Valerian

Valerian Valerian is used for insomnia and other disorders as an alternative to benzodiazepine drugs, and as a sedative for nervous tension, hysteria, excitability, stress and intestinal colic or cramps... to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel syndrome...It has been recommended for epilepsy,...Valerian root generally does not lose effectiveness over time... Continued Below

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Valerian(Valeriana officinalis) has nervine, anti-spasmodic, calmative, hypotensive, and emmenagogue (an herb that stimulates menstruation) properties and have been used traditionally for insomnia, headache, hyperactivity, hyper-excitability, hypertension, heart disease, afterbirth pains, anxiety, tension, stress, nervous stomach, palpitations, PMS, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, sleep disorders, urinary tract disorders, depression, bronchial spasms, lingering coughs, and as a sleep aid.

Greek Valerian A Different Plant-Polemonium reptans Back To Top

Valerian is intended for relief from occasional sleeplessness. It can also be taken during the day at lower dosages for occasional restlessness. Valerian has been used in Europe for centuries as an effective and gentle sleep aid.

Valerian officinalis Root Back To Top

Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Valerian root for 'Restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions.' 'Dosage: Unless otherwise prescribed: Infusions: 2 - 3 g of drug per cup, once to several times per day. Tincture: ½ - 1 teaspoon (1 - 3 ml), once to several times per day. Extracts: Amount equivalent to 2 - 3 g of drug, once to several times per day. External Use: 100 g for one full bath; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: Internal: As expressed juice from fresh plants, tincture, extracts, and other galenical preparations. External: As a bath additive. Actions: Sedative: Sleep-promoting'

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The World Health Organization also recommends Valerian as a mild sedative, pain-reliever and sleep-promoting agent. Valerian root contains many constituents, including essential oils that appear to contribute to the herb's sedating qualities. Contemporary clinical studies have demonstrated that Valerian significantly improves sleep quality without morning grogginess. Regular, moderate use produces neither dependency nor health risks.   Valerian was included in many editions of the United States Dispensatory (Merck) since 1849, which reported the herb's effect on the nervous system and its ability to produce drowsiness and sleep. Various valerian species are still included in the pharmacopoeiae of many nations including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

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Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Valerian is a powerful nervine, stimulant, carminative and antispasmodic.' 'The drug allays pain and promotes sleep. It is of special use and benefit to those suffering from nervous overstrain, as it possesses none of the after-effects produced by narcotics.' 'During the War, when air-raids were a serious strain on the overwrought nerves of civilian men and women, Valerian...was..prescribed with other simple ingredients, taken in a single dose....

Golden Valerian A Different Plant-Patrinia scabiosifolia Back To Top

Primary Usage: Pain, Insomnia, Anxiety, Cramps. Indications: Valerian has a long history of use as a sedative and sleep aid. Valerian is arguably the strongest western herbal central nervous system sedative. Studies have shown that an extract of this herb can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep without changing the normal stages of sleep. It is also used as an antispasmodic particularly for abdominal cramps due to nervousness and for uterine cramps and premenstrual tension. This herb is useful as a mild tranquilizer for people experiencing emotional stress and is sometimes used in place of anti anxiety drugs. Some herbalists have also recommended it for tension headaches bronchial spasms lingering coughs and as a muscle relaxant to treat pain.

Red Valerian A Different Species-Just a Garden Flower Back To Top

Valerian Root, Officinalis D, 1oz.--- Ultimate Support for Refreshing & Revitalizing Sleep. Promotes Restfulness and Supports the Body During Occasional Times of Stress. Encourages Trophorestoration of the Nervous System*. Although valerian grows wild all over Europe, most of the valerian used for medicinal extracts is cultivated. The root is used in herbal medicine preparations. Ingredients: Valerian Root. Directions: Take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water twice within 1 hour before bedtime. Gaia's Valerian Root Officinalis D 1oz The Best Current Available Price ! See All Of Mother's Tinctures and Extracts

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The United States Pharmacopeial Convention has accepted a valerian monograph for inclusion in the National Formulary (Pharmacopeial Forum, 1998). Valerian roots contain several compounds with demonstrable pharmacological activity. Valerian analyses have primarily focused on the essential oil, valerenic acid and valepotriates. In the United States, the essential oil and valerenic acid are commonly used as marker compounds for qualitative and quantitative analysis of valerian root and valerian products.

