Valerian

Valerian is the herb kingdoms most famous tranquilizer. Numerous scientific studies have confirm that the active ingredients in this wonderful herb do have a tranquilizer affect and have fewer side effects than Valium.

The herb has been used for thousands of years as stomachic, anti-spasmodic, carminative and a treatment for epilepsy, sleeplessness, insomnia and nervous tension.

Also known as- Valeriana officinalis. Common Valerian, European Valerian, Valeriana and Allheal.

Introduction

Valerian is a perennial plant native to northern Europe and central Asia. Growing four feet (120 cm) tall, it ears pin-like leaves and pink flower heads.
Valerian root is used in herbal healing. The root must be dried at temperatures below 105 degrees F (40 degrees C) for its medicinally active compounds to form. In teas, it tastes sweet and spicy if somewhat bitter, but its odour is unpleasant. Ancient medical texts acknowledge the odour of the herb by calling the plant phu.

Constituents

Acetic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-ionone, calcium, caffeic acid, magnesium, manganese, quercitin, valeric acid.

Parts Used

Dried root.

Typical Preparations

Teas, tinctures and capsules. The chopped herb is combined with St. John's Wort. Valerian powder is mixed with hops and/or lemon balm. Because of its often expressed unpleasant taste, most prefer to take it as a capsule or extract.

Summary

Valerian is a calmative and tranquilizer. It has been used at least since the time of Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.E.) for treating headaches, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, menstrual problems, nervous stomach, and hysteria.
Clinical trials have confirmed the use of valerian for treating insomnia, especially the insomnia that accompanies menopause. The advantage of valerian over tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax is that it reduces sleep latency, the time required to fall asleep, without a period of bedtime drowsiness and without creating a "hangover" or grogginess the next morning.
Valerian has greatest effect in treating chronic insomnia, rather than short-term sleeplessness. It also soothes the digestive system and may prevent cramping caused by irritable bowel syndrome.

Precautions

If you use valerian for several months, you may experience withdrawal symptoms (headache, insomnia, racing heart, and general grouchiness) if you stop using the herb abruptly. Reduce dosage of a period of about a week if you wish to discontinue using the herb. Valerian itself does not cause side effects, but it may increase the side effects of some of the older medications for insomnia, such as Ativan (lorazepam), Valium, (diazempam), or Xanax (alprazolam).

Who should not take valerian?

* Women who are pregnant or nursing should not take valerian without medical advice because the possible risks to the fetus or infant have not been evaluated.
* Children younger than 3 years old should not take valerian because the possible risks to children of this age have not been evaluated.
* Individuals taking valerian should be aware of the theoretical possibility of additive sedative effects from alcohol or sedative drugs, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

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