Valerian is the most commonly used herb for sleep and sedation. However, the doctor's valerian was also used as a means of e.g. for painful period and stomach discomfort, because it has a diastolic effect. Check what properties valerian root has, how to use it and what side effects may be if it is improperly taken.
Contents:
- Valerian for sleep and calming down
- Valerian - how to use? Valerian dosage
- Valerian on stomach
- Valerian for PMS and period pain
- Valerian - for dandruff and seborrhea
- Valerian - side effects
- Valerian - contraindications
Valeriana officinalis( Valeriana officinalis ), commonly known asvalerian , is a herb, whose rhizomes ( Rhizoma Valerianae ), i.e. underground stems, and the root ( Radix Valerianae ), commonly known as valerian root, are medicinal raw materials that have been used for years in both folk and conventional medicine.
They show, above all,the effect ofcalming, therefore they have foundapplicationmainly as a means of "calming" the body in states of mild nervous tension and in difficulties in falling asleep on a nervous background.
It is worth knowing, however, that the doctor's valerian root also has otherhealing properties , incl. relaxing, so it can be used in stomach ailments or during painful periods.
It should be noted, however, that preparations based on valerian root have a different he alth value depending on whether they are alcoholic or water extracts, because the main active ingredients - primarily essential oil, and valepotriates ( although the latter are very unstable and occurring in the raw material in small amounts) - they dissolve better in alcohol than in water.
In addition, the method of drying also determines the effect of valerian - the roots and rhizomes are properly dried in drying rooms heated to 35 degrees C. If drying takes place at a higher temperature, the active substances contained in them lose theirhe alth benefits.
Valerian for sleep and calming down
Valerian root and rhizomes reduce the activity of the central nervous system, and thus - reduce tension and anxiety, induce a state of mental relaxation, therefore they are commonly used in states of nervousness, tension and agitation nervous.
Valerian root is also an effective remedy for moderate insomnia - especially in difficulty falling asleep, caused by states of tension and nervous excitation. It improves the quality of sleep by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep, extending sleep time and reducing the number of awakenings during the night.
Valerian is the colloquial name of valerian, although in fact it is the name of preparations (tablets, drops, etc.) from the root and rhizomes of this herb.
This is confirmed by research by German scientists. 202 adults suffering from insomnia took part in their 6-week experiment. The subjects were divided into two groups - one took 600 mg of Sedonium (valerian extract) and the other 10 mg of oxazepam (an anxiolytic drug).
It turns out that the effects of both agents were similar - both groups of respondents reported the same improvement in sleep quality, prolonged sleep time and felt the same refreshed.
In their conclusions, the researchers noted that valerian root extract is effective in mild to moderate insomnia, while its effectiveness is limited in anxiety states.
Interestingly, other studies show that valerian works, but only for people who have trouble falling asleep. In patients not having these difficulties, valerian root extract showed no effect.
In turn, other studies show that valerian works well in stressful situations. 54 people took part in the weekly test and were divided into 3 groups.
One was given 120 mg of methistine pepper extract, the other was given valerian root extract in doses of 600 mg, and the third was given placebo.
Stress was induced in all subjects under laboratory conditions. It turned out that both drugs reduced systolic blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels. This effect was not seen in patients receiving placebo.
In addition, research from 2002 shows that valerian root extract has a similar effect to diazepam - the active substance of popular psychotropic drugs.
The experiment involved 36 people diagnosed with generalized anxiety. The subjects were treated with a preparation with diazepam (in a dose of 2.5 mg 3 times a day) or valerian extract for 4 weeks.medicinals (containing 80% dihydrov altate, 15% v altrate and 5% acetov altate), in a dose of 50 mg 3 times a day, and a placebo.
It turned out that both in patients treated with diazepam and valerian extract, there was a significant decrease in the psychological factor on the Hamilton anxiety scale.
It is worth knowing that in natural medicine, valerian preparations are also used in such ailments as: increased nervous heartbeat, headache, pulsation in the temples, and even slight dizziness. In folk medicine, valerian root was also used to treat epilepsy.
Valerian - how to use? Valerian dosage
Valerian is considered a relatively safe herb, as long as it is used in the recommended doses for a certain period of time, i.e. not more than a month. After taking valerian for 30 days, you should take a two-week break, after which you can resume taking it.
- Valerian infusionis made by pouring 1 teaspoon of valerian root (approximately 2.5 g) into 1 cup of boiling water (150 ml). The whole thing should be infused, covered, for 10-15 minutes, and then strained. The infusion can be drunk 1 cup 3 times a day.
- Valerian (valerian) tincture- adults can take 20-60 drops of the tincture in a glass of water after eating several times a day as a reliever and sedative. Valerian tincture can be purchased in pharmacies (ask for valerian drops). The price is about PLN 8 for 100 g.
You can also make a calming drink with valerian by adding 60 drops (about 1/3 teaspoon) of valerian tincture (valerian drops) to a glass of hot milk, sweetened with a spoonful of honey. When drunk an hour before going to bed, it will restore a calm and deep sleep.
Valerian on stomach
The doctor's valerian was also used in folk medicine as a remedy for ailments of the digestive and urinary systems. The famous Polish herbalist Syreniusz emphasized the unique properties of valerian, writing that "The liver, spleen, urine passages, kidneys, muddy and clogged bladder opens. Sand and stone with urine derives".
In addition, valerian has a diastolic effect, so it can be used to relieve stomach spasms.
In addition, valerian has a carminative effect, which is closely related to the diastolic effect and greater secretion of gastric juices. It is worth knowing that this herb also stimulates the secretion of saliva.
Valerian for PMS and period pain
Due to the fact that valerian has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles,it can be used to reduce period pain.
In addition - due to its calming effect - it can also be used by women struggling with PMS. In addition, valerian is used during menopause in women.
Valerian - for dandruff and seborrhea
Modern phytotherapy recommends the use of external infusions on the scalp in the treatment of dandruff and seborrhea, and even in some dermatoses.
Valerian - side effects
Prolonged use of valerian (more than a month) or excessive consumption may causeside effectssuch as headaches, visual disturbances, heart palpitations and nausea, and deterioration in digestion. Other side effects can be hyperactivity or insomnia. Liver damage is rarely seen. Allergic reactions are also possible.
When used correctly, valerian is almost free from adverse side effects.
Valerian - contraindications
Valerian cannot be combined with antihistamines, muscle relaxants, sedatives, hypnotics, anti-seizures, narcotic drugs, alcohol or any medications used to treat mental illness (including antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications).
People with cancer, taking antifungal drugs or drugs to lower cholesterol, should consult a doctor before consuming valerian. These recommendations also apply to people with kidney and liver problems.
Valerian may interact with medications used by anesthetists, therefore it should not be used under general anesthesia prior to surgery.
Valerian should also be given up by pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as children up to 12 years of age (according to the European Medicines Agency, valerian preparations can be used in people over 12 years of age).
GOOD TO KNOW>> Also people who drive motor vehicles or operate mechanical devices while in motion should not use valerian. Preparations containing valerian root should be used with caution in the elderly, as they may contribute to dizziness upon waking, fainting, and even disturbance of consciousness. Read more articles by this author
About the author
Monika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.