Valerian: The Scientific Name, Pharmacological and Clinical Uses

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a plant native to Europe and Asia. The Valerian root has traditionally been used as a sedative.

Valerian has a strong odour and may grow to be over 6 feet tall. It appears to have sedative properties for the brain and neurological system. Valerian has been utilised as a traditional medicine from the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Valerian is often used to treat sleep problems, particularly insomnia. Valerian is also claimed to treat anxiety, tension, and a variety of other illnesses, although there is no scientific evidence to back up the majority of these claims.

History of Valerian

Valerian has been used for a number of psychological and physical disorders since the times of ancient Greece, including insomnia, epilepsy, stress, anxiety, depression, ‘nervous headache’ and ‘shell shock’. Valerian is also used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hysteria. 

The German Commission E cited valerian root as a bath addition for moderate drowsiness and valerian oil as a cholera therapy during WWII. Several valerian species are used as gastrointestinal spasmolytics. They are used for hypertension, angina, asthma, menstrual cramps, biliary colic, and palpitations.

Benefits of Valerian

Valerian preparations are the most often used herbal tranquilisers, and valerian root extracts are frequently used to treat sleep disturbances. The influence on uneasiness and anxiety, such as examination anxiety or inner restlessness, has also been studied extensively. 

Many people who suffer from insomnia and anxiety throughout the day utilise Valeriana officinalis formulations. Valerian medicines are quite safe, with few negative effects as compared to manufactured pharmaceutical preparations.

Treatment of sleep problems with valerian

A third of all adults and a rising percentage of school-aged youngsters have trouble sleeping. Gentle herbal medications are frequently used to address this issue. Numerous studies have demonstrated Valerian’s usefulness in treating sleep disturbances. Valerian preparations are soothing and reduce disturbing thoughts, enabling sleep. They can also help you sleep through the night and enhance your sleep quality. The combination of sleep-inducing hops has been shown to work very well.

Valerian root is used to treat test anxiety, tension, and restlessness

Taking valerian extract can help to relieve anxiousness, tension, restlessness, and examination anxiety. Stress and anxiousness are reduced. In this scenario, substances comprising a mixture of diverse medicinal herbs are helpful, causing people affected to feel more relaxed but not asleep. 

Physical symptoms of worry and restlessness, such as spasms in the gastrointestinal tract or palpitations, can also be reduced. Extracts from valerian roots, butterbur roots, passiflora herb, and lemon balm leaves are ideal for this.

How Valerian Root Aids Relaxation and Sleep

If you have trouble sleeping, you may have tried natural sleep aids such as herbal pills.

Valerian is a plant with relaxing characteristics that is widely used as a component in sleep aid products.

This plant is commonly described as ‘nature’s Valium’, and it has been used to treat sleep problems such as insomnia since the Middle Ages.

What are the Side Effects of using Valerian?

The following are some of the most common valerian side effects:

• Disruptions in the heart

• Excitability

• Headache

• Hepatotoxicity 

• Insomnia 

• Sleepiness 

• Sedation 

• Unease

• Syndrome of withdrawal (chronic use)

For further information about side effects, consult your doctor.

Important Points

This gives an overview of valerian’s usage for insomnia and other sleep problems and includes the following essential information:

Valerian is a dietary supplement offered in the United States.

Although valerian constituents have been shown to produce sedative effects in animals, there is no scientific agreement on the mechanisms of action of valerian.

Although there have been few documented adverse effects, long-term safety data are not available.

Precautions and Warnings

There isn’t enough reliable information to say if valerian is safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding. To be on the safe side, avoid using.

Valerian is likely safe for youngsters when taken orally for 4-8 weeks.

Valerian is used in surgery to slow down the central nervous system. The central nervous system is also affected by anaesthesia and other drugs used during surgery. The combined consequences might be hazardous. Stop using valerian at least 2 weeks before surgery.

Conclusion

Some data show that valerian supplements can aid with sleep, anxiety, and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), menopause, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, research is still limited, and experts are still learning about the effects of valerian on human health.

Despite being regarded as reasonably safe and unlikely to have major adverse effects, valerian is not suitable for everyone.

This is why, before using valerian, you should consult with a healthcare expert, especially if you are taking pharmaceuticals or other herbal supplements, or if you have one or more health issues.