Benefits of
Valerian
The
smell of valerian reminds people of old socks. Nevertheless, cats go
wild over valerian and so do rats. According to legend, valerian was
used by the Pied Piper to clear rodents out of Hamelin. Today, the herb
is lauded for its ability to soothe
anxiety and relax active minds that
do not allow for restful sleep. Various medicinal species of the herb
are native to Europe and western Asia and grow wild in North America;
several species are native to the U.S. You may find valerian in
grasslands, damp meadows, and along streams.If you can ignore
this herb''s stinky smell, you''ll find it''s very useful when included in
herbal remedies for
insomnia and stress. Odor aside, it may help you
relaUses for ValerianValerian
is a lovely flowering plant used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles.
Despite what some people have come to believe, valerian is not the
source of the drug Valium, though it is an excellent sedative and
hypnotic (sleep inducer). Valerian also has an antispasmodic action and
is used for
cramps,
muscle pain, and muscle
tension. Valerian
is commonly used for insomnia, tension, and nervousness. It''s useful in
simple cases of stress, anxiety, and nervous tension, as well as more
severe cases of hysteria, nervous twitching, hyperactivity, chorea
(involuntary jerky movements), heart palpitations, and tension
headaches. Valerian preparations are highly regarded for insomnia.
Several studies show that valerian shortens the time needed to fall
asleep and improves the quality of sleep. Unlike commonly used sedatives, valerian does not cause a drugged or hung-over sensation in most people.The
relaxing action of valerian also makes it useful for treatment of
muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, and high blood pressure. Valerian
relaxes the muscle in vein and artery walls and is especially indicated
for elevated blood pressure due to stress and worry. Valerian
is used as a general nervine, meaning a substance that has a tonic
effect on the nerves, restoring balance and relieving tension and
anxiety. In the study of herbs, a nervine is classified as
stimulating or sedating. Stimulating nervines are used in cases of sluggish mental
activity, depression, or poor ability to concentrate; sedating nervines
are used to treat anxiety, turmoil, restlessness, and insomnia. Some
herbalists consider valerian to be both stimulating and sedating,
depending on the individual and the situation in which it is used.
Occasionally, for example, people who use valerian to relax or improve
sleep find that it worsens their complaints. Valerian is somewhat
warming and stimulating, and perhaps the adverse reaction occurs in
those who are already overly warm or stimulated. Valerian is best for treating depression caused by prolonged stress and nervous tension. Valerian
is mildly stimulating to the intestines, can help to dispel gas and
cramps in the digestive tract, and is weakly antimicrobial,
particularly to bacteria.In the next section, you will learn
how to prepare valerian for herbal remedies and some of the potentially
dangerous side effects.
More abstracts about the Valerian: Herbal Remedies