By: Ivana Dragica |
Valerian – a peace of mind with a touch of irresistible scent |
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Valerian (Lat. Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant with sweetly scented, pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
It grows as a wild plant in all moist areas that are up to 2000 meters above sea.
Its name derives from the Latin word valere - to be well.
Because of the calming effect, it is used as a natural sedative since the 19th century.
Valerian flower extracts were used as a perfume. However, valerian root, which is used in the treatment, has a strong and unpleasant odor.
Fragrance root, due to acidity which it contains, has an especially strong effect on cats. It has a a pheromonal effect on them, so they are literally hypnotized.
Queen of calming herbs
If your life is full of stress, you are exhausted and you cannot sleep, reach for Valerian for better health and good mood.
Valerian is used primarily for the treatment of insomnia, as it allows the firm and stout dream. One of its strengths is that it does not cause drowsiness, such as pharmaceuticals for sleep.
If you use it against insomnia, the best performance is achieved when using between 400 and 900 mg of valerian extract up to two hours before going to bed.
Another advantage is its calming effect, which removes tension and agitation, and alleviates depression.
Valerian is therefore used as a natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs of the benzodiazepine class, and also helps you stop using such drugs.
In Germany, valerian is officially approved for treating insomnia, nervousness and anxiety, and some phytotherapist recommend it for treating hypochondria.
Relaxes the muscles and soothes the stomach
Its soothing effect relaxes muscles and relieves the cramps, bloating, stomach pains, and an urge to vomit.
It even relaxes digestive tract muscles and consequently eliminates the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Valerian can help treat headaches and migraines, and reduce pain and inflammation in the joints and bones.
Studies have shown that it can be beneficial against sciatica, neuralgia, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and attention deficit disorders in adults and children.
Other conditions against which valerian can help include:
- respiratory diseases
- women's problems
- renal disease
- high pressure
- nicotine addiction
- intestinal parasites
Valerian preparations
Preparations made of valerian can be found in the form of tea, tincture, oil drops, capsules, extract herbal pharmacies and drug stores, and you can make them yourself.
Valerian tincture
Put 50 grams of chopped valerian root in a liter of 40% alcohol and leave it for 10 days. After that, filtrate the mixture and pour it into tightly sealed containers.
Drop 50 to 55 drops of the tincture on a cube of sugar for treating accelerated or irregular heartbeat, stomach pains, unconsciousness, mental exhauster and insomnia.
Valerian tea
Put two to three grams of valerian root in a cup of hot water and leave it for 20 minutes.
Drink two to three cups a day; drink the last cup half an hour before bedtime.
Feel free to add yet another plant for a pleasant flavor, such as mint, lemon balm, chamomile, or St. John's wort.
Picking valerian
Pick valerian root prior to or after it blossoms in autumn. Clean it, chop and dry in a cool, airy place in the shade. Store the root in tightly closed container.
Note
Valerian should not be used during pregnancy and lactation, and if you simultaneously use sedatives and barbiturates.
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