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Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
Description
Valerian grows wild in woodlands, along river banks and in
wet meadows throughout Europe. Valerian is not generally used
as a food. However, the herb is listed as a natural food flavouring.
Numerous human studies support the traditional use of valerian
as a mild sedative.
Herbal Uses
Valerian is stated to possess
sedative activity, as a sedative, offers mild Pain relief
and is a hypnotic, antispasmodic (relieves muscle spasms),
carminative (relieves flatulence and associated colic) and
has hypotensive properties (reduces blood pressure). Valerian
is traditionally used in the treatment of nervous conditions.
Suggested Intakes
Part of the plant used:
ROOT.
Herb powder, 0.3-1.0 g three
times daily.
Supplemental Uses
Valerian has been used for
hysterical states, excitability (easily irritated), Insomnia,
hyperchondriasis (Anxiety about state of health), Migraine,
Cramp, irritated gut, rheumatic Pains, severe menstrual pain
and people who are "on edge".
Calming and Soothing:
The sedative properties of valerian are well documented. The
valepotriates help slow down the central nervous system (1-3)
- giving a calming effect on the nerves, the muscles and the
heart. This accounts for valerian’s overall soothing
and calming effect. People with Insomnia who take valerian
generally experience more restful and easier transition to
sleep than people who take standard sleep medications or nothing
at all (4,5). It has been recently suggested that valerian
may be most effective under prolonged use (6).
Digestive relaxant:
Valerian has been shown to stop spasms in the "smooth"
muscle of the digestive tract (7) stopping Cramps and discomfort.
Sleep quality and
Duration:
Valerian’s sedative properties are especially useful
for maintaining sleep quality and duration. Valerian has been
shown to reduce waking up too often and decrease restlessness
and tension. Unlike some medication, valerian maintains healthy
sleep without a feeling of tiredness the next day (8-11).
Safety and Precautions
Valerian is reported to
be free from side effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women
should consult with a qualified medical health professional
before taking valerian, due to a lack of safety data during
these times.
This herb is not recommended
for use by children.
Valerian should not be taken
in situations that require you to stay alert. However, research
shows that valerian does not impair the ability to drive or
operate machinery (13).
Interactions and Contra-Indications
Valerian is not to be used
whilst on sedative medication or other prescribed drugs which
affect the central nervous system.
Unlike prescribed tranquillisers,
valerian does not cause dangerous effects if taken with alcohol.
References
1. Hendricks H et
al. Pharmacological screening of valerenal and some other
components of essential oil of Valeriana officinalis. Planta
Med, 42:62-68, 1981.
2. Wagner H et al. Comparative studies on the sedative action
of Valeriana extracts. valepotriates and their degradation
products. Planta Med, 39:358-365, 1980.
3. Hendricks H et al. Central nervous depressant activity
of valerenic acid in the mouse. Planta Med, 51:28-31, 1985.
4. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box R. Aqueous
extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L) improves
sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1982;17:65-71.
5. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian
reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Med 1985;51:144-48.
6. Schulz V, et al. Rational phytotherapy. New York: Springer-Verlag,
1998: 81.
7. Hazalhoff B, Malingre TM and Meijer DK. Antispasmodic effects
of Valeriana compounds: An in vivo and in vitro study on the
guinea pig ileum. Arch Int Pharmacodyn, 257:274-287, 1982.
8. Leathwood PD et al. Aqueous extract of valerian root improves
sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, 17:65-71, 1982.
9. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian
reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Med, 51:144-148,
1985.
10. Balderer G, Borbely AA. Effect of valerian on human sleep.
Psychopharmacology, 87:406-409, 1985.
11. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Quantifying the effects of
mild sedatives. J Psychiatr Res, 17:115-122, 1983.
12. Effect of Valeriana officinalis L. on subjective and objective
sleep parameters. In: "Sleep 1982, 6th Eur Congr Sleep
Res", P D Leathwood, Karger, 1983.
13. Albrecht M, Berger W, et al. Psychopharmaceuticals and
safety in traffic. Zeits Allegmeinmed 1995;71:1215-21 [in
German]. | 
