For many centuries, the perennial herb known as valerian root has been used to treat insomnia.  Even today, with so many prescription and over the counter sleep medications on the market, valerian root continues to enjoy a remarkable popularity.  Valerian root certainly has a number of important benefits over other popular sleep medications.  For instance, it is mild and not addictive and it is effective not only as an insomnia medication but as a treatment for anxiety and stress as well.

What is valerian root?

The plant known as the valerian root grows wild in many places around the world, including North America, Asia and Europe.  It is the underground stems and roots of the plant that are dried and made into the herbal preparation known as valerian root.

There has been a bit of controversy over just what makes valerian root so effective as a sedative, but there is little doubt as to its effectiveness.  In addition to promoting healthful and sound sleep, valerian root has long enjoyed a reputation for reducing anxiety and for reducing tension by relaxing tight muscles.  In addition, Valerian root may play a role in relieving certain digestive problems, including such common ailments as irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Forms of valerian root

In addition to being taken orally in the form of capsules or tablets made from dried herb, valerian root is often added to hot water to form a strong herbal tea or used as an essential oil.  It is thought to have a calming effect in all of these preparations.

Valerian root has proven remarkably effective at treating anxiety and restlessness, and valerian root has even shown promise at treating panic attacks.  Research is ongoing into the effectiveness of this herb against this serious condition.

In addition to its calming effects on the mind, valerian root may exhibit the same calming effects on the digestive system.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that valerian root may be effective against common digestive problems, including many brought on by stress

Many people feel that the freeze dried extract of valerian root is the most effective form, and like all herbs how the valerian root is handled after harvest matters a great deal.  If the herb is mishandled, or the equipment used to process it is of substandard quality, much of the therapeutic value of the herb can be lost.  For this reason, it is important to buy valerian root only from high quality, established companies to ensure the best and most effective supplement.

What to look for when buying Valerian Root

Valerian root is sold both as an individual herbal supplement and as part of herbal preparations which combine many different herbs.  When buying a combined preparation with several different herbs it is important to ensure that the preparation contains a high enough concentration of valerian root to be effective against insomnia and other conditions.  If a high enough concentration is not available it may be best to purchase the herb separately.

Valerian root may be one of those times when the natural approach is the best.  Everyone needs to get a good night’s sleep, and new scientific studies, combined with thousands of years of safe and effective use, suggest that valerian root may be one of the best ways to treat insomnia and related conditions.

Herbs can do much more than add much needed spice to the foods you cook.  Herbs also have important health benefits, and many herbs have been shown to have remarkable healing properties.

Growing your own herbs

Fortunately, herbs are very easy to grow in your own home herb garden.  They are also easy and quite inexpensive to buy, either fresh or in their dried varieties.  When buying herbs, whether they are dried or fresh, however, it is important to exercise caution and to buy only the freshest herbs, or those dried herbs made by quality, reputable companies.

The best choice for many people, however, is to grow your own herbs in an herb garden.  Unlike many other forms of gardening, an herb garden takes up almost no space.  Most herb gardens can be grown using the smallest flower pots set in a sunny windowsill.  There are every kits which allow the cook to grow a variety of herbs directly from seed, all in one handy container.

There are as many ways to use herbs in cooking and in healing as there are herbs.  For instance, meats, stews and pasta dishes can all be enhanced with basil, garlic, oregano and rosemary.  Foods that are naturally sweet can be further enhanced through the addition of herbs like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg, while extra heat can be added to many foods by adding a dash of white, black or red pepper.

Herbs and dieting

Dieters often appreciate the ability of herbs to add flavor and variety to food without adding extra calories.  When adding fresh herbs to a recipe, the best technique is to gently crush the herbs in your hand in order to fully release their flavor.  It is best to add the herbs near the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor and nutritional value.  A few of the most commonly grown herbs for the home garden are:

> Sweet basil – Sweet basil (ocimum basilicum), in both the dark opal and the green variety are quite easy to grow from seed, and they generally germinate at 7 to 10 days.  Basil can grow to a height of 18 inches, and it provides excellent flavor to tomato paste, pastas, soups and stews.

> Chives – Chives (allium scboenoprasum) is a perennial plant which is popular in both herb gardens and more traditional garden patches.  These tiny plants resemble spears of grass when they first sprout, but they can grow to a height of 12 inches.  Chives are great in salads, sauces and all kinds of egg dishes.

> Dill – Dill (anethum graveolens) is another easily grown herb, and it makes an excellent flavoring for meats.  Dill is also excellent for use in pickling.

> Lavender – Lavender (lavandula) is easy to grow as well, and it provides a fresh scent indoors and out.  While not traditionally eaten, lavender is important in aromatherapy, and the dried leaves of the plant make excellent sachets for sprucing up closets.

> Mint – Mint (menthe spicat) is also quite easy to grow and it can easily be grown indoors as part of an herb garden. Mint is an excellent accompaniment to fruit drinks and lemonade, and we all know how well mint jelly goes with lamb dishes.

> Sage – Sage (saivia officinalis) is another perennial plant that is grown indoors and out.  This popular herb is excellent for use in chicken, turkey and pork, and it is often used for flavoring sausage as well.