Valerian is an attractive perennial with pretty pink flowers. It grows throughout Europe and is now established in North America. The root has been used medicinally as far back as the 1st century AD. Valerian was used to treat soldiers with ‘shell shock’ during World War II.
Medicinal Properties of Valerian
Valerian contains many active constituents, including volatile oils, irridoids and alkaloids. Valerian influences levels of GABA, an amino acid found in the brain, which helps combat stress. This herb taken in small doses is calming without causing drowsiness. Larger doses become mildly sedative and help restore regular sleep patterns. As a bonus Valerian is an effective antispasmodic and analgesic, which is of use in cramps of the digestive system.
Valerian Herbal Remedies
Our herbalists recommend Valerian for the following disorders:
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome
Anxiety
Atypical Facial Pain
Dysphagia
Entropion
Globus
High blood pressure
Hyperventilation
Hysteria
Insomnia Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
The healthy heart program
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis
Neuralgia
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
panic attacks
Parkinson’s disease
Portal hypertension
Sleep disorders
Spasticity
Other Valerian Information
Valerian is one of the best herbs for stress and the digestive problems associated with stress, such as IBS. It is also useful for colic and stomach cramps and for reducing night-time pain. It is available in tablets, capsules or tincture, and it is often combined with the herb, Passiflora.
Valerian can be used in tincture form for children 1 year of age and above. Herb tincture dosage is lower than adult levels – a simple guide for children is one drop per stone of weight.
Side Effects of Valerian
Valerian is a very safe herb and there are no known contra-indications. It is also safe to use during pregnancy and when breast-feeding.
When this article was written there were no well-known negative drug interactions with the herb Valerian.
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