Valerian Tincture

 From our herb garden this year!  Valerian!  Adam had valerian growing in his Community Garden space at Evergreen State College, which we transplanted to the homestead in the spring. We also purchased another small valerian plant from the West Side Olympia Co-Op.  They were grown naturally and organically here at the homestead with no pesticides or chemicals.  In October I harvested one of the plants, but left the other one in the garden for next year.

This is a picture of the Valerian roots I harvested, after washing off the dirt.  I set them out in the sun to dry the water off before making them into a tincture.  To make the tincture I cover the valerian root in 80 proof vodka and seal it in a jar, then let it distill for 6 weeks.  I then place it in 1 oz sterilized glass dropper bottles.

 

You're possibly already familiar with Valerian - a plant commonly grown for it's natural medicinal properties.  Here's an overview of it's common uses and precautions.  As with any herbal remedy, please talk to your doctor before using!  This is presented as information only and is not intended as medical advice. 

Sleep Aid
Valerian is primarily known as a natural sleep aid - helping insomniacs and people with trouble falling asleep due to tension or stress.  For a sleep aid it is recommended to take 1tsp an hour before bed, and another tsp at bedtime - if needed.  It is recommended that if you use it for sleep you don't use it daily - if you do need it daily take it for no more than 2 weeks and then take a break from using it for about a week.

Stress and Tension
Valerian can be helpful in reducing anxiety.  It has a soothing, calming effect and can be taken to calm an anxiety attack.  It is recommended to take 1/2 to 1 tsp as needed for anxiety attack and nervous tension - as needed but no more than 3 times a day.  Listen to your body and try not to take more than needed!  It will cause drowsiness and you should not take it if you will be driving or operating heavy machinery.  Pay attention to how your body reacts.  Everyone reacts differently - some may need very little and some may need the full 1 tsp.  Valerian calms and depresses the nervous system so it also has the effect of a muscle relaxant and  lowering heart rate.

Pain Relief
As it calms the nervous system, some people experience pain relief when using valerian.  For some it relieves headaches, neck and back pain, and muscles spasms.  Take 1/2 to 1 tsp up to 3 times a day - but as stated above, be aware that it will cause drowsiness!  Most people choose only to use it at bedtime when they will not have to worry about driving, working, studying, etc. 

Precautions
Most people experience drowsiness and sleepiness.  Use wisely and do not operate cars or heavy machinery.  Valerian works differently for everyone.  Some people have an adverse reaction to valerian and find it stimulating and irritating.  You'll know the first time you try it if valerian is right for you or not.  Always talk to your doctor and let them know what herbal remedies you are using or thinking of using - it may interact with other medications or be unwise to use with certain health conditions.  Do your research and read other sources of information on any herb before deciding if you want to use it or not.

I have a few bottles of Valerian Tincture that I will be selling.  I will be at the Evergreen Fall Arts and Crafts Fair on December 2, 2015 with a few bottles available.  After that (if I have any left) I will have them available on my Etsy shop!