Valerian tea: discover the drink made with a calming plant

Do you know what valerian tea is? This is an infusion made with the medicinal plant Valeriana Officinalis L., which has a calming effect. To talk more about it, we talked to nutritionist Juliana Zanetti (CRN: 19512), from Beneficência Portuguesa in São Paulo. Check out the benefits below, how to consume and also prepare the drink.

What is valerian tea for?

Are you curious to know in which situations the consumption of valerine tea is recommended? So, here are the effects of your intake listed by the nutritionist:

• Valerian tea has calming, relaxing and sedative properties;
• It is an ally in combating stress, treating anxiety and insomnia;
• It can also help with weight loss for those who have food compulsion, as it reduces anxiety.

Valerian tea smells bad and doesn’t taste the best either. However, it may be worth braving the aroma of the drink to enjoy all its benefits.

How to make valerian tea

1. In a pan, boil 500 ml of water;
2. Turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of valerian root;
3. Let it rest for 5 minutes;
4. Strain and drink.

Valerian tea can be consumed hot or iced: the choice is yours. Also, it is important to know that the longer the root is in contact with water, the more bitter the taste. So, if you want to have it cold, don’t forget to strain it before cooling.

How to take

As an ally of sleep, Juliana Zanetti advises drinking the tea 30 minutes before bed, as this is the time needed for the calming effect to begin. In addition, the professional recommends taking up to 2 cups of valerian tea a day, as excessive consumption can result in a stimulus opposite to the desired one, causing insomnia and agitation.

Consumption alerts

According to the nutritionist, tea should not be consumed by pregnant women, lactating women, children under 3 years old and people with respiratory allergies, such as bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis and asthma.

It is also not advisable to mix valerian tea with alcohol, as well as other sedative medications and even similar herbs. This is because the effect can be intensified and cause excessive drowsiness. Therefore, it should also not be consumed before driving or other risky activities that need attention.

Valerian tea can be an ally to send stress and anxiety away, as well as help with a more peaceful night’s sleep. If you are looking for these results, breathing exercises are also good allies!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.