Valerian Root is a hardy perennial flowering plant with sweet-smelling pink or white flowers. The name Valerian means “to be strong or healthy” in Latin, and this translation is generally regarded to refer to its medicinal use, though it is suggested that Valerian also refers to the strong odor.

This Root is native to Europe, South Africa, and parts of Asia and was introduced to North America. Ancient Greeks used the Valerian plant for a variety of medical disorders ranging from liver problems, digestive ailments, and urinary tract disorders to nausea and insomnia. Valerian has also been used for centuries for nervous conditions and has been traditionally used for sleeplessness, epilepsy, nervousness, hysteria and as a diuretic.

Valerian Root was used in Germany for unruly children, as a coffee substitute by German women, and as a condiment in medieval times and as a perfume in the 16th century. This Root has had many other uses across numerous cultures throughout the centuries.

Valerian is a popular plant in the all-natural world because of its beautiful appearance and lovely aroma that is very noticeable when the stem is placed in water. The valerian flower blooms during the summer, generally between June and September although it might bloom outside of this range as well. The benefits of this root are heralded and well-known as it has been used for centuries as a calming agent for people with anxiety. But, Valerian Root also has many other uses as well. If you’re interested in finding all-natural cures and remedies for some of the common ailments, the Valerian Root will undoubtedly be one of the things you consider.

Common Uses of Valerian

Valerian has often been used in complementary and alternative medicine for its sedative properties. Valerian been recommended for epilepsy but that has not been supported by modern research. Currently, the Valerian herb is mainly used as a remedy for insomnia.

Valerian may be indicated for the relief of insomnia, stress-related anxiety, and nervous restlessness. Valerian may also be used to ease stomach and menstrual cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), some of the restlessness that accompanies attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and migraine symptoms. And, more rarely, Valerian may be used to treat convulsions from a seizure disorder. In its most well-documented use, however, Valerian is used as a relaxant to help people sleep.

The Benefits of Valerian

The valerian root has been one of the most popular substances for a variety of ailments. For years, Valerian has been used as a sleep aid for people who have anxiety or stress and have trouble sleeping through the night. The most beneficial thing to note about valerian is that it does not give you the groggy or sleepy feeling the next day after using it. In addition, this root does not promote addiction like most sleeping aids do. This means that you can use Valerian for a longer period without fear of becoming “hooked”.

Another one of the benefits of valerian is that this Root helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with headaches. Since Valerian is generally used as a sedative, it helps to calm the nervous system which, in turn, helps reduce pain. Many women have also used valerian root to reduce the effects of painful menstrual cycles and blood flow

How to Use This Root

Take Valerian by mouth, generally 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. This product should not be taken for more than 2 weeks. Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your condition persists or worsens while on Valerian or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.

Preparation Methods

The volatile oils in valerian are extremely pungent, somewhat like aged cheese or milk. Valerian is often prepared in tea form, and in doing so it should not be prepared with boiling water, as this may drive off the lighter oils. As well, valerian is commonly taken as a dietary supplement, often in tablet or capsule form.

Side Effect of This Herb

- Headache

- Blurred vision

- Nausea

- Change in heartbeat

- Vivid night dreams

- Dry mouth

- Morning drowsiness

If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor promptly: Dark urine, or upper- right abdominal pain. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist

Some side effects with valerian while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to: Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin (jaundice) or elevated liver enzymes (found using a blood test)

Surprisingly, valerian can also cause some unexpected side effects. Although the herb is often claimed to be useful for treating insomnia and anxiety, Valerian can sometimes cause insomnia, excitability, and uneasiness, especially if it is used for several months.

You may experience some or none of the valerian root side effects listed in this article.

Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never tried. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while taking this herb or if something “just does not seem right.” While it may not be a side effect of valerian, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem

PRECAUTIONS

If you have liver problems, consult your doctor before using Valerian. Limit alcohol intake, as it may aggravate the effects of this product. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). Liquid preparations of Valerian may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of Valerian. This root herb is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor before using Valerian. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Valerian is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Before using Valerian, you should advise your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription medications you may use, especially of drugs causing drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines, anti-seizure drugs, muscle relaxants and antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check all nonprescription medicine labels carefully, especially cough-and-cold preparations, since many contain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain.

Also weigh the risks with the benefits to be sure that Valerian is the best alternative for your symptoms. You should always be pro-active in caring for your health and well-being.