Herbs - Valerian - Preparations

Compress: Soak cloth in strong infusion and apply as needed. You may also use tincture.

Infusion: Prepare ¹/₂ to 1 tsp. in hot water.

Supplement: Capsules are the preferred method of use as valerian has a rather displeasing taste and smell. Take 150 to 300mg daily. You may also look for preparations standardized to 0.8% valeric acid. The lower dosage will help relieve anxiety while the higher dosage will promote sleep.

Tincture: Take 60 to 100 drops three times daily.

Valerian can be combined with scullcap to reduce tension, passionflower and hops to relieve insomnia, crampbark to reduce cramps, licorice and hyssop to ease coughs, and St. John's wort to help heal bruising wounds.