The Benefits and properties of valerian Are broad: improves insomnia, acts as an antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, improves concentration and others that I will explain below.
If you are one of those people who want to know more about nature and its Multiple applications for human well-being, as I invite you to read this Practical article.
This traditional plant scientifically called"valeriana officinalis"or "Valerian phu", has been baptized with innumerable names throughout the history; From"alfeñique"and"grass of the cats", to simply"valerian common".
In addition to the above, throughout the development of our civilization, humans have been discovering, either intentionally or accidentally, the existence of multiple varieties of this plant, currently documenting about 250 species distributed around the world.
You will ask yourself"Why is your name"Valerian"? L to Accepted theory about the origin of the term Valeriana is the one that affirms that Comes from the Latin"valere"which in turn means"to be healthy, or strong"; Which will Will make much more sense throughout the development of this article.
However, Other options are also discussed, for example the one that relates to one of its Main characteristics, its powerful odor.
Where can I find it?
La Valeriana, and more specifically the variety "Officinalis", is quite common throughout Europe, with the exception of some Mediterranean coast, in addition to being reported its traditional use in China and India, Although if you are from America or other area of the world, do not be alarmed, it is most likely That it is not difficult for you to obtain it.
Its flowers appear in spring-summer and They even tend to grow spontaneously, especially in wet meadows, Streams, or in the undergrowth.
Any illustrious person who has used or recommended it?
Prestigious intellectuals such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides or Galen reported their Benefits from time immemorial. In particular, Dioscorides described it in his Work on remedies and natural plants referring to it as the"Great Valerian" Even being used for the treatment of epilepsy , To which at that time They attributed demonic or mystical origins, coming to be used as an amulet To prevent a curse that led to the feared seizures.
La Valeriana and her role in World War II
With the following information I can to surprise. Indeed, if we contextualize the day to day in the cities of countries Like France, UK or Germany, we could imagine how stressful Which must have meant having to perform our daily activities under the Latent risk of being at any time victims of an enemy-
Therefore, this herb was commonly used with the intention of alleviating or Attenuate the incessant nervous tension of the population, originated by the campaigns Military and frequent explosions in those terrible circumstances.
So, if it's so good, why is not it so popular today? Well, the truth is That there may be several reasons, but we can not deny that the great growth Of the huge pharmaceutical industries in the last century, took us as a population to Rely much more on the use of medicines Anxiolytics And sedatives.
However, traditional medicine based on natural species has become To gradually regain its prestige and approach with its own right to the first Plans for the treatment and prevention of various symptoms, Unpleasant manifestations, which is why I present to you a Summary of the most salutary properties of Valerian.
Benefits of Valerian for Health
1- Insomnia
Is it too difficult for you to sleep or really have a rest? Comforting This is undoubtedly one of the most studied and Recognized values of valerian.
In order to contextualize the relevance of the topic, We must ignore that according to recent reports, the insomnia it affects Approximately one-third of the adult population. T It also contributes to the increase of rates of absenteeism, Traffic accidents and why not say so; Poor interpersonal relationships and A humor that does not leave anyone indifferent, dramatically affecting our Social performance.
Historically extracts from the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) have been extensively used in order to induce the Sleep and clinical trials have recently been carried out with high quality, Which corroborate the goodness of this herb, which seems to have a very good Relationship with Morfeo, in order to bring us placidly to his Longed arms.
2- Antidepressant
The effects of Valerian in this field have been studied mainly in Animals, through various physical tests. Whether or not we agree Type of experiments, the results in this sense in particular Endorse their antidepressant action, demonstrated chemically through the Measurement of certain neurotransmitters that are direct indicators of the Various states of mental satisfaction.
3- Anti-inflammatory
Do not like to treat inflammatory states with medicines Conventional? Well with the Valerian you have a 100% natural alternative. Their Properties for dealing with these types of paintings are widely recognized and Indicated to treat inflammations from mild to moderate, and their use is Mainly external through infusions compresses.
