Valerian tea is made from the dried root of the valerian plant, Valeriana officinalis. It's caffeine-free, earthy and a bit musky, and it has been used as a bedtime herb for centuries. It's also one of the six herbs in Tranquilitea.
I'll be honest with you. The first time I opened a bag of dried valerian root, I checked the bottom of my shoe. It's got a smell. Some people say old socks, some say a damp cellar. Cats, on the other hand, go absolutely mad for it.
So why would a chef put it in a tea? Because, like anchovies in a beef stew, it does a job you only notice when it's missing.
Key facts
- Valerian tea is made from the dried root of Valeriana officinalis, a tall plant with pinky-white flowers.
- It's caffeine-free.
- Valerian has been used as a bedtime herb for centuries; the Ancient Greeks and Romans wrote about it.
- It tastes earthy and woody, with a musky smell.
- Four Twentea's Tranquilitea is 10% valerian, alongside honeybush, lemon balm, verbena, passion flower and camomile, with 10 mg of CBD per bag.
What does valerian taste like?
On its own: earthy, woody, slightly bitter, with that distinctive musky smell. It's the sort of flavour that's lovely as a background note and a lot as a main event.
That's why most people drink it in a blend. Something sweet and something bright soften the edges and let the earthiness sit underneath, a bit like a bass line.
A very old bedtime habit
Valerian has been around a long time. Ancient Greek and Roman physicians wrote about the root, and it's been part of European evening brews ever since. It's one of those herbs that turns up in nearly every traditional bedtime blend, which is exactly why it caught my eye.
How to make valerian tea
- Use about a teaspoon of dried valerian root per mug.
- Pour over water just off the boil.
- Steep for 10 minutes. Roots take longer than leaves.
- Strain, and add honey or lemon if you like.
Or skip the straining and the smell, and use a bag of Tranquilitea: four minutes, one bag, done and dusted.
Why it's in Tranquilitea
When I built Tranquilitea, I wanted it to taste like a proper evening cup, not a cup of pot-pourri. Honeybush gives it a sweet base, lemon balm and verbena bring citrus, camomile and passion flower add a floral finish. Without valerian, it was all top notes.
At 10%, the valerian gives it an earthy backbone without stealing the show. You'd struggle to pick it out, but you'd miss it if it wasn't there.
Who shouldn't drink valerian tea?
If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication, check with your GP or pharmacist before drinking valerian. The same goes for CBD, so Tranquilitea isn't for you in those cases either.
Try it
A box of Four Twentea's Tranquilitea is £14 for 14 bags, and it's Four Twentea's best seller by a mile. Or get it with the other three blends in the Everything Bundle: £44 (normally £56), free shipping.
More on the other herbs in the blend: The best bedtime teas, and the night-time blend I built herb by herb.
The FSA advises healthy adults to limit CBD from all food sources to 10 mg a day. That's one bag of our tea. CBD is not recommended for under-18s, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, or anyone taking medication.
FAQs
What is valerian tea? A herbal tea made from the dried root of the valerian plant, Valeriana officinalis. It's caffeine-free and has been used as a bedtime herb for centuries.
What does valerian tea taste like? Earthy, woody and slightly bitter, with a strong musky smell. Most people prefer it blended with sweeter, brighter herbs.
Does valerian tea contain caffeine? No. Valerian is a root, not a tea leaf, so it's naturally caffeine-free.
How long should I steep valerian tea? Loose dried root needs about 10 minutes. A bag of Four Twentea's Tranquilitea needs four minutes in water just off the boil.
Which Four Twentea blend has valerian in it? Tranquilitea, Four Twentea's night-time blend. It's 10% valerian, with honeybush, lemon balm, verbena, passion flower and camomile, and 10 mg of CBD per bag.