Thursday, March 28, 2024
Nature's Pharmacy

4 Health Benefits of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian botanically known as Valeriana officinalis, a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Valerianaceae family, is the source of valerian root. The plant produces summer-blooming pink or white blooms with a delicious aroma.

Native to regions of Asia and Europe, valerian sometimes spelled incorrectly as valerian is now also found growing in North America. In America, it is becoming a popular herb for enhancing the quality of sleep, often added to drinks and nutritional supplements.

The volatile oils in valerian root, such as Valerenic acids, less volatile sesquiterpenes, and valepotriates, are present esters of short-chain fatty acids. The potential of valerian root to have a calming and healing impact on the body’s central nervous system is probably due to these active ingredients.

Although valerian root is generally seen to be safe, it can have adverse effects like headache, lightheadedness, or stomach issues. The reverse of what they were hoping for when taking valerian, such as feeling nervous and restless instead of peaceful and drowsy, is sometimes how people react to it.

The majority of studies indicate no negative impact on embryonic development or fertility, although additional study is required. If you are expecting or breastfeeding a child, see your doctor before using valerian root. Additionally, before administering children valerian root, see a physician.

The majority of people do not appear to get dependent on valerian root in any way. Additionally, most people do not experience withdrawal symptoms from it.

The Latin verb Valere and the human name Valeria were combined to create the herb’s name to be strong, and healthy.

Since at least the period of ancient Greece and Rome, valerian has been utilized as a medicine. Galen later recommended it as a treatment for insomnia after Hippocrates reported its qualities.

Up to the late 18th century, it was also employed as an early epilepsy treatment. Researchers discovered that the molecule in valerian, isovaleric acid, may prevent convulsions in a way that is comparable to the effects of the anticonvulsant drug, valproic acid.

Read Also: 5 Health Benefits of Moringa (moringa Oleifera)

4 Health Benefits of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

4 Health Benefits of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

1. Naturally Helps in Good Sleep

Valerian may be the solution you’re looking for if you’re having trouble falling asleep because studies have shown that it shortens the time it takes and enhances the quality of sleep.

Contrary to many prescription sleep aids, valerian has fewer adverse effects and is much less prone to cause drowsiness in the morning.

The Foellinge Health Center in Sweden ran a double-blind trial in which valerian significantly improved sleep quality.

44 percent of study participants said they had perfect sleep, while 89 percent said their sleep had improved after consuming valerian root. Additionally, no negative impacts were seen in this group.

To treat sleep disorders, valerian root is sometimes mixed with other sedative herbs including hops (Humulus lupulus) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis).

According to a study on kids with mild sleep issues that was published in the journal Phytomedicine, 81 percent of those who consumed a herbal blend of valerian and lemon balm reported sleeping significantly better than those who consumed a placebo.

How does valerian root promote such restful sleep? A substance called linarin, found in valerian, has been proven to have sedative properties.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in your brain is elevated when valerian extract is consumed, which can make you feel drowsy.

The central nervous system contains the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA. It has a sedative effect that can settle anxious activity when consumed in sufficient amounts.

According to the findings of an in vitro experiment, valerian extract might release GABA from brain nerve endings while also preventing its uptake into neuron cells.

Another way valerian can raise your GABA levels and encourage a restful night’s sleep is by inhibiting an enzyme that breaks down GABA. This enzyme is inhibited by valerenic acid, a component of valerian.

Read Also: 3 Health Benefits of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

2. Lowers Blood Pressure

4 Health Benefits of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Knowing that valerian root has such relaxing effects on the body and mind, the fact that it can also lower blood pressure and benefit heart health certainly comes as no surprise.

The same active ingredients that make valerian effective in treating anxiety and restlessness can also assist the body in maintaining healthy blood pressure regulation.

Since high blood pressure raises the risk of stroke and heart attack and heart disease is a major health concern in the United States, it is something you should absolutely avoid.

Studies show that using valerian root supplements can help lower blood pressure naturally and keep it at a healthy level, which directly benefits heart health.

3. For Menstrual Cramps

4 Health Benefits of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root can be a wise choice for all-natural menstrual cramp relief due to its calming properties. It can lessen the severity and discomfort of menstrual cramps, a frequent issue for women who experience PMS on a monthly basis.

How precisely does valerian root assist? It functions as a natural muscle relaxant and antispasmodic, which implies that it reduces muscle spasms.

According to a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, valerian root dietary supplements can successfully reduce the painful uterine muscle spasms that many women experience during their period.

4. Manages Stress

4 Health Benefits of Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root can considerably aid in daily stress management by lowering anxiety and enhancing the quantity and quality of sleep. Chronic stress, another common problem among American adults, can have an adverse effect on many aspects of your health, including your ability to sleep and the strength of your immune system.

Valerian facilitates relaxation of the mind and body by raising GABA levels. It is a fantastic all-natural method for lowering cortisol levels and enhancing quality of life.

Additionally, studies have demonstrated that valerian root suppresses both physical and mental stress by maintaining levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that aids in mood regulation.

Read Also: 7 Health Benefits of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon)

Read Also: Estimating Waste-water Flow Rates from Water Supply Data

Agric4Profits

Benadine Nonye is an agricultural consultant and a writer with over 12 years of professional experience in the agriculture industry. - National Diploma in Agricultural Technology - Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science - Master's Degree in Science Education... Visit My Websites On: 1. Agric4Profits.com - Your Comprehensive Practical Agricultural Knowledge and Farmer’s Guide Website! 2. WealthinWastes.com - For Effective Environmental Management through Proper Waste Management and Recycling Practices! Join Me On: Twitter: @benadinenonye - Instagram: benadinenonye - LinkedIn: benadinenonye - YouTube: Agric4Profits TV and WealthInWastes TV - Pinterest: BenadineNonye4u - Facebook: BenadineNonye

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error

Enjoy this post? Please spread the word :)

Discover more from Agric4Profits

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

0
YOUR CART
  • No products in the cart.