Valerian (Valerian Officinalis)

Introduction

Valerian is an attractive perennial with pretty pink flowers. It grows throughout Europe and is now established in North America. The root has been used medicinally as far back as the 1st century AD. Valerian was used to treat soldiers with ‘shell shock’ during World War II.

Action

Valerian contains many active constituents, including volatile oils, irridoids and alkaloids. Valerian influences levels of GABA, an amino acid found in the brain, which helps combat stress. This herb taken in small doses is calming without causing drowsiness. Larger doses become mildly sedative and help restore regular sleep patterns. As a bonus valerian is an effective antispasmodic and analgesic, which is of use in cramps of the digestive sytem.

Uses

Our experts recommend valerian for the following disorders:

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome

Anxiety

Atypical Facial Pain

Dysphagia

Entropion

Globus

High blood pressure

Hyperventilation

Hysteria

Insomnia Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

The healthy heart program

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Neuralgia

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Panic attack

Parkinson’s disease

Portal hypertension

Sleep disorders

Spasticity

Other Information

Valerian is one of the best herbs for stress and the digestive problems associated with stress, such as IBS. It is also useful for colic and stomach cramps and for reducing night-time pain. Valerian is available in tablets, capsules or tincture. It is often combined with the herb, passiflora.

Cautions

Valerian is a very safe herb and there are no contra-indications. It is also safe to use during pregnancy and when breast-feeding.

Disclaimer

This remedy has been traditionally used for hundreds of years for specific ailments based on Herbal Folklore both eastern and western. No clinical proof has been made.
If you have a serious disease, we suggest that you consult a qualified doctor who understands alternative health care before combining herbal medicine with allopathic medicine. We suggest that you take these remedies based on your faith and knowledge of Ayurveda. For this reason, methods used to prepare these primitive remedies in many cases are omitted. Do not use any remedy described without the advice of a professional health practitioner.