Valerian Benefits for Better Health & Sleep | Starwest Botanicals

If you’re one of the 70 million Americans who report struggling with sleepless nights, you’re probably familiar with many of the go-to recommendations—sleeping pills, caffeine reduction, a consistent bedtime, etc.

A growing number of people are turning to a natural option with roots that reach back to ancient Greece: valerian root.

Understanding the potential valerian benefits for better sleep quality, as well as other areas of health, can help you decide if you’re interested in incorporating valerian root into your own health routine.

What is Valerian Root?

Valerian is a tall, flowering grassland plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. Historically, the valerian plant has been used to help relax the mind and body.

Today, this herb can take the form of capsules, tablets, tea blends, root powder, and liquid extracts used to create a pure valerian tea. Whether you prefer herbal teas for sleep, capsules, or even a few drops under your tongue, make sure to follow the preparation and amount recommendations included on the packaging.

For example, an herbal tea blend will typically prove much less potent than a capsule, or a pure valerian tea.

While science is only beginning to properly study the benefits (and limitations) of valerian root, the available research on valerian health benefits appears promising.

Potential Benefits of Valerian Root

While there are various types of herbs for sleep, people prefer valerian root for a variety of reasons. However, whenever you’re considering adding a supplement like valerian root to your routine, it’s best to reach out to your doctor to confirm that taking valerian root won’t interact poorly with any sleep medicine or other medications you’re taking.

That said, if valerian root is right for you, you may stand to benefit from the following effects:

Calming Effects for Sleep

Further study is needed before any definitive claims can be made, but current research seems to support the historic practice of using valerian root to help people calm down and relax, either to help with sleep quality or to help them cope with the symptoms of stress.

The current available research suggests the following benefits of valerian root for sleep:

• Could help reduce stress – Taking valerian root can increase the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (also known as GABA) in your brain. GABA can help limit nervous system activity. Research suggests that if you have higher levels of GABA in your brain, it may help you fall asleep faster.,

• Possible sleep aid – Studies suggest consuming valerian root could help lessen sleep disturbances.* Aside from helping you find restful sleep more quickly, a higher-quality sleep could help you feel more rested when you wake.

How to Use Valerian Root

Fortunately, there are many different options for those interested in the benefits of valerian root. If you’re looking for a way to incorporate a valerian root supplement into your bedtime routine, consider trying:

• A tea blend – A functional tea blend can combine soothing valerian with other calming ingredients like chamomile to help you relax before bed. Regardless of your preference for loose leaf tea vs tea bags, it’s a simple, easy way to begin incorporating valerian root into your pre-bedtime routine, especially if you’ve never tried valerian root before.

• Valerian root powder– If you want a higher concentration of valerian root in your bedtime tea, try making tea from valerian root powder. Make sure to follow the dose instructions on the packaging, and confirm with your doctor that valerian root won’t affect any other health conditions or medications you’re taking.

• Valerian root capsule – For an easy-to-use, concentrated dose of valerian root, you can also try taking a valerian capsule before bedtime. This option may be ideal for those who don’t prefer tea (or who already have a favorite tea in their bedtime routine).

• Valerian liquid extract – If you prefer a different type of beverage for your evening routine, try adding a few drops of valerian root extract. The concentration of valerian liquid extract can vary from brand to brand, so always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.

From tea blends to liquid extracts, the many different forms of valerian root could help you find a blissful night’s sleep—in whatever form you prefer.

Level Up Your Sleep Routine with Starwest Botanicals

Achieving restful sleep is an important part of your mental health and wellbeing—and one that can affect almost every part of your waking life. If you’re interested in a natural sleep aid, valerian root may be a beneficial ingredient to add to your sleep support routine.

At Starwest Botanicals, we provide premium botanicals, bulk spices, teas, and 100% pure essential oils to help you create a happy, healthy life for yourself. We also know exploring new organic herbs like valerian can feel intimidating. That’s why we’re committed to helping you learn about potential supplements so that you can feel empowered to choose what’s right for you.

From our educational resources to the high quality of our products, you can trust Starwest Botanicals to help you live better—and sleep better.