4- Concentration
A study carried out with 102 men and women aimed at Assess whether alertness, reaction time, and concentration could To be affected by the Valerian use, through the application of a Extract from its native root.
After months of intervention, we arrived at the Conclusion that neither the morning or night administrations of 600 mg of Valerian values sustained over time negatively affect Reaction, alertness and the concentration of human beings; You can even slightly improve these parameters.
5- Antispasmodic
Do you often suffer from terrible stomach cramps? Multiple studies have Concluded that the Valerian compounds disentangle the muscle cells Smooth present along the long journey of our digestive system, Acting as agents relaxing it, even without even requiring the Need to get to interact directly with the receivers of the system Nervous autonomous.
6- Arrhythmias
If you suffer from pathological alterations of the cardiac cycle, in other Speed of your heartbeat, which overload and puts you in constant Danger your life, I tell you Valerian can help you reduce the pressure Arterial and normalize the flow of blood that goes to your heart, regularizing Partially the rate of cardiac contractions.
7- Dysmenorrhea
If you are a woman, this point will interest you very much because"dysmenorrhoea" Refers to the pains that are manifested in the menstrual cycle, which Usually include low belly discomfort, cramping and nausea.
For all of the above, an attempt has been made to evaluate the impact of Valeriana on Uncomfortable clinical manifestations of dysmenorrhoea. Corroborating this Ownership through various studies carried out with hundreds of women Treated with extracts of this herb, which were benefited by the Decreased severity and frequency of symptoms associated with the cycle menstrual.
8- Arthritis
Experimental studies have explored the feasibility of using valerian in Its effectiveness as a sedative herb to treat painful disorders Related to arthritis, especially postural discomfort and discomfort general. Although further research is required, especially with more samples Broad and representative, the results in the relief of this type of patients Have been more than satisfactory, which is undoubtedly encouraging.
9- Stress
This point undoubtedly interests us all. I tell you that science has Investigated the effects of extracts of valerian root on the responses Both physical and / or psychological stress through the use of different Experimental programs, which suggest that this herb may even Harmful responses to exposure to some form of Stress, whatever its origin, through complex action in Specific to our brain.
10- Anxiety
Are you too restless about reaching the end of this article?
Unfortunately, anxiety often overflows and is expressed Multiple forms both in our behavior and in our body.
In this sense, the response of women to the application of Various medical tests that lead to a stressful, uncomfortable and / or Painful (especially gynecological tests) previous intake of oral capsules Of Valeriana.
The anxiety scale was measured through specific tests For this, whose results lead us to conclude that the Valerian, in addition to all The properties we have already detailed, is even effective in reducing the Anxiety in women subjected to situations that often Tip and lead in some cases to literally eat their nails.
11- Happy cats
We will now get to why it has historically been known as"Grass of the cats".
If you have not had the opportunity to observe it, I comment that these felines Show a marked affinity for Valerian, in contrast to which To react with a rather peculiar state of excitation.
The foregoing Volatile compounds of this herb Effect similar to that of the sex hormones of a cat in heat, since its Genetic structure has some similarities. Now you will understand Much more the euphoric and festive sense of those cats that walk Frequently through your garden full of attractive Valeriana shoots.
How can I use it?
You can currently find it in the following presentations:
- Capsules : The dose should be recommended by a specialist although usually Be 2 to 6 maximum a day, but with the goal of treating insomnia it is recommended especially to ingest a capsule approximately 1 hour before going to bed.
- Dry extract : In this form, 1 to 2 grams per day are indicated, doses Is divided into 2 to 3 shots throughout the day.
- Drops : It is usually valerian extract, which is ingested in doses of 15-20 Drops once or twice a day (morning and evening).
- Essential oil : It is obtained from the root of this herb. You can dilute 1 Drop into a glass of juice or other fluid of your liking.
