HERBS: VALERIAN
Valeriana officinalis
Action: Sedative, antispasmodic, stomachic, carminative, hypotensive.
Systems Affected: Nerves, heart, stomach, intestines.
Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried rhizome and roots, dose
0.3-1.0 gram by infusion.
Valerian is perhaps the best known of herbal sedatives. Native to
Europe and west Asia, its use was promoted by Arab physicians and it
is not until the tenth century that the name Valeriana first appears
in Europe. The plant is a perennial growing 20 to 150 centimeters in
height. It prefers moist fertile soil. The rootstock is the part
used medicinally and it is noted for its odour, regarded by many
people as foetid and unpleasant.
Valerian contains essential oil comprising various substances, the
combined effects of which are sedative and antispasmodic. The
development of its characteristic odour and its active properties
occurs during the drying process when certain elements in the
rootstock undergo chemical decomposition or change to produce
iso-valerianic acid. This change occurs during drying and prolonged
storage, so that generally Valerian becomes more potent the longer
it is stored.
The rootstock is lifted in autumn, preferably after two or more
years growth, and shade-dried without heat, usually for one to four
years. Heat destroys its properties and Valerian should never be
boiled. It is best prepared by cold extract or a warm infusion
sufficiently below boiling point.
Valerian exerts a marked influence on the nervous system and is used
as a sedative in conditions characterized by nervous unrest and
excitability: anxiety, hysterical states, nervous spasms, dizziness,
migraines, palpitations, breathlessness, hypochondria, insomnia,
etc. It was used by the British to treat shellshock during World War
I and to treat stressed civilians during air-raids in World War II.
It combines well with Skullcap in hysteria, with Cramp Bark in
cramps and intestinal colic, and with Hops in insomnia (one of the
classic bedtime teas for insomnia is half a teaspoon of Valerian
root and half a teaspoon of Hops steeped in a cup of hot water).
On account of its antispasmodic action Valerian is also prescribed
for painful and irregular menstruation, rheumatic pain and
neuralgia. The herb has some slight influence on the circulation,
slowing the heart and increasing its force, and is used in
combination with other remedies for palpitations and high blood
pressure. It is also considered by some to be of value in epilepsy.
Although used as a tranquillizer, Valerian leaves one feeling
refreshed rather than dopey, and the dosage does not need to be
progressively increased to maintain the same tranquillizing effect.
Cats are attracted by the plant and will often roll on it. It is
equally attractive to rats and was often used by rat-catchers to
bait their traps.
Cautionary Notes: Valerian should not be taken in large doses for an
extended period of time. It is best taken for no more than two or
three weeks at a time. Large doses, too often repeated, have a
tendency to cause headache, heaviness of the head and stupor.
*56/66/5*
HERBAL
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