Valerian
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) also known as All-Heal, Garden Heliotrope, Amantilla, and Setwall, is native to Europe and Northern Asia. It is a perennial plant with sweetly scented pink or white flowers and grayish brown roots that have a pungent odor and that can be made into juice or powder to be used as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and nervous restlessness. Valerian brings also relief to menstrual and stomach cramps, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, and restlessness that comes with the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It has also been recommended to treat epileptic convulsions, however, that has not been supported by modern research so far.
Valerian Constituents and Medical Uses
The main constituent in Valerian root is a yellow-green to yellow-brown oil that contains formic, acetic, and isovalerianic acid to which the characteristically pungent odor of Valerian is due. The root further contains the two alkaloids Chaterine and Valerianine, glucosides, alkaloids, and resin. Valerian is a remedy for insomnia and at the same time a good alternative to benzodiazepines (such as Diazepam or Alprazolam) as it is considered to be safe and gentle. In a number of studies on both animals and humans, Valerian has shown mild sedative, tranquilizing, and anxiety relieving activity. It helps to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and it improves the quality of sleep itself. And, unlike benzodiazepines, Valerian has fewer after effects the next day, such as drowsiness or a feeling of hangover. Valerian further helps to relieve neuralgic pain, menstrual and stomach cramps, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, restlessness that comes with the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and cardiac palpitations, as it has a slight influence on the circulation by slowing the heart and increasing its force. In addition, Valerian can also be used for sleep disturbances that are related to depression. As an anti-convulsant in epilepsy, Valerian was first brought to notice by Fabius Calumna in 1592 after he had cured himself of the disease with it. However, modern research has not supported this treatment so far.
Valerian Products and how to take them
Valerian is available in fluid extract, tincture, capsule, and tablet form and also as a tea. Valerian products are usually added to formulas that contain other calming herbs, such as Passionflower, Hops, Lemon balm, Skullcap, and Kava. As Kava has been linked to severe liver damage, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning abaout Kava-containing products in 2002. Valerian products should be standardized to contain 0.8% valeric acid. To help bring on sleep, reduce anxiety and nervousness, it is advised to take Valerian products either about an hour before retiring or three times a day. As with many other herbal products, it may take a few weeks before any effects are felt. Once the desired effect has set in, Valerian should be taken for another two to four weeks. A treatment of no longer than four to six weeks is advised, after that, a two-week break is recommended.
Valerian Risks and Precautions
There have been reports of paradoxical reaction to Valerian. Instead of feeling calm or sleepy, individuals suddenly felt nervous, restless and anxious. After having been used over a long period of time, serious withdrawal symptoms may occur when Valerian is stopped abruptly. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take Valerian. Because of its tranquilizing effect, Valerian should not be taken while driving, operating heavy machinery, or similar activities that require alertness. People who have a liver disease should not take Valerian as there have been a few reports of liver damage. Talk to your doctor or any other health care professional if you are facing surgery or take barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or other sedative medication, such as antihistamines, before taking Valerian.
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