Difference between revisions of "Valerian"

'''Valerian: A herb known for its sedative qualities'''

*Source:http://thenational.net/lifestyle-health/amazing-facts-lifestyle-health/valerian-herb-known-sedative-qualities/5728/

:(The National)

One such herb used for anxiety and sleeplessness is valerian, a flowering plant native to Europe, Asia, and the Americas. For preparation of herbal remedies, the plant’s root is chopped and made into a tea or its extract is used primarily as a sedative. Although the fresh root has little odor, the dried root has an odor that is often described as being similar to dirty socks.

The scientific name of the herb is Valeriana officinalis.

Valerian is famously used in herbal preparations for its sedative qualities and its ability to relax the central nervous system and the smooth muscle groups. The sedative effect of the herb is due to the presence of valepotriates and the isovaleric acid.

The use of this herb for treating sleep related disorders has been done for hundreds of years .It is used especially when there is excitation or difficulty in falling to sleep due to nervousness.

The history related to the use of valerian can be traced back to thousands of years where the Chinese, Greeks, Romans, and Indians used it as a mild sedative. The origin of the word “pew” is said to come from the foul odor of the valerian root, which a first century AD Roman physician, Dioscorides, called phu. In was the mid-1800s in the United States which saw growing of valerian and other herbs in abundance and marketed to doctors and pharmacists in America and Europe. Valerian is sometimes used to flavor foods and drinks such as root beer.

The herb comprises of over 120 chemical components and is a very complex herb with almost no negative side effects when used in moderation.

According to herbal practitioners the root of valerian or its extract can lessen anxiety and nervous tension, promote sleep, and help people quit smoking, ease congestion, and relieve muscle spasms. There are no claims yet as far as its use for treating or preventing cancer is concerned.

Several clinical trials carried out across the globe have reported that the people taking valerian saw improvement in sleep quality, feeling rested, and slept long in comparison to prescription drug. Also there are studies which suggest that the herb may be more likely to work better if taken over a period of a few weeks.

There is a documented research which says that the herb has a mild hypnotic action with beneficial effect on sleep latency, wake-time after sleep, frequency of waking, nocturnal motor activity, inner restlessness and tension and quality of sleep. Also it is been suggested by the scientists that the valepotriates have regulatory effect on the autonomic nervous system thus imparting calming effect on agitated people.

Valerian is also used as an antispasmodic for treatment of abdominal cramps caused due to nervousness and for uterine cramps and menstrual agitation. It also helps to relieve dysmenorrhea, migraine and rheumatic pain.

 

It can be noted that valerian does not impair driving ability and does not give you any hangover like symptom in the morning after.

 

It is of utmost importance to note that valerian should not be taken with alcohol, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sedatives, anti-seizure drugs, narcotics, or any drugs used in treatment of mental illnesses. Also patients undergoing treatment for cancer or taking anti-fungal drugs, allergy drugs, or medicines for high cholesterol should consult their doctors or pharmacists about possible drug interactions before taking valerian

 

Valerian root is on the Commission E (Germany’s regulatory agency for herbs) list of approved herbs. Supplements are available in tablets, capsules, or tinctures, and it can also be brewed as a tea. When taken as a sleep aid, the usual dosage of valerian extract in tablet form is 300 to 900 milligrams to be taken an hour or two before bedtime. For stress and anxiety, the usual dose is 50 to 100 milligrams taken 2 to 3 times a day, although some recommend doses of 200 milligrams or even 400 milligrams.