What Is Valerian Herb?

For centuries, the tall perennial herb with pinkish flowers known as Valerian
Herb (Valerian Herb officinalis) has been enlisted to help restless insomniacs
get a sound night's sleep. Today this mild, nonaddictive sedative is quite
popular both as a sleep aid and as an anxiety fighter, particularly in Germany,
France, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. And in recent years its popularity has
grown enormously in the United States as well.

This graceful plant grows wild in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its
underground stems and roots are harvested and dried to make healing
preparations.

Health Benefits of Valerian Herb

Although there has long been controversy over what makes Valerian Herb so
effective as a relaxant, it is increasingly accepted that this herb does, in
fact, work as the ancients once claimed it did. In addition to promoting sound
sleep, Valerian Herb has a reputation for easing anxiety and relaxing tense
muscles. It may also have a role to play in relieving digestive conditions, such
as diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Valerian Herb added to bath water in the form of a very strong herbal tea or as
an essential oil is said to have a calming effect, although specific scientific
evidence is sparse.

Specifically, Valerian Herb may help to:

• Improve sleep by Valerian Herb. In the brain, Valerian Herb is thought to bind
to receptors for a nerve chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). By
blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb seems to shorten
the amount of time it takes to fall asleep as well as improve the quality of
sleep that results. And, unlike some of the more commonly prescribed sleep
medications, Valerian Herb is not addictive. Nor does it cause morning
grogginess (when taken at recommended doses), as some prescription drugs do.

Valerian Herb may also be useful for people without insomnia per se. In a 1983
trial that involved 128 healthy people, those assigned to take a Valerian Herb
root preparation were far more likely to fall asleep faster than those given a
placebo. The Valerian Herb group also tended to stay asleep longer. Overall
sleep quality improved significantly, particularly in those who rated themselves
as poor sleepers to start with.

• Reduce nervous tension, anxiety, and restlessness by Valerian Herb. German
health authorities endorse the use of Valerian Herb for restlessness and
sleeping disorders that are caused specifically by nervous conditions. In fact,
anyone who suffers from stress, panic attacks, or other nervous conditions may
want to give Valerian Herb a try.

Valerian Herb is thought to lessen anxiety because in blocking brain receptors
for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and
stress-related messages from reaching the brain. More research is needed,
however.

• Lessen stomach cramps and improve digestive system disorders by Valerian Herb.
Animal testing and clinical research indicates that Valerian Herb has
antispasmodic properties. This may explain why it's valuable for countering
spasms of the muscle tissue in the digestive tract and easing the intestinal
pain that frequently accompanies irritable bowel syndrome. The herb's calming
effect may also contribute to healing; after all, many digestive disorders are
provoked by stress.

Note: Valerian Herb has also been found to be useful for a number of other
disorders. For information on these additional ailments, see our Dosage
Recommendations Chart for Valerian Herb.

Forms of Valerian Herb

• tincture

• tablet

• softgel

• liquid

• dried herb/tea

• capsule

Special Products by Valerian Herb:

Valerian Root by Nature's Answer Promotes A Tranquil Sleep

Valerian Power by Nature's Herbs

Valerian Extract by Nature's Way with Glycerin

Valerian Root by NOW Foods