Valerian Root Extract
 |
Thousands of years ago Valerian Root Extract had been used for a variety of conditions such as edema (as a diuretic), congestion, epilepsy, poisoning, and indigestion, among other ills. However, to date its primary use is that of a sleeping aid. Valerian Root has been compared to prescription medications, and it has been noted that unlike these sleep-aids, Valerian is not addictive and doesn’t make you feel hung over the next day.
It has a very pungent odor, compared to that of spoiled cheese, but regardless of this it is highly used and has shown remarkable ability to help relax the central nervous system, decrease levels of anxiety and stress, promote feelings of calmness and enhance sleep to millions all over the world.
Nature provided us with this hardy perennial plant root which is often compared to valium because of its similarities, and has been known as one of nature’s best tranquilizers and muscle relaxants and, fortunately, it has been approved by the FDA.
It is no wonder that this root has become so popular through the years and is increasingly becoming more and more popular as time goes by—this one little plant has so many benefits.
Benefits of Valerian
One of Valerian Root Extract’s primary benefits has been its use as a sedative for insomnia and sleep related disturbances for over 1,000 years. Its ability to help relax the central nervous system, promote feelings of calm, decrease levels of anxiety and stress, and enhance sleep are known to millions all over the world—and a good night’s sleep is precious. Unfortunately, as many of us know, this cannot be taken for granted, and an estimated one-third of the population who experience sleep deprivation no just how serious this problem can be. It can affect your total well-being—including family relationships, work performance, motor coordination and concentration, thus leading to severe problems.
Valerian is exceptionally useful if you are an excitable person, or if you are suffering from stress, anxiety, hysteria, of tension, and who doesn’t have these problems from time to time. Whether you are over-worked, worried about a loved one, exhausted from lack of sleep and so-forth—you get the picture. How often do you stretch your adrenals to the limit and you feel that nervous tension creeping up on you, you may become erratic, your mind starts racing, you may even feel paranoid. I realize that this is the extreme, but it happens, and when it does you know it. That is why Valerian is for you!
Valerian is also beneficial if you are suffering from heart palpitations, indigestion and muscle twitches.
Valerian has been recommended by modern herbalists for use as a sedative and it has been compared to valium for its tranquilizing effect; however, unlike valium it has not been shown to be addictive, and does not produce any toxic reactions when taken in recommended doses. However, if taken in larger doses or overdoses symptoms of headache, blurred vision or nausea may occur. If Valerian is taken in medicinal amounts, it is even safe for children over two. However, it should not be taken with other tranquilizers or sedatives this could cause a reaction.
Some herbalist also believe that individuals suffering from hypertension may benefit from Valerian, while others believe that this Root could be used in the reduction and prevention of certain tumors and convulsion.
Therapeutic Actions
Valerian’s therapeutic benefits are many and can be classified in different therapeutic categories. Valerian is a very popular herb for treating disorders associated with the nervous system and Valerian Root’s calming effect is generated though-out the body and mind. Individuals suffering from such conditions as shingles, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, sciatica, and neuralgia, have benefited tremendously from this root herb, as well as those suffering from peripheral neuropathy such as numbness, tingling sensations, pain and muscle weakness.
As touched on above, Valerian is especially beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of stress related disabilities such as depression, panic attacks, anxiety, nervous exhaustion, irritability, nervous tension and hysteria. This Root has high raves when used as a pain reliever, especially with regards to tension headaches, arthritis pain and sore muscles and migraine headaches. Valerian is also used as an anti-inflammatory tool, as well.
Valerian also shows great progress in treating adults suffering from attention deficit disorder.
Children have also benefitted from Valerian, as well. According to a German study whereby 120 children with a wide range of behavioral problems such as restlessness, hyperactivity, learning disorders, bed wetting, sleep disturbances, anxiety, headache and habits of thumb sucking and nail biting etc. were given an extract of Valerian Root, 75% of them showed vast improvement of their conditions. And as a great plus, this was achieved without any toxicity or negative side effects—thanks to Valerian!
It is recommended that Valerian be taken in the form of an herbal extract made from the fresh root, which is believed to contain the nutrients that help feed the nervous system, and thus, at the same time, helps you to relax. If you choose to take the dried Valerian Root, in capsules and extract forms, it is very important to follow the recommended dosage.
Doses
As a tea, 2 teaspoons powdered root steeped 10-15 minutes, and because of its pungent taste it may be necessary to add a sweetener, such as honey or sugar and some lemon.
As a tincture (pinch your nose), 1/2 – 1 teaspoon (approx. 10 drops if added to liquid)
Herbal medications are becoming more and more popular and are replacing prescription drugs, when possible, which have a high rate of risks and serious side effects. It’s no wonder that plants like Valerian Root Extract are taking the world by storm with its many benefits and relatively unknown risks or side effects. So, don’t procrastinate—become part of this new generation of health conscious individuals and look into herbal alternatives for a general feeling of well-being and get on the right track. You, too, can help your body and mind relax by taking supplements that aid relaxation and promote sleep—supplements like valerian root!