IN HERBAL PREPARATIONS
MEDICINAL QUALITIES OF VALERIAN
by Melanie Purcell
Valerian is widely known for its powerful effectiveness as a nervine herb. Nervine herbs can be either stimulating or calming. They work as a tonic to tone the nerves. Our nerves are put to the test every day and sometimes we have no idea how much stress we are experiencing until we hit our breaking point. Instead of modifying stressful habits and other factors that are daily influences, many people are using addictive prescription medication in order to provide relief. The original cause of the affliction is completely over looked while new conditions arise. Using herbs like Valerian can help to provide relief and eliminate the need for prescription medications.
Valerian has proven to be a mild sedative and is popular for treating sleep conditions. When used before sleep it has been quickly effective for anyone suffering from insomnia or restlessness. This herb is great for anyone unable to sleep throughout the entire night because it will help to provide a solid night of sleep. Any nocturnal anxiety, nightmares, and panic attacks can be alleviated by Valerian use. Anyone using Valerian should awaken alert, unlike waking after the use of many sleep aides that create morning-after side effects.
Many studies have been conducted that provide evidence that using Valerian is effective in inducing sleep, but that results may not be obtained unless two to three weeks of use is completed. One such study was conducted with twenty Hispanic volunteers that complained of having trouble sleeping. Upon completion of the trial, eighty percent claimed to have moderate to significant improvement in sleep quality.
It has shown to be especially helpful for women suffering sleeplessness caused by menopause. Valerian can also provide relief for women not yet experiencing the effects of menopause. Women nationwide suffering from PMS and menstrual cramping should push aside the Midol bottles and give Valerian a try. The use of hot Valerian can stimulate a woman's menstrual cycle.
Physical pain is one reason many people seek out alleviation from over-the-counter drugs, prescription medications, and even illegal narcotics. Valerian has been known for centuries as a reliable pain reliever and relaxant. Many over-the-counter pain medications are sold constantly to provide relief from pain caused from ailments such as headaches and joint pain . It may also help to ease the severe pain caused by migraines. Valerian can decrease the feeling of mild to intense pain.
Pharmaceutical companies make billions of dollars in profits annually from their sales of medication to aid in depression. Once again, addictions to medications are created by use of these prescription drugs. There are many herbs that can be used for depression instead of turning to these prescriptions. Valerian is one of them.
The rate of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) has skyrocketed in the United States over the last couple of decades. People diagnosed with this disorder are prescribed medication in order to be able to concentrate. In many scenarios, the medication itself has caused severe psychological damage. People that have trouble focusing and are hyperactive are successful with taking Valerian as a way to help control these conditions. These patients found that using the herb allowed them to be able to concentrate for longer amounts of time. Their nerves were stimulated to allow them to focus with better coordination.[i]
The use of Valerian has also been found to be useful for lowering blood pressure. It is well known that high levels of stress can cause an elevation in blood pressure. Taking Valerian can provide relief to the stress and can in turn lower blood pressure. Valerenic acid contains an enzyme that prevents the breakdown of gamma-amino butyric acid, which is known for its ability to regulate blood pressure.[ii]
Valerian is calming and soothing to the digestive muscles. Its ability to relax the digestive system makes Valerian useful in certain cases of upset stomach and constipation. It has even displayed success in healing stomach ulcers. The constituent valerenic acid is so soothing to irritated muscles that it has been used with success to provide relief for people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Recently in Iowa there were outbreaks of measles and the whooping cough amongst vaccinated children in the state. All children are at risk from these diseases, so a little awareness can provide a great deal of relief for these little ones. Valerian can be given to small children that are having trouble sleeping due to an illness and can be directed for use in the occurrence of measles. This herb can provide relief for anyone suffering from the whooping cough because of its ability to relax internal muscles.
In addition to other afflictions, the ancient Greeks used Valerian for urinary tract disorders and as a decongestant. I assume that Valerians ability to relax muscles could allow kidney stones to pass easier, and for phlegm to break apart for ejection. This herbs success in calming muscle spasms has even made it a choice herb to help people suffering from epilepsy. It became widely known to be used for epilepsy in 1592, when Fabius Calumna cured himself of the condition by using Valerian. [iii]
The use of Valerian to aid in treatment of the optic nerves to increase eyesight has also been documented. Herbalists praise that external use of Valerian. It has provided great results for people suffering from skin conditions like bruises, sores, and acne. People suffering from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis may want to try a topical application of an infusion of Valerian to provide some relief. This herb has also had great results in easing the itching and appearance of hives. Historical references called for spinal fomentations of Valerian to provide stimulation for the nerves.
There have been animal studies that have confirmed Valerian is successful in lowering blood pressure and protecting the liver. The World Health Organization sponsored studies in Bulgaria for traditional herbs known for their healing properties on the cardiovascular system.[iv] Results from Valerian use were highly promising. Current studies are being conducted to obtain results for a possible link between the anti-tumor properties of Valerian in treating cancer. Germans have also released evidence supporting Valerians corrective role in several studies. These studies confirmed the herb is useful in lowering blood pressure, relaxing nerve conditions, and ceasing muscle spasms. Italian researchers have also provided evidence that Valerian is one of the best herbs to support the digestive tract.
