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Valerian Valeriana officinalis

Benefits | Preparation | Medicinal Uses | Side Effects | Plant | Folklore | Buy Bulk |


Common Names
Valerian ,
Botanical Name
Valeriana officinalis
Family
VALERIANACEAE Valerian family
Valerian Medicinal Properties & Benefits
Common Uses: Anxiety/Panic * Cough * Dysmenorrhea * Headache * Heart Tonics/Cordials * Insomnia * Menopause/Perimenopause * Pet care * Stop Smoking *
Properties: Nervine* Adaptogens* Sedative* Antispasmodic*
Parts Used: Roots
Constituents:Acetic acid, ascorbic acid, beta-ionone, calcium, caffeic acid, magnesium, manganese, quercitin, valeric acid


Sleeping problems can be treated
naturally with valerian

Valerian is without doubt the most widely recognized herbal sedative. It is used by herbalists for insomnia ,nervous anxiety and to help the body relax in the presence of pain. Although valerian is potent, it is neither habit-forming nor addictive. Valerian puts you to sleep but doesn't cause a morning hangover, interact with alcohol, or lead to addiction. Research shows that extracts of the root not only help you fall asleep faster but also improve sleep quality. Despite it's distinctly ripe, and somewhat offensive odor, it continues to be one of the most popular medicinal herbs worldwide. The odor is actually an indicator of the strength of the medicinal properties of the root, the more pungent, the better the quality. Valerian root generally does not lose effectiveness over time.

How to Use: Valerian
Preparation Methods :teas, tinctures, capsules
remedyRemedies using : Valerian
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referencesValerian Medicinal Uses & Benefits
Anti-anxiety
Here is a good, strong anti-anxiety herb. Its active ingredients, valepotriates, blind to benzodiazepine receptor sites in the brain- a mechanism similar to drugs like Valium. The herb, however, seems to be more beneficial to the nervous system, and does not cause dependence or tolerance.

Linda B. White, M.D., The Herbal Drugstore (2003)

Insomina, stop smoking
Can't sleep without a last puff? Valerian relaxes tense muscles, it can be used as a sleep aid if insomnia is one of your quitters symptoms.
Headaches, nerve tonic
Valerian is effective as an nerve tonic, and as a remedy for headaches and pain
Heart tonic
Valerian has a tonic effect on the heart, used in combination with hawthorn
Calms spasmodic coughing
Antispasmodic - calms spasmodic coughing and muscle tension - mixes well with licorice, coltsfoot, and mullein leaf in cough remedies.
Muscle relaxant, cramps
Valerian is a good muscle relaxant - often combined with cramp bark to soothe menstrual cramps
Menopausal tensions
Provides a grounding and stabilizing effect on women with menopausal tensions.

Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Healing for Women (1993)

Animal care- stress
Valerian is useful in animals to help relax them during stressful events like thunderstorms or trips to the vet. They can also help your companion rest easier while recovering from surgery and pain.
Promotes sleep, eases pain
The drug allays pain and promotes sleep. It is of especial use and benefit to those suffering from nervous overstrain, as it possesses none of the after-effects produced by narcotics.

Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Volume 2 (1931)

Side Effects:
Generally considered safe, large amounts can cause stomach upsets. In about 5 percent of the population, valerian acts as a stimulant, be aware of this effect if you are new to the herb
Plant Description


An attractive fern-like plant with fragrant pinkish flowers, the roots which hold the medicinal value are earthy , strong and pungent. There are several native species throughout North America, with size being the primary difference among them. The domestic plant can reach five feet in height and features lance-shaped leaves that get progressively smaller at the top. Flowers are borne in branched clusters of small white to pink blossoms. Once you become familiar with this plant, identification is as easy as scratching a root to release the unmistakable odor.

Folklore, Myths and Legends
History and Traditions
history The word Valerian occurs in the recipes of the Anglo Saxon leeches (eleventh century). Valeriana, Amantilla and Fu are used as synonymous in the Alphita, a mediaeval vocabulary of the important medical school of Salernum. Saladinus of Ascoli (about 1450) directs the collection in the month of August of radices fu, id est Valerianae. Referring to the name Amantilla, by which it was known in the fourteenth century, Professor Henslow quotes a curious recipe of that period, a translation of which runs as follows: 'Men who begin to fight and when you wish to stop them, give to them the juice of Amantilla id est Valeriana and peace will be made immediately.' M. Grieve
Astrology:
folkloreThis is under the influence of Mercury. Dioscorides saith, That the Garden Valerian has a warming faculty, and that being dried and given to drink it provokes urine, and helps the stranguary. Nicholas Culpeper
folkloreValerian is sedative to humans, but excites both cats and mice. In the legend of the Pied Piper of Hamlin, he baited the rodents with valerian to drive them out of the city. The flowers are used in charm bags to encourage love, protection and sleep.
References:
(1)Tillford, "Herbs for Pets", 225-227
mountain rose herbs

Common Misspellings: valerion root, valeriana

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Certified Organic Valerian essential oil
buyOrganic Valerian essential oil

Certified Organic Valerian Root
buyOrganic Valerian Root

Certified Organic Valerian root capsules
(Valeriana officinalis) 500mg/100 capsules
buyOrganic Valerian root capsules

Certified Organic Valerian extract
buyOrganic Valerian extract

Certified Organic Aromatherapy Oils: 100% pure steam distilled plant oils with an unsurpassable fragrance, exceptional depth, magnificent keynote.