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Used for beneficial properties at the time of Hippocrates in the 4th and 5th centuries B.C., Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is native to England, Europe and the United States. Valerian derives its name from the Latin valere, "to be strong" referring to both the health benefits of the plant as well as its distinct odor. It was also referred to as "All-Heal" during the Middle Ages in Britain. In centuries past, it was taken for its soothing, beneficial effect, used as a condiment during medieval times and as a perfume during the 16th century. Today, Valerian Root is used throughout Europe and the U.S. For more than 75 years, long before it became fashionable, Alvita was championing the profound health-giving properties of herbal teas. We travel to the far reaches of the globe for the finest herbs, the best growers, the most precious sources. Small wonder that so many consumers trust the Alvita name. Today, it stands for more than 100 different teas, including classic single herb varieties, and our unique Alvita blends. The package you are reading about combines ancient herbal wisdom with modern science, and brings to you all the richness and benefits of herbal teas. This philosophy is the very reason why you will find sensible, English pillow style tea bags that are oxygen bleached, not chlorine treated. And why you won't find any strings, tags or staples. We thank you for choosing our products, but more importantly, we thank you for the trust you've put in the herbal values that we all share. "Alvita Natural herb teas that are good for you and the environment". Supplement Facts: Valerian root, Caffeine Free. Directions: The best way to make a good cup of tea is by the infusion method. Place one tea bag in a cup and add no more than 6 oz. of boiling water. Let steep for 3 minutes. Press the bag before removing to enhance the flavor. Add honey to sweeten. Warnings: May cause drowsiness. Do not use when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery. Do not use if you are taking sedatives or tranquilizers without first consulting a health care professional. Not for those under the age of 18. Alvita Tea's Valerian Root Tea 24Bags The Best Current Available Price ! See All Of Mother's Medicinal Herbal Teas

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Valerian root is a perennial herb that is harvested from its natural environment in the rich shady woods and damp meadows of Europe. Although the flowers are beautiful and sweet-smelling, it is the pungent root that is most sought after today. Used since ancient times, valerian root is as popular today as ever for its beneficial properties.

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For nervousness, anxiety, and stress-related hypertension. Description: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, fresh Autumn-harvested root). For nervousness, anxiety, and stress-related hypertension. Use for insomnia, emotional depression, poor sleep from pain or trauma, and gastro-intestinal or uterine cramps, especially in the weakened person. Herbs for Kids Valerian Super Calm Alcohol-Free 1 fl oz    The Best Current Available Price!    See All Of Mother's Tinctures and Extracts

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Fall Asleep Easily. Melatonin & Valerian Formula. Dietary Supplement. Herbal Slumber, Melatonin Formula! It's So Important To Get a Good Night's Sleep! Getting a good night's sleep and waking up feeling refreshed is critical to your physical and emotional well-being. Sleep helps renew energy, revive the mind and even helps the body maintain optimum health. Herbal Slumber Melatonin Helps You Fall Asleep Easily!* The Herbal Slumber formula is a powerful blend of relaxing ingredients, including Melatonin, which studies indicate actually helps you to get to sleep without morning grogginess. Herbal Slumber More Than Just Melatonin! For most people Melatonin produces remarkable results, helping induce deep, restful sleep. But the effects of Melatonin are variable. That's why Herbal Slumber blends a unique complement of natural ingredients know to help you relax, fall asleep and renew your energy reserve. * MELATONIN A hormone which studies indicate helps increase sleep efficiency.** VALERIAN. A natural herb known to help relieve tension and induce sleep.** CHAMOMILE AND HOPS. Popular natural herbs used in sleep preparations.* If you have a medical condition, or are using any prescription drug, antidepressants, antihistamines, antihypertensives or other agents that affect mood and sleep, consult your doctor before using this product. Use only as directed. Store at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use if inner seal is broken. " Label Information...Herbal Slumber, Natural Balance, 60 Capsules. Natural Balance's Herbal Slumber Melatonin And Valerian Formula 60Caps The Best Current Available Price ! Suggested Use: Take two capsules before bedtime. Supplement Facts: Serving Size: 2 Capsules. Servings Per Container: 30. Amount Per Serving % Daily Value: Magnesium (as glycinate) 24 mg 6%, Proprietary Blend 580 mg Valerian (root extract and powder), Hops (strobiles extract), * Chamomille (flower extract), * Licorice (root), * Fennel (seed), *Melatonin 2 mg, **Daily Value not established. Other Ingredients: Gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate. Note: May cause drowsiness. Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or considering a pregnancy.

