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Usage
Primarily for
insomnia, Valerian works like a
sedative helping you to relax,
and to sleep deeply and
restfully, reducing night
awakenings as well as increasing
dream recall the next day. It is
also sometimes used for relief
from anxiety and stress. It has
also been found to be useful for
cramping, dysmenorrhea, rheumatic
pains, epilepsy, and
nerve-related high blood
pressure.
History
Valerian
derives its name, in part, from
the Latin word valere meaning to
make strong. Additionally the
term can be translated to mean to
be in good health. It was
commonly used long before the
Romans came to power, was widely
popular in Medieval times. Today
it is commercially cultivated in
Belgium, Holland, England, and
India for medicine -- mostly for
its tranquilizing effects for
disorders of the nervous system.
Used anciently and promoted in
the tenth century by Arab
physicians, this native of Europe
and Western Asia is still very
popular in Europe today. It is
also used as a flavoring agent in
foods and beverages.
Additional
Information
Valerian Root has been
extensively researched and is
used worldwide for its calming
and relaxing effects. Valerian is
most effective in nervous
conditions which are
stress-induced. It has achieved
wide acclaim as a mild,
non-tranquilizing sedative in
Europe and is available there in
a variety of proprietary
preparations.
According
to the structure/function claim
documentation, the European
extracts in the line have removed
valepotriates, the fraction that
was previously believed to be
carcinogenic. Recent studies have
indicated that this fraction is
both safe and also very highly
volatile which means that very
little is left in whole-root
products.
Modern phytomedicine
preparations of Valerian root are
typically concentrated extracts
with a minimum volatile oil
content of 0.5%. This portion of
the root is high in constituents
like valeric acid that are
largely responsible for
Valerian's sedating properties.
Research has indicated the
ability of Valerian root to
decrease the time it takes a
person to get to sleep. Clinical
studies have demonstrated
Valerian's ability to both help a
person to get to sleep and also
have a deeper, more restful
night's sleep.
A recent study in Germany
compared the sleep of volunteers
taking either a standardized
Valerian product, combining a
concentrated extract of Valerian
root and an extract of Lemon
Balm, or the benzodiazepine
Halcyon. Sleep was monitored over
nine nights. Both groups showed a
significant improvement in
ability to get to sleep as well
as quality of sleep. However, the
Halcyon group showed problems
with
""hangover""
whereas the Valerian/Lemon Balm
group showed no impairment of
their daily routine.
Based on these reports and
regular medical use, Valerian has
become the natural medicine
treatment of choice for persons
suffering from insomnia both in
Europe and the United States.
Valerian's non-addictive
properties make it a logical
alternative to the potentially
addictive drugs commonly
recommended for sleep in this
country.
Valerian actually has a
weak binding of the same
receptors in the brain that the
group of drugs known as
benzodiazepines bind. It is
important to note that the active
compounds in Valerian act weakly
when binding benodiazepine
reports compared to drugs like
Valium and Xanax. While this
action helps explain Valerian's
ability to act as a sedative, it
is not associated with the
dependence and potential
addiction common with the
above-mentioned drugs.
Valium is not related in
any way to the herb Valerian.
Although the names sound similar
and both are used in the
treatment of insomnia and
anxiety, the association ends
there. Valerian is free of the
side effects the prescription
drug Valium often has.
An intriguing area of
clinical application for Valerian
Combination products is persons
attempting to withdraw from
benzodiazepines. Clinical
experience is indicating that
Valerian extracts may ease the
withdrawal symptoms and serve as
a non-addictive substitute for
benzodiazepines in long-term
treatment of anxiety. The use of
Valerian root and Valerian
combination products for anxiety
includes the use of the herb
during the day as well as night.
Use of Valerian during withdrawal
from benzodiazepines should only
be done under the supervision of
a healthcare professional.
Usage Warnings
There is some controversy
regarding whether it is safe for
pregnant or lactating women.
European Pharmacopoeias list no
contraindication to use of
Valerian root during pregnancy or
lactation. However, as a general
rule, caution and moderation are
advised wPersons taking sedatives
or antidepressants should consult
their physician before taking
Valerian. Should not be used by
children under 12 years of
age.Concomitant use of Valerian
with alcoholic beverages is
contraindicated. Alcohol will
increase the sedating effect.
Although Valerian is not known to
over-sedate as a rule,
individuals should be urged to
avoid driving or operating heavy
equipment if taking large doses
as drowsiness may result. Also,
Valerian root should not be taken
in large dosages for prolonged
periods of time. Valerian should
be avoided for those with a
nervous condition characterized
as hot, overactive, or excitable.
(Other more passive remedies such
as Scullcap or Passion Flower
should be recommended in these
cases.)
*This
statement has not been evaluated
by the Food and Drug
Administration. This product is
not intended to diagnose, treat,
prevent or cure any disease.
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