Q: How much should i take and how should i take it? I hear steeping 1.5 grams for 10 minutes is good Is there any health risk?
A: I am a medical herbalist and can assure you it is absolutely safe. So safe it can be given to pregnant women (within normal dose range of course). Valerian is a gentle but effective nervous system tonic. It's effect is dose dependent, meaning that if you take a little it is relaxing and a higher dose will greatly aid sleep. Valerian can be used for sleeplessness, anxiety, stress,restlessness and pain. However it can cause wakefulness in only about 2% of people. Yes about a level teaspoon steeped for 10 minutes in hot water if it is fairly finely ground. You can add a little honey and/or milk if you like. No health risk at correct dose which is one to three cups daily (1 tsp per cup). Don't take with sleeping pills as it will increase their effect.