Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis
Family: Caprifoliaceae
Part used: Rhizome.
Energetics: Bitter, sweet, pungent, cooling, dry.
Iris: Lymphatic.
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- None at the correct dose - see drug interactions
- Take a break for 1 week after 3 weeks of continuous use, if taken on its own.
- Excessive doses may cause headaches or muscular spasm.
ACTIONS
- Influences CNS
- Anxiolytic
- Nervine
- Relaxant
- Sedative
- Hypotensive
- Hypnotic
- Carminative
- Expectorant
- Aromatic
- Antidiuretic
- Spasmolytic
- Anti-bacterial
- Emmenagogue
- Analgesic
- Diaphoretic
- Assists in Benzodiazepine (withdrawal).
Main Constituents
- Alkaloids
- Valepotriates
- Valerianic acid
- Essential oil
- Sterols
- Glutamine
- Tyrosine
Main Uses
External Use: Benzodiazepine addiction, to assist withdrawal
Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infections: Measles
Circulatory: Palpitations, High BP
Mental/Emotional: Has been used for its calming effect since Hippocrates times, Nervous tension, excitability, sleeplessness, restlessness, Irritability, Tension headaches, OCD
Nervous system: Migraine
Endocrine: Menstrual pain, Dysmenorrhoea
Immune System: Convulsions in children
Urinary System: UTI’s
More About Valerian
The effect of valerian depends on the dose and the individual taking it. Some people respond more quickly or intensely to it than others. As a general rule a low dose (5-25 drops) has a restoring function and medium dose (5-20 drops) is stimulating and relaxing and promotes rest a high-dose (50-130 drops) has a greater calming effect.
Valerian can be regarded as a tonic remedy- its gentle sweet bitter taste indicates a restoring ability, especially with the liver and stomach energy. Valerian restores the brain and benefits the memory, strengthens the spine and improves Vision.
Valerian is a nerve tonic which makes it excellent for anxious clients or for those who experience panic attacks, insomnia or nervous headaches or have a tendency to worry due to catastrophising.
It is useful in spasmodic bowel, wind, bloating and IBS.
Valerian combined with Hops can increase short wave sleep and REM sleep.
Interaction has been found at melatonin, serotonin and Benzodiazepine sites, so Valerian is often taken separately.
Valerian relaxes smooth muscle and may be helpful in Parkinson’s Disease, Palpitations and even Dysmenorrhoea.
Recipes:
Valerian Root Tea
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoons of dried valerian root (you can find this in health food stores or online)
- 236ml of boiling water
- Honey or lemon (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
- Boil water and allow it to cool slightly, so it's hot but not boiling.
- Place the dried valerian root in a cup.
- Pour the hot water over the valerian root.
- Cover and steep for about 5-10 minutes.
- If desired, you can sweeten the tea with honey or add a splash of lemon for flavor.
- Drink the tea while it's still warm, preferably about 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
Valerian and Lavender Bath Soak
Valerian and lavender are both known for their calming and relaxing properties. This bath soak can be a soothing way to promote relaxation and ease stress, particularly before bedtime.
Ingredients:
- 42g of dried valerian root
- 42g of dried lavender flowers
- 236g of Epsom salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the dried valerian root, dried lavender flowers, and Epsom salt. Mix well.
- Prepare a warm bath by filling the tub with comfortably warm water.
- While the bath is filling, add the herbal mixture to a muslin bag, a clean sock, or a tea ball infuser. This will prevent the herbs from floating freely in the bathwater.
- Hang the bag or infuser from the faucet so that the water flows through it as the tub continues to fill.
- Once the tub is filled to your desired level, remove the bag or infuser and set it aside.
- Step into the bath and relax for at least 15-20 minutes, allowing the calming scents of valerian and lavender to help you unwind.
- After your bath, gently pat your skin dry and moisturize if desired. You may also want to have a cup of herbal tea (e.g., chamomile) before bedtime to enhance relaxation.
Valerian Sleep Tincture
Ingredients:
- Dried valerian root
- Alcohol (e.g., vodka, brandy, or 40-60% alcohol content)
- A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
Instructions:
- Ensure that the glass jar and all equipment are clean and sterilized.
- Fill the glass jar about one-third to half full with dried valerian root. The exact amount can vary depending on the size of your jar, but aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of valerian root for every 8 ounces (1 cup) of alcohol.
- Pour the alcohol over the dried valerian root to cover it completely and eliminate any air bubbles.
- Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid.
- Place the jar in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight for about 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or as often as you remember.
- After the infusion period, strain the tincture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove the valerian root. The liquid that remains is your valerian sleep tincture.
- Transfer the tincture to a dark glass bottle with a dropper for easy dosing. Label it with the date of preparation.
- Important Notes:
- Valerian is known for its potential calming and sedative properties. However, the effects of valerian can vary from person to person, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using valerian
References
Sleep Quality
Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The available evidence suggests that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17145239/
Insomnia, Antioxidant
In vitro antioxidant activity of Valeriana officinalis against different neurotoxic agents.
Our results suggest that V. officinalis extract was effective in modulating LPO induced by different pro-oxidant agents. These data may imply that V. officinalis extract, functioning as antioxidant agent, can be beneficial for reducing insomnia complications linked to oxidative stress.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19191025/
Parkinsons Disease, Cytoprotective
Cytoprotective effect of Valeriana officinalis extract on an in vitro experimental model of Parkinson's disease.
Our results indicated that neuroprotector action of the Valeriana officinalis extract provides support for later studies as they help understanding this drug for the development of cytoprotective various therapies in PD.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18512151/
Antispasmodic, lowering blood pressure
Antispasmodic and blood pressure lowering effects of Valeriana wallichii are mediated through K+ channel activation.
These results indicate that the antispasmodic and hypotensive effects of Valeriana wallichii are mediated possibly through K(ATP) channel activation, which justify its use in gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16002246/
Insomnia induced by the menopause
Effect of valerian on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Valerian improves the quality of sleep in women with menopause who are experiencing insomnia. Findings from this study add support to the reported effectiveness of valerian in the clinical management of insomnia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21775910/