Valerian Root

VALERIAN ROOT | Valeriana officinalis

Long before sleep apps and white-noise machines, there was valerian. Greek physicians wrote about this pungent little root more than 2,000 years ago, and by the 2nd century Galen was recommending it for restless nights. Through medieval monastery gardens and right into 19th-century European apothecaries, valerian was the root people reached for when the day just wouldn't let go.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS
Valerian root carries valerenic acid, valepotriates, and earthy volatile oils. Laboratory research suggests valerenic acid interacts with GABA-A receptors, part of the same signaling system your body uses to wind down.* The human research is honestly mixed, and we'd rather tell you that than oversell it: a 2006 meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found improved sleep quality, though the authors noted methodological problems across the studies, while a 2007 systematic review found the most rigorous trials showed no significant difference from placebo. A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis offered a useful clue: results were more consistent with the whole root than with variable extracts. That whole cut root is exactly what's in this bag.*

WHY VALERIAN ROOT?

• May support restful, relaxed sleep*
• May help you unwind after a long, full day*
• May support a calm, settled mood during occasionally stressful times*
• Laboratory research suggests its compounds interact with the body's natural GABA relaxation pathways*
• Used in European herbal tradition for more than 2,000 years as an evening calming herb*
• Whole cut root, the form a 2020 meta-analysis found gave more consistent results than extracts*
• Caffeine-free, so it fits naturally into a nightly wind-down ritual*
• Generally well tolerated in clinical studies, with mostly mild, uncommon side effects*
• Most studies ran 2 to 8 weeks, so consistent nightly use is the traditional approach*
• Blends beautifully with chamomile, lemon balm, or passionflower*

HOW TO BREW
Add 1 tsp (about 2g) of root to 8 oz of water just off the boil. Cover your cup and steep 10 to 15 minutes. Covering keeps the volatile oils in your tea instead of in the air. Strain and sip 30 to 60 minutes before bed. Fair warning: valerian has a strong, earthy aroma. That's how you know it's the real thing.

Tip: European apothecaries often softened valerian's earthy scent with a spoon of honey, a sprig of mint, or a pinch of chamomile. It's still the easiest way to turn it into a nightly habit.

INGREDIENTS: Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), cut and sifted.
SUGGESTED USE: 1 cup in the evening, 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

⚠️ WARNINGS: May cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery after use. Do not combine with alcohol, sleep medications, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives, since effects may add together. Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children under 3. Stop use at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery. Rare reports of liver problems exist; stop use and contact your healthcare provider if you notice dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual fatigue. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take prescription medications.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.