid!
There is plenty of reason to support the use of valerian root as a sleep aid, but there have also been inconclusive studies. Also, be aware that some people have been known to become more hyperactive after taking this herb.
Try drinking a cup or two to help cope with stress and anxiety. Keep in mind that when you prepare your tea, cover while steeping so you don't lose the benefits of the volatile oils. While you may fall in love with valerian (no relationship to valium, don't worry!), it is not something that you want to necessarily drink on a daily basis in the long term. (Something like oatstraw for example works by nourishing the nervous system and it is more suitable in the long term.) Not that there are any known side effects aside from those who do become hyperactive or temporary giddiness with large valerian root dosages, but this calming herb is not solving the root of your stress and anxiety — it is merely a source of relief. I came across a great recipe in The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies, put together by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD. As a night time tea, blend valerian root, dandelion root, and chamomile flowers. Steep about 2 teaspoons of the mixture for one cup of tea. This is amazing with a little honey and coconut milk.
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