Valerian to sleep, to dream
MIND
“Though we think of Valerian as a sleep herb, it got the nickname "All Heal" in medieval times- perhaps because sleep is so important for the healing process! Valerian acts as a cerebral stimulant, sedative, hypnotic, and relaxant, protmoting sleep, rest, and calming. Valerian's antispasmodic and carminative properties make it a helpful aid in menstruation and digestive issues. It is believed to activate the GABA receptors. “ - Jess
“Valerian is one of the herbs I was introduced to early on in my life because I have had challenges sleeping since childhood. Valerian is commonly added to sleep formulas for its sedative and relaxing effects. Valerian has been a great ally to me in this way when I struggle with sleep, as it is for many people, however for 1 out of 4 people it can actually be stimulating. Valerian is also famous in the herb world for “smelling like stinky feet” which I personally disagree with but you will have to make that judgement for yourself. Valerian is less commonly known for its wonderful antispasmodic and pain relieving qualities, a great addition to any pain formula in my opinion. Valerian is also very healing to the heart, acting as a hypotensive and an antiarrythmic —helping to soothe emotional stress and tension which can cause nervous palpitations. A versatile, sweet, and aromatic herb!” - Amy
BODY
Do you sleep to dream, or dream to sleep? What is the quality of your rest? How does it feel to be relaxed in your body? Valerian aids the body’s ability to release tension and holding. It nourishes the pathways for rest, which is essential for restoration. Many of us think of rest, relaxation, sleep as a passive act. We just stop doing and then the rest will happen. However, sleep requires energy in our body and rest requires a conscious action to stop doing, working, thinking. Valerian wants to help you find a more peaceful and easy way, a way to surrender, a way to slow down and actively experience relaxation.
“Life requires us to devote ample time to both wakefulness and rest, often asking that we give wholly to both. In this dance of balance, Valerian root feels like an herb suitable for many of us more often than we might acknowledge. While it is frequently used in sleep formulas, it’s versatility can be utilized when paired with other herbs for a variety of remedies that involve tension and stress. Valerian promotes sleep, and furthermore, an important opportunity to truly lean into rest as fuel for action as we are called to it. Valerian’s pungent aroma demands attention, functioning also as an antispasmodic, mild pain reducer, and nervous system relaxant. Reach for Valerian when you want to regulate your nervous system, loosen strain and induce relaxation. It is often the allowance of deep rest that equates to more connected presence and vitality when we are awake; Valerian is a wonderful ally for finding this sacred relationship within.” - Tasha
“Mmmmm, stinky stinky Valeriana officianalis! As a new herbalist, my first whiff of valerian was like nothing else I’d ever smelled. My instructors told us to brace ourselves for a new experience, and they were right! Some say it smells like old dirty socks, but I find it lightly fruity, syrupy, and not unpleasant at all. Valerian is a go-to for sleep aid, and was one of the first herbs I got to build a personal connection with. A strong dose of Valerian assists with sedation, tension relief, and calms the mind into a deep quality sleep. It is warming and comforting. If you can get your hands on some fresh Valerian root, the physical contact alone may even make you sleepy. No wonder its Latin name means “strong and healthy”, as sleep is foundational for wellness and strength. Just one word of caution…Valerian will make your cat go crazy!! -Isabella
SOUL
Dreamtime is often experienced as a time for soul travel. The brain actively repairs itself during healthy sleep cycles, processes the days information, and makes new connections. Some individuals experience this as a bystander in their dreams while others lucidly participate. Even if you don’t remember or recall dreaming, you likely wake up with a sense of well-being. A good night of sleep can create deep resilience mentally, physically, emotionally. A bad night of sleep can leave us raw, exhausted, under resourced. Our soul/spirit/emotional body needs rest just as much as our physical body does. We need time for quiet, to be hollow like the stem of valerian as we let the burden of humanness move through us. It is in the space of dreaming, whether we are wide-awake or sound asleep, that we find our magic, desire, mystery, creative. We invite you to take some time with valerian to engage in whole-being and whole-body dreaming!