Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis)

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Other names for valerian root

Valerian
Garden Heliotrope
Valerian Extract

Synopsis of valerian root

Valerian root is a herbal remedy derived from the root of the Valeriana officinalis plant, which is native to Europe and parts of Asia. Known for its sedative and relaxing properties, valerian root is most commonly used to promote sleep and reduce anxiety. It contains active compounds, such as valerenic acid and valepotriates, which are believed to interact with the GABA receptors in the brain, mimicking the effects of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that helps calm neural activity and induce relaxation.

Valerian root is often used to improve sleep quality and manage insomnia, particularly for individuals who experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. It is also commonly used to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety or nervous tension. In addition to its calming effects, valerian root is thought to support muscle relaxation and may be used to alleviate muscle spasms or cramps.

While valerian root is typically used as a sleep aid, it is also valued in herbal medicine for its broader nervine tonic effects, helping to support the nervous system and reduce mental fatigue.

Historical Use:
Valerian root has been used for over 2,000 years and has a rich history in both Western and Eastern herbal medicine. The ancient Greeks and Romans valued valerian for its calming properties. The Greek physician Hippocrates recommended valerian for insomnia, nervousness, and muscle spasms, while the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder praised it as a restorative and sedative herb.

In medieval Europe, valerian root was used as a treatment for sleep disorders and anxiety, as well as a remedy for conditions such as palpitations, headaches, and tension. Its use in herbal tonics became common, and it was often included in herbal remedies aimed at supporting overall nervous system health.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), valerian root was not as widely used, but some of its relatives in the Valeriana family were included in formulas designed to calm the mind and address nervous disorders. In TCM, calming herbs are often used to regulate qi (life energy) and soothe the shen (spirit), supporting emotional balance.

Valerian root gained widespread use in the 18th and 19th centuries when it became popular in Europe as a treatment for insomnia and anxiety. Its use continued to grow during the early 20th century, particularly in Europe and North America, as more people sought natural alternatives to pharmaceutical sleep aids and anti-anxiety medications.

In the modern era, valerian root remains one of the most widely used herbal sleep aids. It is often found in herbal supplements, teas, and tinctures aimed at promoting restful sleep and managing stress. It has also been studied for its potential anti-anxiety effects, though clinical results have been mixed, with some studies showing significant improvement in sleep and anxiety, while others suggest more moderate benefits.

Valerian root is used for these health conditions

Addictions (drugs) (Traditional)
Addictions (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Anxiety (Scientific)
Anxiety Disorders (Traditional)
Depression (Traditional)
Emotional Sensitivity (Traditional)
Epilepsy (Traditional)
Fear (excessive) (Traditional)
Grief and Sadness (Traditional)
Heart Fibrillation or Palpitations (Traditional)
Hysteria (Traditional)
Insomnia (Scientific)
Irritability (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Nervousness (Scientific)
PMS (general) (Traditional)
Restless Leg Syndrome (Traditional)
Stress (Scientific)
Tension (Scientific)

valerian root is used to support these body systems

Brain (Traditional)
GABA (Scientific)
Nerves (Scientific)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Scientific)