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Valerian
Root comes from the Latin "valere", which means "to be in good health." It
has been used since ancient times to treat insomnia and nervous disturbances in
sleep. It was also used as a condiment in Europe during medieval times and as a
perfume during the 16th century. Valerian
Root has been used for food by many cultures. The Piute Indians ground it
for flour and the British used the roots in soup. In addition to its historical
uses, it is used today primarily to promote restful sleep and relax the central
nervous system. Valerian
Root contains a root stock which harbors many active compounds that
herbalists believe give this plant an amazing medicinal value.
Valerian
Root is an herb that people have used for centuries for anxiety and as a
sleep aid. It is also used to ease menstrual and stomach cramps.
Though research into the chemical properties of the herb is still under way,
scientists have already isolated over 150 bioactive phytochemicals. Some of the
phytochemicals believed to be responsible for its effects include valerenic
acids, valepotriates, tyrosine and GABA (Gamm-aminobutyric acid).
Valerian
Root contains many different constituents, including volatile oils that
appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous
system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A
receptors. According to test tube studies, Valerian
Root may weakly bind to these receptors to exert a sedating action. As Valerian
Root ages, it produces a substance known as isovaleric acid. This compound
and another acid known as valerenic acid are significant active ingredients that
are present in the volatile oils found in Valerian root. These volatile oils are
thought to be responsible for Valerian
Root's ability to relax the central nervous system and promote a good
night's sleep. Valerian
Roots contain several compounds with demonstrable pharmacological activity.
These include the essential oil and its sesquiterpenoids (valerenic acid), epoxy
iridoid esters (valepotriates) and their decomposition products such as
baldrinal and homobaldrinal, amino acids (arginine, GABA, glutamine, tyrosine)
and alkaloids.
Valerian
Root also contains small amounts of phenolic acids, flavonoids,
valerosidatum, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, choline, B-sitosterol, fatty
acids and various minerals.
Valerian's
Root has been shown to help fight insomnia in several cases. Promoting
sleep, many people use this supplement to help rest easier at night.
Valerian
Root is not an addictive substance & for this reason, its use is widely
accepted. Double blind studies have shown that Valerian root can decrease the
amount of time it takes for people with mild insomnia to fall asleep. Valerian
Root is also used to treat anxiety disorders and counteract stress. It has a
sedative effect that helps to relax the central nervous system and provide a
feeling of calmness. In addition to its use as a tranquilizer and sleep aid,
many herbalists also recommend Valerian
Root as a remedy for tension headaches and muscular pain because of its
ability to act as a muscle relaxant. Another of the health benefits of
Valerian
Root would be its ability to put the user in a calm and relaxed state,
helping to alleviate the effects of stress and anxiety.
Valerian
Root has also been used for such tasks as alleviating headaches, relieving
pain, improving menstrual flow and cramps, and also for helping irritable bowel
syndrome.
Valerian
Root also appears to be useful in relieving menopausal symptoms and
menstrual discomfort.. Best known for its calming effect, Valerian
Root is used in connection with insomnia and nervousness and related
conditions including anxiety, nervous restlessness, anxiety-induced headache or
upset stomach.
Valerian
Root has also been used in connection with depression, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), epilepsy, and migraines. However, no clinical
evidence substantiates its effectiveness for these uses.
Valerian
Root is being used as a sleep aid to help insomnia and other sleeping
problems.
Valerian
Root is an effective treatment for people with mild to moderately severe
insomnia.
Valerian
Root has proven effective at treating anxiety and restlessness.
Valerian
Root may be effective against common digestive problems brought on by
stress. The Greek physician recommended Valerian
Root for a host of medical issues, including digestive problems, nausea,
liver problems, and even urinary tract disorders. Use of Valerian
Root for insomnia and nervous conditions has been common for many
centuries and was also used for nervous disorders.
Though Valerian
Root is generally a very safe herbal supplement, possible side effects from
taking overly high amounts of Valerian
Root can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, grogginess, and palpitations
of the heart. Very high dosages may also impair the liver and the central
nervous system. Side effects such as mild headaches or gastrointestinal
disturbances may be experienced by a small percentage of users. These are
reported to be transient, so discontinuing supplementation of
Valerian
Root should resolve any potential side effects one might experience. |
