As far as herbal teas go, valerian tea is one of the most widely used. Obtained from the root, valerian tea is frequently used as a remedy for insomnia, but also to relieve anxiety. The use of Valerian tea in medicine has been known to date back to the ancient Greek and Roman civilization, not to mention the fact that it's also been made use of in traditional Chinese medicine. Other uses have been noted for valerian extracts, such as spasm control in the case of epilepsy, but these claims have not been supported by conclusive tests, even though by looking at the chemical composition of valerian extract, it would be easy to assume that valerian does have anti-spasmodic effects, since substances similar to those in the composition of valerian are being used to control convulsions. Valerian tea has also been used to soothe certain gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel disorder and some have even claimed it to be effective in the treatment of menstrual pain. However, it is to be noted that side effects to the use of valerian tea can occur, and are represented by increased agitation, powerful headaches and sleep disorders.
The most important and useful portion of the valerian plant is its root, which is what valerian tea is made of. After harvesting, the root is placed in a dry room with temperature around 40 degrees Celsius. After the drying process is completed, the root can be used to create the numerous valerian products on the market today, or used as such for infusions.
Valerian grows in many regions of the globe, but predominantly in northern Europe and Asia, and while most valerian extracts in the composition of medicines, teas and other supplements is harvested from controlled cultures, people have been harvesting the valerian that grows freely in certain regions and using it for its medicinal properties for centuries. While valerian has mostly been used for its medicinal effect, it appears that the valerian flowers were also used to create perfume centuries ago.
Valerian tea or the infusion of valerian root can be administered orally, but some prefer getting the valerian treatment by inhalation of the steam from the valerian infusion. Others employ a different method, by preparing a hot bath and letting the valerian root infuse into the bath water, therefore adding to the soothing, relaxing effect of the bath. The taste of the infusion isn't particularly appreciated by many, as both its smell and its spicy-bitter taste tend to be quite unpleasant. However, naturist medicine experts claim that the benefits of using valerian tea over other sleeping aids, especially prescription medication makes putting up with the less than pleasant taste and odor of valerian tea worthwhile.
Valerian can be a very helpful herbal remedy, but it's always good to remember that while herbal remedies are natural, it does not mean that they can't be harmful if abused or used inappropriately, as such, it's recommended that you seek the advice of a doctor before using valerian tea.
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As far as herbal teas go, valerian tea is one of the most widely used. Obtained from the root, valerian tea is frequently used as a remedy for insomnia, but also to relieve anxiety. The use of Valerian tea in medicine has been known to date back to the ancient Greek and Roman civilization, not to mention the fact that it's also been made use of in traditional Chinese medicine. Other uses have been noted for valerian extracts, such as spasm control in the case of epilepsy, but these claims have not been supported by conclusive tests, even though by looking at the chemical composition of valerian extract, it would be easy to assume that valerian does have anti-spasmodic effects, since substances similar to those in the composition of valerian are being used to control convulsions. Valerian tea has also been used to soothe certain gastrointestinal problems, such as irritable bowel disorder and some have even claimed it to be effective in the treatment of menstrual pain. However, it is to be noted that side effects to the use of valerian tea can occur, and are represented by increased agitation, powerful headaches and sleep disorders.
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