Valerian herb
for insomnia
Valerian herb is used in the traditional medicine of many cultures as a mild
sedative and to aid the induction of
sleep. Valerian is a native plant both of Europe and
North America. V. officinalis is the species most commonly used in northern Europe and
still retains its official pharmacopoeial status although valerian is most commonly
encountered as an ingredient of herbal medicines. Valerian herb, by itself, is
not consistent in inducing or maintaining. The considerable
variation in its composition and content as well as the instability of some of
its constituents pose problems for standardization but the range of
components which contribute to its overall activity suggest that it may correct
a variety of underlying causes of conditions which necessitate a general
tranquilizing effect. Many people do not find valerian root helpful for sleep
but prefer the more effective product
Good-Night-Rx which has a combination of valerian
herb, hops herb, melatonin, kava, and other sedative nutrients and herbs. .
Valerian Herb Root Extract - Natural Factors
Valerian herb Supplement
Amount Per Capsule
Valerian herb root -
300 mg *
(Valeriana officinalis, powdered extract)
Valerenic acid (0.8%)
2.4 mg
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What's in Valerian root and how does it work?
The major constituents of valerian
include sesquterpenoids, valepotriates, bornyl acetate and valerenic acid.
Multiple compounds in valerian root have pharmacologic activity. Valerenic acid has been shown to inhibit
enzyme-induced breakdown and the inhibition of reuptake of the inhibitory
neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain resulting in sedation.
Valerian and Stress/Anxiety
Valerian may be beneficial to health by reducing physiological reactivity during stressful
situations and can be helpful in reducing
anxiety. Also consider
5-HTP 5 HTP 5HTP.
Valerian and Sleep
Valerian has been tested many times for effectiveness in treating
insomnia. Some studies have shown that valerian is helpful, while others do not
show valerian to be effective. The jury is still out as to whether valerian is a
good hypnotic.
Availability of Valerian herb
Valerian plant is available as tea or as a supplement. You can find
valerian plant extract added to anti anxiety herbal preparations or herbal
products for sleep.
Summary
Although some studies indicate that valerian has a sleep inducing effect, other
studies don't support this finding. My personal experience leads me to believe
that valerian is inconsistent and cannot be relied on as a sleep aid. There is
more evidence to support the use of valerian in the therapy of mild anxiety or
stress.
Valerian herb emails
Q. It true that valerian herb has a bad smell?
A. Yes, valerian herb has a bad smell but it is not noticed much
when taken as a capsule. valerian sleep
valerian research valerian herb.
Q. This is not a study on
valerian, just me and 2 other people that have RLS, Restless Leg Syndrome. I
have been troubled with it for 15 years. When I sit down to relax is when it
becomes a problem. Valerian is the only natural thing I have found that works. I
take no other medications. I know of no research on the effectiveness of
valerian on restless legs syndrome. I thought this might be of some interest to
you.
A. Thanks for letting us know, it is very interesting, what is the
valerian dosage, which product, and how many hours before bed you take it, and
how many days did it take to work?
Q. In talking with the few people that use
Valerian as I do for restless legs syndrome I found we were using it the same
way. If the problem started we could take 2 to 3 capsules, 150 mgs each and the
problem would go away in about 30 to 45 minutes. If I felt the problem before
bedtime I would take 2 to 3 capsules 45 minutes to 1 hour before bed. valerian
is not used as a daily thing, only if the restless legs syndrome was
problematic. When at work and I was sitting it would cause problems also. I did
the same, 2 to 3 capsules and it went away in about 30 to 45 minutes. I would
try other things to make it go away also so I didn’t have the use the Valerian,
getting up and walking it off worked but was not useful if you were trying to go
to sleep, but at work it was ok. Then if the RLS returned I would use the
Valerian. I would take hot shower and take the Valerian if it woke me up from
sleep. I am a light sleeper so it was easy for the symptoms from restless legs
syndrome to wake me.
Q. I have a question. I'm 2 months pregnant,
and have bad morning sickness. I went on a website called morning sickness.com.
They recommend Vital Herbal pills, which help subsides, morning sickness. To me
they did false advertisement, now they are telling me, they don't recommend it
for pregnant women, when they have it advertised for morning sickness. The
herbal pills have VALERIAN AND LICORICE in them, will it effect my unborn baby?
A. We have not seen good research in pregnancy with valerian to
determine whether it is a safe herb to use for this purpose during pregnancy.
Ginger has been tested for morning sickness. High dose, daily licorice may not
be a good idea during pregnancy due to possible preterm birth.
Q. is taking Valerian Root Extract during the
working day to feel less nervous and more relaxed advised? for example at work?
A. Whenever any herb or medicine that has sedative potential is
taken during the day, the dose should be minimal so as not to interfere with
optimal performance. In fact, trying it on a weekend when not working and while
at home is a good option initially to determine what dose has a positive effect
on relieving stress and at what dose the effects become too sedating.
Q. Is valerian herb effective in liquid form?
A. It depends on the company, but some valerian herb products in
liquid form are effective.
Q. Is there vitamin K in valerian herb root.
Is there anything in valerian herb that would interact badly or interfere with
Coumadin?
A. here is no vitamin k in valerian herb root. Valerian herb root
has not been tested in combination with Coumadin so we do not know the
consequences of the combination.
Passion Rx with Tribulus
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