That's cool trailanimanal, 
you have valerian growing!
I enjoy wildcrafting, do you make tea or tinctures?
Making tinctures, salves or powdering the roots would let you have some on hand when you want it. 
http://nootriment.com/valerian-root-tea/
Valerian Root Tea Recipes, Benefits and Side Effects
Valerian root tea is prepared from the roots of the Valeriana officinalis plant. This herbal tea has been popular for centuries as a way to promote relaxation and help users fall asleep.
The plant contains a number of phytochemicals which activate a mild sedative response in the brain. Today,
Valerian is seen as having wide-ranging benefits for anxiety, ADHD, memory, mood, insomnia and pain relief.
The plant is also very safe with few reported side effects when it is taken at the proper dosage levels.
Valerian tea can be prepared in a number of different ways, but not all herbal infusions will provide the same potency of effects. Read below for recipes and the best way to drink this tea.
Valerian Plant Preparations
Native to Europe, Asia and North America, Valerian currently flourishes in many parts of the world.
The name is derived from the Latin word “valere” which is associated with vitality and health. The root of the plant is believed to contain active healing compounds and it has been used medicinal for more than 2,000 years.
In the 2nd Century A.D., Galen advised
Valerian root as a remedy for wakefulness or insomnia. It has also long played an integral role in traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.
The genus Valerian includes more than 250 different species, however V. officinalis is the species most often used medicinally in Europe and North America. Many North American Indian tribes traditionally used the herb for treating nervous conditions including wakefulness, anxiety, depression and insomnia
as well as a topical treatment for open wounds, itchy skin conditions, scrapes and burns.
During the 16th Century, valerian essential oil was a prized ingredient in perfume and bath oils. When essential oil was generously added to a warm bath followed by a cup of valerian root tea, a sound sleep was assured.
In recent times, valerian was recommended during World War II
to combat the fear, anxiety, depression and stress of air raids and the rigors of war.
Benefits of Valerian Tea
Valerian is considered an effective herbal remedy for the treatment of chronic insomnia and is well tolerated by most persons. The various active properties in the valerian plant (flowers and roots) s
timulate the release of GABA (gamma aminobutryic acid), a neurotransmitter the helps promote restful sleep.
Studies suggest valerian root tea works best when used on a continual basis rather than as an acute sleep aid for immediate effects. One of the biggest potential advantages over prescription “sleeping pills” (benzodiazepines) is the lack of a “hangover”.
There is no reported grogginess or sleepiness upon awakening the next morning
when used in recommended dosages. Valerian has proved useful in helping wean patients with insomnia from a dependency on benzodiazepines.
Valerian also plays a role in sports medicine with some athletes taking the herbal supplement to improve sleep quality and trigger the production of increased growth hormone.
Research studies indicate that valerian root may increase the amount of GABA released from nerve endings in addition to
preventing GABA from being re-absorbed by nerve cells, thus providing more of it available in the brain via these two mechanisms.
Clinical research studies show a form of valerian (Valeriana jatamansi) may provide liver-productive benefits. A study published in the December 2010 issue of journal “Methods and Finding In Experimental And Clinical Pharmacology” notes that studies in animals given supplements of Valeriana jatamansi over a nine-week period evidenced a reduction in elevated liver enzymes.
The medicinal herb has been shown to decrease overall cell reproduction prompted by chemical irritants. The suggestion is this may be a potential natural remedy for the treatment of cirrhosis of the liver. Scientists are continuing studies to determine the extent these preliminary results extend to humans.
How to Make Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root should be dried and ground into a powder to be prepared as a tea. The fresh roots are best to ensure high potency of the active ingredients.
Some teas may also make use of the stems and leaves of the plant, but it is the roots that contain the greatest percentage of active compounds.
It is not recommended to use boiling water as this can sometimes destroy phytochemical compounds that are heat-sensitive. The PDR for Herbal Medicines recommends that water be heated to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and that the roots be steeped for between 10 – 30 minutes to extract the active compounds from the plant.
Some individuals may prefer to
use valerian tinctures in their tea recipe. These tinctures are liquid extracts prepared from the roots. By placing 4 – 6 mL of the tincture in your tea cup, it is possible to derive the aforementioned health benefits without having to prepare the roots for your tea.
Tinctures can also remain fresher for a longer period of time as the active ingredients are preserved in an alcohol solution.
Capsules vs. Valerian Tea
Although valerian root tea is great for helping people to fall asleep faster and sleep sounder, one has to get past the smell of the brew. The roots of this herb have a distinctly unpleasant smell.
Valerian root tea is definitely an acquired taste and this is the main reason most people prefer to ingest it as a dietary supplement in the form of a capsule or tablet. However, even some pill forms presents an unpleasant odor.
Do not mix
valerian capsules or tablets with other medications; they will absorb the scent. Store valerian in a dark-colored, air tight glass container to prevent cross contamination or deterioration of the product.
Salves and poultices concocted from powdered valerian root have proved beneficial and promoted healing in skin infections, insect bites, burns, eczema and other skin irritations or sores.
By mouth, valerian root tea and other extractions of the plant root have been used for intestinal problems, excessive flatulence, urinary tract disorders, erectile dysfunction, congestive heart failure, muscle spasms, cardiovascular problems including angina (chest pain), and chronic insomnia.
As a tea to promote sleep, valerian is often used in combination with hops, lemon balm or other herbs that cause sedation, relaxation and a sound sleep. In commercial preparations, valerian is also frequently combined with other natural supplements that p
romote sleep such as melatonin and
5-HTP.
In the United States, valerian is consider a dietary supplement, not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and is marketed as an herbal supplement.
Valerian Tea Side Effects
The National Institute of Health advises that Valerian root tea should not be taken by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding without medical advice due to possible risks to the fetus or infant have not been adequately evaluated. Do not give valerian to children under 3 years old.
Persons taking valerian
should avoid alcohol or sedative drugs as the herb may magnify their effects.
References
- Ross SM. Sleep disorders: a single dose administration of valerian/hops fluid extract (dormeasan) is found to be effective in improving sleep. Holist Nurs Pract. 2009
- Torrado JJ. In vitro release of valerenic and hydroxyvalerenic acids from valerian tablets. Pharmazie. 2003
- Boyadzhiev L, Kancheva D, Gourdon C, Metcheva D. Extraction of valerenic acids from valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) rhizomes. Pharmazie. 2004
- SCHULTE KE, REISCH J, BUSCH P. [AN ACETYLENE HYDROCARBON AS A SUBSTANCE CONTAINED IN VALERIAN ROOT]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1964
- Sichardt K, Vissiennon Z, Koetter U, Brattström A, Nieber K. Modulation of postsynaptic potentials in rat cortical neurons by valerian extracts macerated with different alcohols: involvement of adenosine A(1)- and GABA(A)-receptors. Phytother Res. 2007
- Eadie MJ. Could valerian have been the first anticonvulsant? Epilepsia. 2004
- Hromádková Z, Ebringerová A, Valachovic P. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides from the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.). Ultrason Sonochem. 2002
- Simmen U, Saladin C, Kaufmann P, Poddar M, Wallimann C, Schaffner W. Preserved pharmacological activity of hepatocytes-treated extracts of valerian and St. John’s wort. Planta Med. 2005
