Tagar

Tagar (Valerian)

Benefits:

The great sage Charka has categorized Tagara as sitaprasamana- relieves cold sensation of the skin.The roots of plant contains Valerianic acid and Valepotriates (a derivative of iridoid or monoterpene), which has sedative and tranquilizer effect due to which it is especially noted for people particularly suffering from stress, anxiety, over strain and nervous disorders.

Valerian is a wonderful natural sedative that has been shown results to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality, to sooth your mind and reduce blood pressure. It gives you relief from stress and person becomes more relaxed and happy.

How to grow:

Growing Valerian from seeds is slightly difficult. Better is to propagate it from division or you can buy seedlings from a nursery. For seed propagation, sow them in a seed starting mix. Barely cover the surface. Sprinkle the water frequently to keep the substrate moist until germination. When seedlings are mature enough, transplant them onto a frost free ground, leaving 1 m space between each plant. If you like to plant Valerian in a container, choose a big and deep planter.

Recipes:

Valerian Hot Chocolate for Anxiety

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons fresh valerian root

3 3/4 cups full-fat milk

3 tablespoons fresh lemon balm leaves

3 teaspoons fresh lavender flowers

6 leaves and 3 heads from fresh passion flowers

Peel of 1 1/2 oranges

1 3/4 ounces dark chocolate (minimum 50-percent cocoa solids)

Dash vanilla extract

Method:

Chop the top and bottom from the fresh valerian root, and then place in a saucepan with the milk, lemon balm, lavender, passion flowers and orange peel and gently heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Strain. Pour the infused milk back into the pan, and then add the dark chocolate and vanilla extract and stir until melted. Drink at once.

Valerian tea

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of Licorice (root)

4 teaspoons of Lemon Balm

2 pints of Water

2 teaspoons of Valerian (leaves)

Method:

This valerian herbal blend contains elements to soothe the nervous system and relieve stress. This easy-to-brew blend promotes calm and relaxation. It combines the decoction and infusion processes to extract the most medicinal properties out of each herb. Furthermore, it tastes better than valerian on its own.

Place the licorice root in a saucepan with two pints (one quart) of cold water. Simmer over low heat.(15 minutes)

Remove from heat. Add the valerian leaves and lemon balm to the saucepan. Let steep.(45 minutes)

Strain the herbs and serve the tea hot.

Valerian blended tea can be consumed as often as needed. It will keep for three to four days in the refrigerator.

Poached Salmon With Valerian and Radish Salad

Ingredients:

7 ounces of salmon

3 spring onions

½ lime

1 tablespoon black pepper corns

1 ½ cups of water

1 ounce pine nut

6 ounces of valerian

4 radishes es, thinly sliced

salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon vinegar

Method:

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Place the salmon in the skillet skin side down. Add the spring onions, black peppercorns, and lime juice.

Pour the water and bring the dish to a boil. Reduce the heat, and let the dish simmer for about 4 minutes, and then flip it on the other side. Continue cooking for 4 more minutes.

Separately, heat another skillet and add the pine nuts. Toast them for just about 1 minute, but be careful not to burn them.

Place the valerian salad into a bowl. Add the radish slices and toasted pine nuts.

Use a knife and peel the skin of the salmon. Use your hands to break small shreds of meat from the salmon steaks. Add them on top of the salad.

Season the salad with olive oil, vinegar, and salt.

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