- Infusion : It is certainly one of the most accepted options and I recommend it if You have not tried it before. You can even prepare it directly from the leaves you have in your garden. It is not to suggest that you do not exaggerate the amount of cups you consume (no more than 2-3 a day).
How to prepare your own Valerian tea
Ingredients you will need:
- Purified water, if you do not have it you can use tap water.
- Valerian root (approximately 15-20 grams).
- Flavorings of choice (cinnamon, cloves, honey or spices according to your taste).
Step-by-step preparation:
- Boil the water in a kettle, pot or whatever best suits you.
- Being about to boil add your flavor to choice that could be.
- Then you incorporate the valerian root.
- You boil everything for about 3-5 minutes.
- Wait for me to take a few minutes.
- Now you can proceed to enjoy your spectacular Valerian tea.
Contraindications of valerian
- If you are ready to go through the operating room you should stop using it for a few days Up to a couple of days after surgery.
- Do not use if you are already on a sedative or similar medication.
- It is not advisable to mix it in a"cocktail"with too many herbs.
- Do not risk consuming it if you are pregnant.
- Do not combine with alcohol.
- Not for use in children under 6 years. After this age, you should consult with A health professional.
References
- J. Kuhlmann, W. Berger, H. Podzuweit, U. Schmidt: The Influence of Valerian Treatment on Reaction-Time, Alertness and Concentration in volunteers. Pharmacopsychiatry 1999; 32: 235-241.
- Mirabi P, Dolatian M, Mojab F, Majd HA., Effects of valerian on the severity and systemic manifestations of dysmenorrhea, Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2011 Dec; 115 (3): 285-8. Doi: 10.1016 / j.ijgo.2011.06.022. Epub 2011 Sep 28.
- Hazelhoff B, Malingre TM, Meijer DK. Antispasmodic effects of valerian compounds: an in- Live and in-vitro study on the guineapig ileum. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 1982; 257: 274-287.
- Stephen Bent, MD Amy Padula, MSb, Dan Moore, PhDc, Michael Patterson, MSa, and Wolf Mehling, Valerian for Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Am J Med. 119 (12): 1005-1012. Doi: 10.1016 / j.amjmed.2006.02.026.
- Liz G. Müller, Luisa A. Salles, Ana C. Stein, Andresa H. Betti, Satchie Sakamoto, Eduardo Cassel, Rubem Figueiró Vargas, Gilsane L. von Poser, Stela M.K. Rates, Antidepressant-like effect of Valeriana glechomifolia Meyer (Valerianaceae) in mice, Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry 36 (2012) 101-109.
- Diana M. Taibi, PhD, RN, Cheryl Bourguignon, PhD, RN, and Ann Gill Taylor, EdD, RN, FAAN, A Feasibility Study of Valerian Extract for Sleep Disturbance in Person with Arthritis, Biological Research for Nursing Volume 10 Number 4 April 2009 409-417.
- Hyo Young Jung, Dae Young Yoo, Woosuk Kim, Sung Min Nam, Jong Whi Kim, Jung Hoon Choi, Youn-Gil Kwak, Yeo Sung Yoon and In Koo Hwang, Valeriana officinalis root extract suppresses physical stress by electric shock and psychological stress by Nociceptive stimulation evoked responses by decreasing the ratio of monoamine neurotransmitters to their metabolites, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2014, 14: 476.
- Maryam Gharib, Leila Neisani Samani, Zahra Elahi Panah, Mohsen Naseri, Naser Bahrani, Kiandokht Kiani, The Effect of Valeric on Anxiety Severity in Women Undergoing Hysterosalpingography, Global Journal of Health Science; Vol. 7, No. 3; 2015
- Valerian is the most commonly used herbal product to induce sleep in both the United States and Europe. Richman A, Witkowski JP. 5th Annual Herbal Product Sales Survey. Whole Foods. 1999; 22: 49-56.