Valerian
Valeriana Officinalis
 Valerian
has a long history of use for many centuries as a
sedative, a nervine, anti'spasmodic, and stimulant. It
has also been reported that valerian improves sleep
quality, and may have benefits for individuals with
stress, premenstrual syndrome, restless leg syndrome (RLS),
and muscle spasms.
German ladies in the past drank Valerian tea often,
resulting in lowered nervous irritability. In ancient
times, the same tea made from this root was used to
treat epilepsy.
Called nature's tranquilizer, valerian may work by
affecting the central nervous system, thus it is more a
psychological herb rather than a physiological one.
Valerian calms the nerves, relieves pain and spasms.
The roots sedative effect acts to decrease hypochondria
and aggression and bring sleep to those suffering from
anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion and insomnia. Valerian
root has been used for these purposes since
pre-Christian times and is cited in virtually every
pharmacopoeia in the world.
Studies on animals have shown that valerian appears to
affect GABA brain receptors, the amino acid associated
with anxiety. It appears that valerian can help in the
treatment of insomnia and other sleep disorders by
working as a sedative to encourage calm and sleep while
also reducing anxiety. Valerian relaxes muscle tissue
and relaxes the central nervous system.
Valerian plays an important role in detoxing the
chemically addicted. It can serve as a substitute for
Valium to help the addict sleep easily, relax and calm
down. Excellent results have been obtained in cases of
hysteria and hypochondria, where the primary causes of
difficulty are emotional or mental. Valerian also
antagonizes (opposes) the hypnotic effects of alcohol.
In
cases of heart palpitations, it slows down the heart
while strengthening the heartbeat.
Note:
If you are taking a medication check the counter
indications of that medication before you use valerian.
Some medicinal uses:
After-Birth Pains High Blood Pressure Bronchial
Spasms Convulsions
Heart Palpitations Hysteria Hypochondria
Muscle Spasms Nervous Breakdown Nervous
Conditions Pain Relief Sleeplessness
Valerian does all the above without the side effects of
prescription drugs.
Sources:
Little Herb Encyclopedia, by Jack Ritchason; N.D., Woodland Publishing Incorporated, 1995
Nutritional Herbology, by Mark Pedersen, Wendell W. Whitman Company, 1998
Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pennsylvania 1987
The Ultimate Healing System, Course Manual, Copyright 1985, Don Lepore
Planetary Herbology, Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., Lotus Press, 1988
Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, by James A. Duke, Pub. CRP Second Edition 2007
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