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

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.

Ancient medical texts acknowledge the odor 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 can be combined with St. John's wort to assist in its calming effect but for people that are sensitive to sunlight it is advised that you stay out of the sunlight while using St. John's wort.

Because of its often expressed unpleasant taste, most prefer to take it as a capsule or extract.

Summary: Valerian is a calmative and tranquilizer as well as a mild pain reliever. 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 [Note: Valium is an synthetic made from the Valerian Root, which changed its natural whole body effect, into a blood and mind altering drug] 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 the 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.

Valerian Root is Nature's Tranquilizer. For centuries it has been used to regulate the nervous system and relieve tension, irritability, nervous exhaustion and stress, anxiety and hysteria.

As a sedative, Valerian Root is said to relieve insomnia, helping to provide a sound sleep without the morning-after grogginess frequently associated with prescription drugs (such as Valium, etc.). It also does not lead to dependence or addiction when used.

Valerian is considered an anodyne that relieves pain and reduces sensitivity of the nerves. The herb is thought to help recovery from shock and sudden emotional distress, and relieve the harsh effects of rehabilitation for many addicts.

Valerian is also an old-time nervine and remedy for St. Vitus Dance, vertigo, fainting, epilepsy and convulsions. Recent research has demonstrated that Valerian has contributed to the treatment of (and has helped) children with "psychomotor agitation and non-adaptation disorders," i.e., hyperactivity and behavioral problems. The treatments appeared to enhance motor co-ordination, calmed their anxieties and diminished restlessness and aggression.

Valerian Root has been known to strengthen the heart and may sometimes reduce high blood pressure, particularly when anxiety is a factor. Some lab studies claim that its use helps to stabilize heart rhythm and helps treat palpitations.

As an antispasmodic, Valerian Root helps to alleviate muscle, intestinal and menstrual cramps. Considered an analgesic, Valerian's pain relieving qualities are thought to be especially beneficial to athletes or anyone engaged in aerobics, weight training or strenuous exercise as a preventative and recovery treatment for aches and pains. It is also said to ease the pain of headaches.

Valerian has been used since ancient times as an expectorant, reducing mucus from colds, and it is also said to alleviate throat tickling and nervous coughs. Because of its relaxant properties, Valerian has been thought to benefit those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and other problems of the intestines and stomach. Valerian appears to increase peristalsis in the intestines (contraction and relaxing of muscles), which moves things along more easily. The herb is also thought to prevent fermentation in the stomach and decrease gas and intestinal colic.

Used externally, Valerian is an antibacterial and makes a fine facial wash. It also encourages the healing of acne, skin rashes, wounds and ulcers. In baths, it is soothing and relaxing and relieves muscle cramps.

*** Proved itself beneficial in research in one or more strictly conducted scientific trials that involved people (not animals or petri dish cultures) Insomnia.

***Provided it’s self beneficial in research that involved people, endorsed by Germany’s Commission E for Therapeutic use, Anxiety, Nervousness, Nervous Tension, Restlessness, Stress.

***Provided it self beneficial in research that did not involve people, the study could have been done in a test tube, petri dish or animals for Therapeutic use, Acne, Depression, Epilepsy, Exhaustion, Fatigue.

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 the dosage by 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).

In all cases when changing your habits or adding or discontinuing a drug or natural product always inform your Health Practitioner or Naturalopathic Practitioner. Always do your homework and make sure you will not be causing an adverse reaction with other meds you may be taking.

For educational purposes only This information has been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.