The name of the valerian plant comes from the name “Valeria” and the Latin verb “valere” which means “to be strong, healthy”. It has been used as a medicinal plant since the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia.
It was also used as a medicine for epilepsy until the 19th century. Researchers have discovered that isovaleric acid, a chemical contained in this plant, can prevent convulsions, similar to the effect of the anticonvulsant drug – valproic acid.
In one study conducted by the Felinga Health Center in Sweden, the effects of valerian on poor sleep were significant. Of the study participants, 44 percent reported perfect sleep, while 89 percent reported improved sleep when taking valerian root. In addition, no side effects were observed in this group of study participants.
Valerian root is often combined with other sedative herbs, such as hops and lemon balm, to treat sleep disorders. One study on children with minor sleep problems published in a journal Phytomedicine showed that 81 percent of children who took the herbal combination of valerian and lemon balm reported that they slept much better than those who took a placebo.
How exactly does valerian root help you sleep so well? Valerian contains a chemical called linarin, which has been shown to have a sedative effect. Valerian extract can induce sedation by increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in your brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system and in sufficiently large quantities can cause a sedative effect, calming nervous activity.
The results in vitro studies suggest that valerian extract can trigger the release of GABA from brain nerve endings and then block it from returning to nerve cells. In addition, valerian acid inhibits the enzyme that breaks down gamma-aminobutyric acid, which is another way valerian can improve levels of this important acid, and promote a great night’s rest.
Drugs such as alprazolam and diazepam also work by increasing the amount of this compound in the brain. Valerian acid, valerenic acid and valerenol contained in valerian root extract act as anti-anxiety agents.
This herbal remedy – valerian root can have the same anti-anxiety effects as prescription drugs without the harmful effects of psychotropic drugs.
Important note is, however, that if you are taking other sedatives or antidepressants (such as tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or tetracyclic antidepressants), do not take valerian at the same time. This also applies to teas, tinctures or extracts in capsules as well as to all other preparations containing valerian.
Source: www.sitoireseto.com
