Valerian for Anxiety: how to take it and why it works

Valerian tea is an excellent natural option for treating anxiety, especially in milder or moderate cases, as this is a plant rich in sedative and calming properties that help avoid stress.

Furthermore, valerian tea can also be used to facilitate sleep and relieve the physical and mental tension of a tiring day at work. To do this, ideally the tea should be taken up to 30 minutes before bed, as it may cause slight agitation before its relaxing effect begins.

Find out more about what valerian is for and its properties.

This tea should not be ingested by pregnant women or children under 3 years of age. You should also not exceed the consumption of 2 cups of tea per day, as it can have the opposite effect, causing agitation and insomnia:

Ingredients

Preparation mode

Place the ingredients in a pan and let it boil for 10 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes, strain and drink 2 cups a day. In the case of insomnia, the tea should be ingested up to 30 minutes before bed.

How valerian works

Although the mechanism of action of this plant is not fully known, many studies indicate that valerian causes an increase in GABA levels in the body.

GABA is an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate the nervous system, calming and combating anxiety. In this way, valerian can have an effect similar to that of some medications used to treat cases of anxiety, such as Alprazolam or Diazepam, for example.

Other drinks for anxiety

Like valerian, some foods and herbs have calming properties and, therefore, can be consumed to control anxiety:

1. Chamomile tea with lemon balm: Lemon balm is capable of relaxing and calming the central nervous system, relieving the signs and symptoms of anxiety. See what the benefits of lemon balm tea are;
2. St. John’s wort tea: This herb, like lemon balm and valerian, is capable of acting on the nervous system, promoting relaxation. See how St. John’s wort tea and other natural remedies for anxiety can be made;
3. Passion fruit juice: Passion fruit has a sedative, refreshing, analgesic and calming action, making it a great option for combating anxiety. Find out what the benefits of passion fruit are.

Other techniques to combat anxiety

To increase the effect of valerian tea, some tips to relieve anxiety are:

• Stay in a quiet, noise-free place;
• Listen to relaxing music;
• Take a deep breath, paying attention only to your breathing;
• Avoid thinking about problems;
• Use an anti-stress ball.

In addition to these tips, another good solution is to take deep breaths and focus your mind only on breathing. A good deep breathing regimen consists of inhaling slowly through the nose, keeping the air in the lungs for 2 to 3 seconds and then exhaling through the mouth, repeating as necessary.

Check out 7 other tips that really work to control anxiety.