Valerian Root Tea

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It seems today our theme is tea... Hmm.. Let me go make another

pot while this posts..

 

Enjoy,

Misty L. Trepke

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Valerian Root Tea

© 1992 by Richard Alan Miller VALERIAN ROOT

 

Family: Valerianaceae (Valerian family).

 

Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis.

 

Synonyms: Valerian and vandal root.

 

Geographical Location: Northern Hemisphere--America, England, and

especially Europe.

 

Habitat: Warm temperate regions near stands of water. The sides of

riverbanks and irrigated fields; dry pastures; sun.

 

Botanical description: A perennial about 2 to 4 feet high with a

yellow-brown, tuberous rootstock that rises to a hollow, angular,

furrowed stem with leaves growing in pairs that are pinnate and

sharply toothed. The flowers are small and clustered together at the

top of the stem and are rose-colored to reddish, sometimes white.

 

HISTORY

 

The dried rhizome and roots of this herb were historically used as a

nerve sedative and antispasmodic and a remedy for hysteria and other

nervous complaints. It was also used for menstrual periods, and to

heal both internal sores and outside wounds. Boiled with licorice,

raisins, and anise seed, it was used as an expectorant for phlegm in

difficult coughs and lung congestion.

 

Its odor is very unpleasant, much like that of dirty feet. Cats,

however, find it preferable to catnip, and it can be stuffed into

pillows for them.

 

CHEMISTRY

 

The plant contains several alkaloids and glycosides as well as

several resinous bodies and a brownish-yellow volatile oil. The oil

is very similar to that found in valium. The total alkaloid content

is only 0.1°/e and is composed primarily of chatinine and valerine.

The volatile oil consists of formic, acetic, butyric, and valeric

acid esters of borneaol, as well as pinene and camphene. Exposure to

air causes decomposition of the oil. The oils seem to excite the

cerebrospinal system--making the head and spine perfect places for a

massage!

 

PRIMARY EFFECTS

 

Muscle relaxant and mild tranquilizer. Feeling of " floating in air. "

 

PREPARATION

 

Since the oils are volatile and evaporate at fairly low

temperatures, the root is generally placed in nonboiling water and

allowed to steep for 20 minutes. Be sure to cover the pan so that

the oils won't evaporate. Normal quantities are 1 tablespoon of

valerian root per cup of water, which is approximately equivalent to

a #10 Valium (10 mg).

 

RITUAL USE

 

Because of the relaxing effect of Valerian Root Tea, it is

particurally suited for romantic moments, massage, cozy meetings

with dear friends and other small group exercises.

 

Note of Caution:

 

If you boil valerian root in water, the oils are lost, leaving only

an unpleasant odor. Although the brew may smell bad, the addition of

peppermint or spearmint and honey improves the taste. It can also be

ground and put in capsules.

 

Valerian can be served safely to children having trouble going to

sleep. It relaxes muscles and induces sleep naturally. For children

over ten years old, use 1/4 teaspoon to a cup of tea.

 

" To announce that there must be no criticism of the president, or

that we are to stand by the president right or wrong, is not only

unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American

public " .

Theodore Roosevelt

 

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