Hey everyone!

I've been having some severe insomnia lately, so I picked up some valerian root to make tea from. That works beautifully, but my problem is the smell. I don't know if it normally smells this pungent, but the valerian root I got stinks to high heaven, and I'm not sure of any way to contain the smell. I keep all my herbs in my bedroom for lack of anywhere else to put it, and right now, I'm just burning scented candles all the time to keep the smell from overpowering everything.

Any ideas?

Valerian does smell, that's for sure. I would keep it in a tight-lidded glass jar, and that should help. If you keep it in a baggie or other plastic container, not only will it lose its effectiveness sooner, but the smell of "dirty socks" will permeate everything it is around.

On another subject, did you discuss taking this herbal medicine with your doctor? Valerian as well as other herbs, are not safe to take by certain individuals....

Glad it is helping you sleep tho..it leaves me too drugged up in the morning, but I do use it in bath blends as it is so relaxing to soak in the tub.

Another thing to keep in mind is that I heard that using Valerian can cause you to test positive on some drug tests, so if your job tests  employees you might want to let your boss know you use Valerian as an herbal sleep aid just in case you name gets drawn from the hat.  Maybe even get a doctors note.

I have had problems sleeping since I was young.  mostly I just deal with it.  I work mostly 2 and 3 shift at the gas station so falling asleep at 5 in the morning and sleeping until 2 works for me.  One days I have to get up early I will take a melatonin the night before.  That is a natural sleep hormone produced by the body in response to changes in light.  But you really should ask your doctor about it first.  And always remember to test your sleep aides on a day you don't have work or errands to make sure they don't leave you groggy.

Thank you for the information! Now all I need to do is find a glass jar. I know I have one around here somewhere...

I would see my doctor about it, but seeing as I have no medical insurance, that poses a bit of a problem. I've had no adverse effects to the Valerian as of yet, but I'm paying close attention in case it does. When I've taken it, I wake up feeling refreshed more then anything else.

I've tried melatonin before, but it didn't really help very much. And thank you for the advice on the drug tests. That wouldn't be any good if I got fired for testing positive on valerian.  

Thank you again for the help!

Kava Kava Powder is a relaxant, legl, and works quite well as a sleep aid.  I have the powder, and I would suggest starting with no more than a teaspoon in a cup of hot water.  You'll want some  lemon and honey to make it a tea because it tastes like dirt, but it doesn't smell awful, and it doesn't linger.  Only increase by 1/4 teaspoon per night.  I'd only try this up to  4 nights.  

You can safely take up to 12 mg of Melatonin (not at the same time as Kava Kava) a night and it can take a few nights for your system to "allow" you to start sleeping.  Beware of real groggyness in the morning, but a strong cuppa Joe will clear that up quick.

You can safely take up to 12 mg of Melatonin (not at the same time as Kava Kava) a night

I did not know this.  there was only one time melatonin did not work for me and it was important to be able to function the next day.  I think I fell asleep between 4 and 5, had to be up at 9:00.

I remember wanting desperately to try one more melatonin to get to sleep but didn't know if that would be safe.  I'll be sure to check my pills for the amount they contain.

boy do I know about stinky stinky Valerian This, of course is just my two cents as an herbalist but just a few words: one should be cautious about using Valerian for an extended period of time as it really isn't meant for long term use.  As far as the smell, yes, a tight-fitting jar is really the best thing to prevent the smell, and to prevent your kitties from getting into it if you have them  They sure do love the smell.  Some other herbs that are a little gentler for the nervous system are Avena sativa (Oats), Matricaria recutita (Chamomile), Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm), Humulus lupus (Hops), and Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower).   A tea that I just adore calls for 1 part each Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Peppermint.  This tea is lovely after a nice warm bath before bed.  I hope your insomnia ends soon!  Sweet Dreams!
Aaron