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Valerian

Valerian has a remarkable influence on the cerebro-spinal system, and is used as a sedative to the higher nerve centres in conditions of nervous unrest, St. Vitus's dance, hypochrondriasis, neuralgic pains and the like.

Valerian preparations appear to be candidates for safe and effective nonaddictive alternatives to conventional sleep medications.

Valerian is widely used as a sedative and antispasmodic in the United States.

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Valerian

Valerian is a traditional herbal sleep remedy that has been studied with a variety of methodologic designs using multiple dosages and preparations. Research has focused on subjective evaluations of sleep patterns, particularly sleep latency, and study populations have primarily consisted of self-described poor sleepers. Valerian improves subjective experiences of sleep when taken nightly over one- to two-week periods, and it appears to be a safe sedative/hypnotic choice in patients with mild to moderate insomnia. 

Examination of the study subgroups showed that the positive effects of valerian extract on sleep were most significant in older male patients who considered themselves to be poor sleepers, female poor sleepers, younger poor sleepers, smokers, and those who habitually have lengthy sleep latencies. Subjects who rated themselves as habitually good sleepers were largely unaffected by the valerian extract.4

Another RCT17 compared 120 mg of kava (LI 150), 600 mg of valerian (LI 156), and placebo taken daily for seven days in relieving physiologic measures of stress induced under laboratory conditions in 54 healthy volunteers. Valerian and kava, but not placebo, significantly decreased systolic blood pressure responsivity, heart rate reaction, and self-reported stress. (NOTE: “LI 156” is an identification number referring to the specific herb and the manufacturer; in this case, Lichtwer Pharma UK, Ltd.)

 Valerian may potentiate the sedative effects of barbiturates, anesthetics, and other central nervous system depressants.21

from: http://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0415/p1755.html

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Valerian

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers which bloom in the summer months. Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume in the sixteenth century.

Other names used for this plant include garden valerian (to distinguish it from other Valeriana species), garden heliotrope (although not related to Heliotropium) and all-heal. The garden flower red valerian is also sometimes referred to as "valerian", but is a different species from the same family and not very closely related.

The amino acid valine is named after this plant.

History

Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia. In medieval Sweden, it was sometimes placed in the wedding clothes of the groom to ward off the "envy" of the elves. Valerian can also be consumed as a tea.

Valerian extract

Biochemical composition

Known compounds detected in valerian that may contribute to its method of action are:

• Alkaloids: actinidine, chatinine, shyanthine, valerianine, and valerine.
• Isovaleramide may be created in the extraction process.
• Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
• Isovaleric acid.
• Iridoids, including valepotriates: isovaltrate and valtrate.
• Sesquiterpenes (contained in the Volatile oil): valerenic acid, hydroxyvalerenic acid and acetoxyvalerenic acid.
• Flavanones: hesperidin, 6-methylapigenin and linarin.

Mechanism of action

Because of valerian's historical use as a sedative, anticonvulsant, migraine treatment and pain reliever, most basic science research has been directed at the interaction of valerian constituents with the GABA neurotransmitter receptor system. These studies remain inconclusive and all require independent replication. The mechanism of action of valerian in general, and as a mild sedative in particular, remains unknown. Valerian extracts appear to have some affinity for the GABAA receptor, a class of receptors on which benzodiazepines are known to act.

Valerian also contains isovaltrate, which has been shown to be an inverse agonist for adenosine A1 receptor sites. This action likely does not contribute to the herb's sedative effects, which would be expected from an agonist, rather than an inverse agonist, at this particular binding site. Hydrophilic extractions of the herb commonly sold over-the-counter, however, probably do not contain significant amounts of isovaltrate (according to the paper cited previously).

Preparation

The chief constituent of valerian is a yellowish-green to brownish-yellow oil which is present in the dried root, varying from 0.5 to 2.0 percent, though an average yield rarely exceeds 0.8 percent. This variation in quantity is partly explained by location; a dry, stony soil, yields a root richer in oil than one that is moist and fertile. The volatile oils that form the active ingredient are extremely pungent, somewhat reminiscent of well-matured cheese. Valerian tea should not be prepared with boiling water, as this may drive off the lighter oils.

