🔼: [[🛠 Medicinal Plants 🌿]] # Valerian (Valeriana officinalis and related species) [^1] Parts used: Roots One of the most powerful herbs for [[💡 Nervous System]] health -- safe and non-habit-forming. Some use fresh roots, many use dried -- it's personal preference. The dried root smells pretty awful and is difficult to mask. Begin with a low dose and increase until we feel its relaxing effects. If we take too much, we might feel heavy or rubbery in the muscles. It'll pass quickly. Ideally, we feel relaxed but alert. > [!Warning] > Valerian can be irritating for about 10% of people. If you feel agitation or restlessness after taking it, discontinue. ## Uses - [[💡 Stress]] - [[💡 Insomnia]] - [[Headaches]] - Cramps - Muscle spasms - Pain - [[💡 Insomnia]] - Relaxes muscles in the uterus, colon, and bronchidal passages. - [[Heart Health]], blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat -- especially combined with [[🌿 Hawthorn]] berries. ## Using Valerian - [[💡 Tea]], [[💡 Tinctures|Tincture]], or [[💡 Capsules]]. - For [[💡 Insomnia]]: [[🌿 Hops and Valerian Tincture]] - Steep roots in hot water, 1-2 oz root per quart of water. Steep 45 minutes or overnight. Strain and drink 4 cups daily. - [[💡 Tinctures|Tincture]]: 1-2 tsp in warm water, three times daily or as needed. ## Related - [[On Plant Medicine Dosage...]] - [[🦮 How to Source Herbs]] [^1]: [[📖 ✅ Herbs for Stress & Anxiety - How to Make and Use Herbal Remedies to Strengthen the Nervous System]]