Valerian root?
Posted by GFVegmom on Jul 23, 2009 · Member since Sep 2008 · 565 posts
I just picked up some loose dried valerian root at HF, someone here recommended it to aid in getting to sleep, I have chronic insomnia, not good when you have 3 kids! How much do you recommend using to make a tea/tisane before bed. I have no idea? I thought I would start with a half teaspoon up to one teaspoon steeped in hot water, and go from there but if anyone already knows, that would be great. The herbal speciallist at HF was no where to be found.
Start with half a teaspoon. And be careful, it can be habit-forming. I'm serious. If you find yourself having to up the dosage after a month or so, try linden (lime) blossom tisane instead. Or passion flower, or buckthorn bark (Carategus oxycantha), or chamomile (yeah, I know, too mild really) or lavendar (which tastes awful, btw). Chop and change every so often, so you get the "new" effect.
I can also recommend a drop (just a drop!) of lavendar essential oil (massage grade, not oil-burner grade) on your forehead or the back of your neck at bedtime. And if it's really, really bad, a drop of same on a sugar cube at bedtime.
I take three pills that contain 4.5 grams of crushed valerian (total). I don't know how to convert that to teaspoons, though. I can tell you that when I do use it, it works like a charm! I don't budge until morning, and I don't feel groggy when I wake.
I can't believed you are going to drink the tea...man, valerian smells and taste so nasty! :o Like wenren, I use the capsules. It works well...but sometimes I also take melatonin as well. Sometimes I have serious insomnia. I never feel groggy in the morning either.
I would say 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp to start as well...good luck.
Not sure if it is vegan but melatonin is a suppliment that you can also take. Works like a charm, but I have no idea where it comes from.
I'm not sure where it comes from either, but also with melatonin, never take it longer than a month at a time; then take a break of 2 weeks or so and use something else. Like laxatives, your body can get used to anything and it stops being as effective.
Spoken like a true addict to OTC sleeping pills, wouldn't you say? :-D ::)