Benefits of Valerian Root

Valerian Root Helps Beat Insomnia

One of the first and most important benefits of valerian root consists in fighting insomnia.

Valerian root is widely known for its calmative effects and is largely used to treat sleeping disorders. It has anxiolytic and tranquilizing properties, and sleep-inducing and calming effects on the nervous system.

Valerian root is therefore very efficient in reducing sleeplessness and helping people who have to deal with restless nights and insomnia. It fights anxiety and nervousness, and lowers heart rate, relieving hypertension and tachycardia.

Owing to its sedative properties, valerian root is also useful in alleviating nervous disorders, such as panic attacks, depression, hysteria, excitability and others.

Valerian root contains a number of active constituents, including valerenic acid and various valepotriates, which are responsible for its sedative effects. It seems that these compounds are able to increase the effect of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), an amino-acid naturally produced in the brain, which has tranquilizing and mood-improving effects.

Valerian root seems to affect also the autonomic nervous system and relax tensed muscles.

Unlike other prescribed sleeping drugs, valerian root has just a few side effects and is not addictive. It also doesn’t cause morning drowsiness and grogginess, or sleepiness during the day.

Valerian Root Acts Also as an Efficient Pain Reliever

Apart from sleeping disorders, valerian root can be very useful in treating a variety of other ailments as well.

Valerian root acts as a natural muscle relaxant and is very effective in reducing pain. It also tranquilizes the nervous system, which in turn aids in alleviating different types of aches. Valerian root therefore helps getting rid of headaches and migraines, reduces menstrual cramps and muscle spasms, and relieves arthritis and other pains.

Owing to its muscle-relaxing properties, valerian root is also known to reduce stress-related digestive problems, by calming the digestive tract muscles. It is efficient in easing the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), flatulence, bloating, intestinal colic and other disorders caused by nervous tension.

Tips on Using Valerian Root Remedies

Valerian root is available in various forms, including capsules, tinctures, powder and dried extract for making tea.

The valerian root dosage depends on the ailment, and can vary from person to person. High doses can, however, produce negative effects, which goes for every herb and medicine. It does not always have an immediate effect, but recommended doses should never be altered.

Dosages of crude valerian root may vary from 2–10 grams per day, while standardized root extract can range from 200 to 600 mg. It is highly recommendable to consult your physician before deciding on the amount of valerian root to take.

Valerian root can be found in both standardized and unstandardized forms. It is always preferable to choose standardized products, which contain 0.8% valerenic or valeric acid. Make sure also that the product you are buying is 100% valerian, without substitutes or additional ingredients.

Caution:

Always carefully read the product label and follow the directions written on it. Speak to your doctor if you are taking other medicines or herbal and dietary supplements, because valerian root may interact with them. Also if you have a specific medical condition, consult your doctor before using valerian root.

Have you ever experienced some of the above mentioned benefits of the valerian root? If yes, leave a comment and let us know.