Valerian, Flowering
(also referred to as...)
Garden Heliotrope
Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis
Family: Valerianceae
Description
Valerian is native to Europe and Asia and has been naturalized in North America. It prefers moist soil in sun or shade and is often found growing wild among grasslands, ditches, swamps, meadows, and near streams. The 1.5 metre tall perennial has irregularly divided leaves and dense clusters of small, scented pink or white flowers. Its summer blooms are followed by seeds with a tuft of white hair.
The name "valerian" may be derived from the Latin "valere" meaning "to be well". This nervine herb has a calming, relaxing, sedating effect on the body and has been in use for quite some time. Valerian was used by Hippocrates in 400 BCE and it also appears in Anglo-Saxon herbals. In the 10th century, Valerian was recommended by Arab physicians. It was used during World War I to treat shellshock (loss of memory and other functions due to prolonged psychological strain) and prescribed to English citizens during WWII to help cope with air raids.
Valerian contains valepotriate, valeric acid, valeranic acid, and valereal. These volatile oils and associated compounds make this herb quite therapeutic and account for its strong, potent "aroma". It is often combined with a mint when prepared as a tea.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
The calming effects of this herb make it ideal for those suffering from anxiety disorder, nervous tension, or stress. It helps the body slow down, reduce tension, and generally promote a relaxed state.
Valerian is often used as a sedative to treat insomnia or promote a good, restful sleep. It is useful for insomnia as it improves overall sleep quality and reduces nighttime awakenings. This herb does not cause the morning "hangover" often experienced by those taking barbiturates /sleeping pills. It also has muscle relaxant, painkiller, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Valerian can be used topically as a compress soaked in tincture for bruising, especially deep bruising, crushing wounds. This herb is also used to treat cramps, migraine headaches, rheumatic pain, and exhaustion.
Valeric acid is considered the "active" ingredient. Many preparations contain 0.8% of this compound. The roots also contain iridoids known as "valepotriates" which regulate nervous system function
Source
Rhizomes, roots, and stolons.
Preparations
Compress: Soak cloth in strong infusion and apply as needed. You may also use tincture.
Infusion: Prepare 1/2 to 1 tsp. in hot water.
Supplement: Capsules are the preferred method of use as valerian has a rather displeasing taste and smell. Take 150 to 300mg daily. You may also look for preparations standardized to 0.8% valeric acid. The lower dosage will help relieve anxiety while the higher dosage will promote sleep.
Tincture: Take 60 to 100 drops three times daily.
Valerian can be combined with scullcap to reduce tension, passionflower and hops to relieve insomnia, crampbark to reduce cramps, licorice and hyssop to ease coughs, and St. John's wort to help heal bruising wounds.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Valerian can have a sedating effect on the body and can cause drowsiness. Do not use while driving, operating heavy/precision machinery, or performing any other activity requiring a high, acute, level of awareness.
Do not take valerian with prescription barbiturates as effects may be compounded.
Valerian causes hyperactivity in a small percentage of people.
Potential toxicity from valepotriates is avoided due to the rapid degradation of these constituents during preparation. Oral ingestion of valepotriates is countered by poor absorption of the toxic elements.
Prolonged use at high doses may lead to headaches and palpitations.
Ailment / Situation Listing
