Valerian Root

Today’s studies show it works well for insomnia and symptoms of menopause. Valerian has its greatest effect in treating chronic insomnia, rather than short-term sleeplessness.

Valerian combines well with skullcap to relieve tension. Pair with passionflower and hops for help with insomnia. Also goes great with cramp bark when dealing with cramps.

Latin Name:
Valeriana officinalis

Common Names:
All Heal, European Valerian, garden valerian, garden heliotrope, setwall

Parts Used:
Dried root.

Properties:
Sedative, anti-anxiety, antispasmodic, relaxant, blood pressure reducer, hypnotic, hypotensive, carminative

Traditional Uses:
Teas, tinctures and capsules.

Topical Uses / Applications:

Culinary Uses:
Not used in cooking.

Chemical Properties:
Acetic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-ionone, calcium, caffeic acid, magnesium, manganese, quercitin, and valeric acid.

Folk Lore:

Cautions:
Taking excessive amounts may cause nausea and vomiting. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache, insomnia, racing heart, and general grouchiness, although rare after taking it for several months. Reduce dosage over a period of time, about a week to not experience withdrawal symptoms.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Resourses:
PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2000. Medical Economics Company, Montvale, New Jersey.
The New Holistic Herbal. David Hoffmann, 1990. Barnes and Noble Books, New York.
A Modern Herbal, Mrs. M. Grieve, (Dover Publications, New York, 1971)
Major Herbs of Ayurvedic.Compiled by Dahur Research Foundation and Dahur Ayurvet Limited, Ghaziabad, India., 2002. Churchill Livingstone, London, England.
Chinese Herbal Medicine — Mederia Medica, Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble, 1986. Eastland Press, Seattle, WA.