Valerian, also known as Valeriana officinalis, is a flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. Valerian roots have long been used as a herbal remedy to treat insomnia. The use of valerian root comes from the Greek and Roman Empire and is recognized by Hippocrates for many health benefits like treating headaches, palpitations, tremors, and heart palpitations. Since the 17th century, valerian has been used as a sedative and anti-stress drug in Europe. The product is trusted by many insomnia patients for its safety and effectiveness, which increases the number of good and deep sleep hours, tirelessly wake up the morning as other types of sleeping pills.
1. The active ingredient in Valerian Root
✅ Valerian contains a substance called valerenic acid that is thought to affect gamma-aminobutyric receptor (GABA) in the brain. It is believed that one of the goals of GABA is to control fear or anxiety. By doing so, valerian can act as a mild sedative and reduce anxiety.
2. Top 3 valerian root benefits
2.1 Valerian root benefits: Treatment of insomnia
✅ The most important active ingredient of Valerian is Valerenic acid and Valepotriates derivatives. They bind to the GABA receptor (the key acid that maintains brain activity, sleep) and helps prevent stress and insecurity in the central nervous area. This helps to restore the inhibition process of the brain, helping to reduce stimulation making it easier for patients to sleep. A study of 11,168 insomnia patients by German experts using Valerian showed that: 94% of patients with mild to moderate insomnia improved symptoms of difficulty sleeping, restless awake in the middle of the night, no longer tired when waking up.
✅ The high activity of Valeriana on neurological entities is similar to that of Benzodiazepine – sedative drugs, but it has the advantage that Valeriana officinalis is non-toxic, does not cause familiarity and dependence medication, and can be as addictive as using benzodiazepines. In particular, unlike sedative sedatives, long-term use of valerian is completely safe, does not cause side effects such as addiction, dependence, impaired concentration, memory loss, and impaired activity physically the next day.
2.2 Valerian root benefits: Anti-anxiety
✅ Today, clinical trials have also confirmed that preparations from Valeriana have sedative, analgesic, and stress-reducing properties while improving sleep in people who suffer from insomnia due to neurological causes. Especially insomnia in the elderly and premenopausal women. Valerian root is used by some as a safe and natural alternative to prescription anxiety medications, especially those such as clonazepam, diazepam, and lorazepam due to its effect on GABA receptors.
✅ In addition to reducing anxiety in response to acute stress, valerian root can also help treat chronic illnesses characterized by anxiety behaviors, such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In an 8-week study in adults with OCD, the group that used valerian extract daily showed a significant reduction in obsessive and compulsive behaviors when compared to the control group. Furthermore, unlike many drugs commonly used to treat OCD, valerian does not cause any significant side effects. ( According to healthline.com )
✅ Another study found that valerian may work for children who have difficulty maintaining focus or hyperactive behavior. In a study of 169 elementary school students, the combination of valerian oil and lemon improved concentration, increasing hyperactivity by more than 50% in the children with the most severe symptoms.
2.3 Valerian root benefits: Treatment of menopausal symptoms
✅ When women enter menopause, women often have abnormal changes such as insomnia, stress, hot flashes. The researchers found that valerian root extract could significantly reduce the symptoms of this period. In addition to helping women have a natural sleep, fighting anxiety, valerian root may also be helpful in reducing hot flashes that often affect women during menopause. A 2013 study from Iran involving 68 menopausal women reported that valerian capsules, when taken three times daily with a dose of 225 milligrams for eight weeks, reduced the severity and frequency of hot flashes versus placebo.
3. Notes when using Valerian
When you use Valerian extract or supplements containing the Valerian ingredient, you should keep the following in mind :
- Most clinical studies have shown that valerian root is well tolerated and safe for short-term use. However, side effects can still occur but tend to be mild, including headache, dizziness, itching, stomach pain, dry mouth, and daytime drowsiness.
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, you should only take the medication as recommended by your doctor.
- When using Valerian, it’s best to monitor liver enzymes regularly to make sure the liver is still healthy and functioning. In addition, if you have any signs of liver failure, including prolonged fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or jaundice/yellowing of your eyes, you should stop using valerian and contact your doctor for complete information multiply.
- Valerian can cause excessive drowsiness if combined with alcohol, sedatives, some antidepressants, and sleeping pills should avoid using them together.
Recommended for you
🎁 Nature’s Way Valerian Root
✅ Nature’s Way is the preeminent brand of quality dietary supplements with over 1,000 product offerings. They have been at the forefront of the herbal health industry. An early leader in educating consumers and retailers on the effectiveness and safety of herbal supplements, they have always supported legislative efforts that help protect health freedoms, and are constantly striving to promote better health through the power of nature. Nature’s Way Valerian Root is guaranteed to contain valerenic acid to promote relaxation and restful sleep. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking sedatives, or tranquilizers. Avoid alcohol and do not drive or operate machinery. Directions: Take 3 capsules one hour before bedtime.
🎁 Herb Pharm Certified Organic Valerian Root Liquid Extract
✅ Herb Pharm prepares Valerian to extract from the fresh (never dried) root and rhizome of Organic Valeriana officinalis plants. The rhizome & root are harvested in autumn and are then promptly extracted while still fresh and succulent. Herb Pharm Organic Valerian Root Liquid Extract for Relaxation and Restful Sleep, Organic Cane Alcohol. Directions: Shake well before using. Two to five times per day take 30 to 40 drops in a little water.
🎁 Traditional Medicinals Organic Nighty Night Valerian Relaxation Tea
✅ From field to cup, Traditional Medicinals make sure their teas deliver the benefits of these amazing plants. To deliver consistently high-quality teas, they source organically farmed or organically wild-collected herbs from ethical trading partnerships, seeking out medicinal-grade plants. Only a small fraction of the world’s herb supply meets its high-quality standards.
✅ Promotes a good night’s sleep with the extra power of valerian. Taste: Earthy, minty, and satisfyingly herbal. To create our strongest sleep formula, they blended valerian with complementary herbs like passionflower, lemon balm, and peppermint to mellow you out and help you sleep easy. Safety Information: Consult your healthcare practitioner if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 2 weeks; if you are taking medications with sedative properties; if you have depression and/or related diseases, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consumption of alcohol is not recommended. Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle, or involved in activities requiring mental alertness within 2 hours of consumption.
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