Valerian Tea

Some people forget that some of the strongest and most powerful ways to relax come from things we find in nature. Many people either don't have the time or need a quick fix. But if you can take the time to take pleasure in herbal recipes, you will find it's worth the extra time.

For my birthday this year my closest friend Katie gave me a wonderful book filled with herbal recipes and some herbs to make a valerian tea. At the time, and still now I have been going through a period in my life where I find my self extremely stressed and anxious more often than not. With no real triggers to pin point I can only assume that there is something off with my bodies balance. So I have been spending a lot of time trying to find different things to relax, hence the knit night and excessive tea habit. I have always known valerian root to be a "relaxing" herb if you will. Whenever I would go to my local herb and tea shop the owner would give her cat valeria root and the cat would almost immediately become relaxed. I've always wanted to try it but wanted to make sure I read more of the how to's in the book Katie got me before jumping in.

So I went for it and I was pleased, and relaxed.

Valerian Tea

Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp licorice root
• 2 tsp lemon balm
• 1 tsp valerian root
• 1 1/2 cup water

1. Decoct the licorice root for 15 minutes. Do this by putting in a sauce pan with 1/2 cup cold water and heating on low till simmering.

2. Turn off the heat and add the lemon balm and valerian root. Allow to infuse for 45 minutes.

Valerian Root

Lemon Balm

Licorice Root

3. Strain and drink.

You can strain this from the pot or transfer it to a french press. My advice to you is that if you are going to use a french press, be sure to NOT use the same one you use for coffee to avoid the flavors mingling.