Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

root

The dried root of a perennial of the meadows of Europe and temperate Asia, as an evening tea; its strong smell comes from isovaleric acid.

Origin

Europe and temperate Asia

Season (United States)

imported · all year round

Preparation

One teaspoon of dried root per cup steeps for ten minutes; it is strained and drunk. It can make you drowsy: not before driving, nor with another sedative or alcohol.

Did you know?

In French it is also called cat's herb; Hippocrates and Dioscorides already recommended it.