The Value of Valerian

The first leaves of my valerian plants are well up and my cat has as usual taken to chewing these and rolling on them to expose the strong-smelling roots which have a calming effect.

Valerian Root & What We Know

• Extensive German research has confirmed its use for aiding insomnia, poor sleep and the quality of sleep. It also helps reduce blood pressure.

• It’s the valepotriate compounds that induce sleep and otherwise its valerianic acid. These constituents and many others have primary CNS (central nervous system) depressant activities plus the ability to sedate neurotransmitters.

• Valerian helps a wide range of stress-related disorders especially those who find it hard to ‘switch off’ due to nervous excitability and lack of calm generally. However, for some, they may find it sedating and therefore it is best used at night when you are at home.

• For those with anxiety and insomnia, including panic attacks, palpitations, and sweating, Valerian will dampen these reactions and reduce not only physical but mental over-alertness.

• It also reduces muscle tension and helps lower tension in the neck, shoulders, back and irritable bowel and so on.

So all good stuff but not for long-term use (1-3 months at a time only). For 5% of the population, it can almost have the opposite effect. So beware! Some people can become very wakeful and have vivid or frightening dreams. I often say a blend of passionflower (Passiflora) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is just as good. Or passionflower on its own with its ability to use it long-term.

If you would like to try our Valerian & Passionflower Formula please give us a call on 01379 608201 (not available online!).

#valerian #roots #insomnia #sleep #calm #tincture #antianxiety #sleepsupport

(Feed generated with FetchRSS)