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Valerian Tincture

A traditional tincture preparation using Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), addressing insomnia, anxiety, stress.

tinctureswestern-herbalismIntermediate⏱ 4–6 weeks (steeping)Shelf life: 1–2 years in a dark glass bottleDosage: 20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily

Generated from this herb's full profile — safety warnings, contraindications, and sourcing.

Benefits

InsomniaAnxietyStressHeadacheADHDPet Health

Ingredients

  • Valerian — As needed

Instructions

  1. Pack dried Valerian into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  2. Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  3. Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.

Interactions & contraindications

  • CNS medications (benzodiazepines, SSRIs, MAOIs) — may potentiate sedative or serotonergic effects

Pregnancy

Use Caution

Some midwives use valerian short-term for pregnancy-related anxiety/sleep, but formal safety studies are limited — generally used cautiously and not as a long-term or high-dose remedy.

Breastfeeding

Use Caution

Limited formal safety data; sedative herbs can cause infant drowsiness via milk, so cautious, short-term use is typical.

Children

Use Caution

Sometimes used short-term for children's sleep under guidance, but dosing for children isn't well established — start low and use short-term only.

Sedatives, benzodiazepines, alcohol

Additive drowsiness and CNS depression.

Anesthesia (pre-surgery)

May prolong sedation — inform your surgical team and typically discontinue 1–2 weeks prior.