Medicinal use

Valerian is used for insomnia and other disorders as an alternative to benzodiazepine drugs, and as a sedative for nervous tension, hysteria, excitability, stress and intestinal colic or cramps. However, some of these research studies have shown it to be ineffective in this use.

In the United States, valerian is sold as a nutritional supplement. Therapeutic use has increased as dietary supplements have gained in popularity, especially after the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act was passed in 1994. This law allowed the distribution of many agents as over-the-counter supplements, and therefore allowed them to bypass the regulatory requirements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Despite the above mentioned studies finding valerian ineffective as an alternative for benzodiazepines, valerian is used for sleeping disorders, restlessness and anxiety, and as a muscle relaxant. Valerian often seems only to work when taken over longer periods (several weeks), though many users find that it takes effect immediately. Some studies have demonstrated that valerian extracts interact with the GABA receptors. Valerian is also used traditionally to treat gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel syndrome. However, long term safety studies are absent.

Valerian is sometimes recommended as a first-line treatment when risk-benefit analysis dictates. Valerian is often indicated as transition medication when discontinuing benzodiazepines.

Valerian has uses in herbal medicine as a sedative. The main current use of valerian is as a remedy for insomnia, with a recent meta-analysis providing some evidence of effectiveness. It has been recommended for epilepsy, but that is not supported by research (although valproic acid—an analogue of one of valerian's constituents, valeric acid—is used as an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug). Valerian root generally does not lose effectiveness over time.

While shown to be an effective remedy for the reduction of anxiety, it has also been reported to cause agitation, headaches and night terrors in some individuals. This may be due to the fact that some people lack a digestive conversion property necessary to effectively break it down.

One study found valerian tends to sedate the agitated person and stimulate the fatigued person, bringing about a balancing effect on the system.

In ayurveda, valerian is considered to work on the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems as a stimulant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, analeptic, carminative, and nervine. While it's used for various disorders of these systems, it is noted that excessively, it may dull the mind or cause severe conditions such as central paralysis, thus it is recommended to be used under the supervision of an ayurvedic doctor. Possibly because of its dulling effects, another herb is mainly used for nerve and mind disorders like insomnia: jatamamsi(nardostachys jatamansi).

Oral forms, usage and adverse effects

Oral forms

Oral forms are available in both standardized and unstandardized forms. Standardized products may be preferable considering the wide variation of the chemicals in the dried root, as noted above. When standardized, it is done so as a percentage of valerenic acid or valeric acid.

Dosage

Dosage is difficult to determine due to the lack of standardization and variability in available forms. Typical dosages of the crude herb vary from 2-10 grams per day. Valerian root is nontoxic, but may cause side effects, such as giddiness and disorientation, when taken in large excessive doses.

Adverse effects

Few adverse events attributable to valerian have been reported. Large doses or chronic use may result in stomach ache, apathy, and a feeling of mental dullness or mild depression. Because of the herb's tranquilizer properties, it may cause dizziness or drowsiness, effects that should be considered before driving or operating heavy or hazardous equipment. In some individuals, valerian can cause stomach ache, anxiety, and night terrors (see above).

Though some people like the earthy scent, many others find it unpleasant. In rare cases, valerian may cause an allergic reaction, typically as a skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing.

Because the compounds in valerian produce central nervous system depression, they should not be used with other depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opiates. Moreover, nonpregnant adult human hepatotoxicity has been associated with short-term use (i.e., a few days to several months of herbal preparations containing valerian and Scutellaria (commonly called Skullcap). Long-term use in a male has also been associated with benzodiazepine-like withdrawal symptoms, resulting in cardiac complications and delirium.

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Effect on cats and rats

An unusual feature of valerian is that the essential oil of valerian root is a cat attractant similar to catnip.The active compound in valerian for this is actinidine. Cat attractants might mimic the odor of cat urine, which is caused by 3-mercapto-3-methylbutan-1-ol (MMB). Anecdotal reports claim that valerian is also attractive to rats—so much so that it had been used to bait traps. Stories describe the Pied Piper of Hamelin using both his pipes and valerian to attract rats. *

* Read an article in Wikipedia with references and links April 2, 2011

** Read a more current article in Wikipedia with references and links Mar 1, 2012

** Valerian (herb). (2012, February 5). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.

Retrieved 10:13, March 1, 2012, from

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=

Valerian_(herb)&oldid=475197411

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