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==News About Valerian == | ==News About Valerian == | ||
'''The Natural Stress, Restlessness and Hyperactivity Remedy''' | |||
*Source:http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-natural-stress-restlessness-and-hyperactivity-remedy.html | |||
:By Michelle Schoffro Cook | |||
Twenty-four years ago I owned my own health food store. A herb product sales representative thought that a product called Nerves and Stress might be a good one to carry. So after trying it I decided to stock in my store. The key ingredient was valerian, which was known to relax the nervous system and alleviate the tension linked to stress. Many of my customers who complained of high stress levels reported excellent results thanks to this herb. | |||
As more and more exotic herbs from faraway lands have gained popularity in North America, valerian has been largely forgotten, except by herbalists who have experienced its benefits firsthand. But a growing body of research is starting to validate what herbalists have been advocating for hundreds of years or longer: that valerian is a great natural herb for relaxing the nervous system, regardless of whether a person is suffering from hyperactivity, restlessness, anxiety or other nervous system issue. | |||
The anti-anxiety effects of valerian can be attributed (at least in part) to the compound valerenic acid, which is naturally present in the roots of the plant. Researchers who assessed a combination of valerian root extract and lemon balm extract to reduce restlessness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness in elementary school children found that the blend was effective and also significantly improved concentration after only seven weeks of treatment. | |||
The herbal medicine may offer an alternative to the use of methylphenidate (Ritalin), which has been shown to increase the risk of depression and anxiety later in adulthood in those who took the drug as children. Some scientists believe that Ritalin alters the brain’s chemical composition so that it has a lasting effect on mental health. Because the child’s brain is growing and developing, the result could be irreversible brain damage. In animal research scientists found that short-or long-term use of Ritalin caused free radical damage, reduced important brain-protecting enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), and resulted in significant change in energy metabolism in the brain in healthy animals. | |||
While the internet if full of misleading information about adverse interactions of this herb with many drugs, no drug interactions have been reported by the German Commission E, a long-considered world authority on the use of herbs. Having said that, I recommend not combining benzodiazepines, a class of drugs used as antianxiety medications (such as Valium), anticonvulsives used in epilepsy, or muscle relaxants, with valerian as both the drugs and the herb have similar medicinal effects, albeit different modes of action and actually work on different sites in the body, according to research in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Of course, never discontinue any medication without first consulting your physician. | |||
Valerian root can be taken in an extract form (alcohol-based tincture) which tends to effectively extract the medicinal properties of the plant. Follow package instructions for the product you choose. Alternatively, you can boil 2 quarts of water with 3 tablespoons of dried valerian root. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow to simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Strain and then drink one to three cups daily, storing the remaining tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. | |||
Valerian can induce sleepiness or drowsiness, but these are typically the intended effects. As a result, it’s best to avoid operating a vehicle or heavy machinery after valerian use. In extremely rare instances, people have the opposite reaction to valerian, finding that it actually has a stimulating effect. If you discover that you’re one of these people, discontinue use. | |||
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'''How to Plant Valerian''' | '''How to Plant Valerian''' | ||
*Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-valerian-23028.html | *Source:http://homeguides.sfgate.com/plant-valerian-23028.html | ||