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Valerian
- The Calming Sleep Aid
Valerian
Root
In the wild, Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is found
in high pastures and dry heath land. It flowers in late spring.
The principle components used for medicinal purposes are the
roots and rhizomes, which are typically harvested in September
and then dried to produce the commonly available herbal product.
Valerian is also known by various folk names: All-Heal, Amantilla,
Bloody Butcher, Capon's Trailer, Cat's Valerian, English Valerian,
Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St.
George's Herb, Sets Wale, Set Well, and Vandal Root.
Unlike many other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits
of the effects of valerian root it is necessary to use it on
a regular basis, with the full effects coming to fruition slowly
and steadily over time.
It should be used for about one month to produce results. Regular
use of valerian root promotes deep relaxation and sleep.
Studies suggest that valerian is by far the best natural solution
for insomnia and general sleeplessness for most individuals.
Research by P.D. Leatherwood, Ph.D., and F. Chauffard, Ph.D.,
at Nestlé Research Laboratories in Switzerland, determined
that a 450 mg dose of valerian in an aqueous extract is the
optimum dose as an insomnia treatment; a higher dose typically
results in grogginess without increasing effectiveness, and
therefore care should be taken when administering valerian as
a treatment for insomnia.
Furthermore, in 1982 Leatherwood and colleagues performed a
double-blind crossover study of 128 subjects, which found valerian
root to not only be effective as a sedative for insomnia, but
also effective in improving the overall quality of sleep in
test subjects.
The effects of valerian on the body are similar to that of benzodiazepine,
an active ingredient in Valium™, but without dulling effects
or next-day lethargy (it has been suggested that Valium’s name
was inspired by valerian, although the two are completely different
chemically and should not be confused as being the same or even
related).
Valerian is commonly prescribed as a calming sleep aid and widely
recommended for treating anxiety-related sleep problems.
Unlike other commonly prescribed sleep medication, it is entirely
nontoxic, does not impair the ability to drive or operate heavy
machinery, nor does it exaggerate the effects of alcohol.
It has been documented that valerian can act as a delayed stimulant
for some individuals depending on body chemistry.
In the case of certain metabolic conditions, the effect is one
of initially calming them down only to cause a surge of energy
several hours later – not an effect desired by those interested
in using valerian as a nighttime sleeping remedy.
Some professional herbalists suggest taking fresh valerian root
extract as opposed to extract from dried valerian, as it is
less likely to cause such a reaction.
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