|
Benefits |
Preparation |
Medicinal Uses |
Side Effects |
Plant |
Folklore |
|
| Common Names |
| Valerian , |
| Botanical Name |
| Valeriana officinalis |
| Family |
| VALERIANACEAE Valerian family |
|
|
| |
|
|
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. |
|
Prep Methods :teas, tinctures, capsules
 Remedies using Valerian
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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. 595
(White,Linda B., M.D. ) | | 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. 939
| | Headaches, nerve tonic | | Valerian is effective as an nerve tonic, and as a remedy for headaches and pain 940
| | Heart tonic | | Valerian has a tonic effect on the heart, used in combination with hawthorn 942
| | Calms spasmodic coughing | | Antispasmodic - calms spasmodic coughing and muscle tension - mixes well with licorice, coltsfoot, and mullein leaf in cough remedies. 943
| | Muscle relaxant, cramps | | Valerian is a good muscle relaxant - often combined with cramp bark to soothe menstrual cramps 944
| | Menopausal tensions | | Provides a grounding and stabilizing effect on women with menopausal tensions. 945
(Gladstar, Rosemary ) | | 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. 1017
| | 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. 1230
(Grieve, Maude 828-829) |
|
| 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 |
|
 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.
|
|
 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 |
|
 This 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 |
 Valerian 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. |
|
|
