WHAT IS VALERIAN GOOD FOR? 11 HEALTH BENEFITS - NUTRITION - 2024

The benefits and properties of valerian are broad: it 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 seek to learn more about nature and its many applications for human well-being, then I invite you to read this practical article.

This traditional plant scientifically called "valeriana officinalis" or "valeriana phu", has been baptized with innumerable names throughout history; from "weakling" and "cat weed" to simply "common valerian".

In addition to the above, throughout the development of our civilization, human beings have been discovering, either intentionally or by chance, the existence of multiple varieties of this plant, currently documenting about 250 species distributed around the world.

You may wonder “Why is her name“ valerian ”? The most accepted theory regarding the origin of the term valerian is the one that states that it comes from the Latin “valere” which in turn means “to be healthy, or strong”; which will make much more sense to you throughout the development of this article.

However, other options are also being considered, for example the one that is related to one of its main characteristics, its powerful smell.

Where can I find valerian?

Valerian, and more specifically the "officinalis" variety, is quite common throughout Europe, except for some areas of the Mediterranean coast, in addition to its traditional use in China and India, although if you are from America or another area of ​​the world, do not be alarmed, most likely it is not difficult to get it.

Its flowers appear in spring-summer and even tend to grow spontaneously, especially in wet meadows, streams, or among the undergrowth.

Historical curiosities

Prestigious intellectuals such as Hippocrates, Dioscorides or Galen have reported the benefits of valerian since time immemorial. In particular, Dioscorides described it in his work on natural remedies and plants referring to it as the "great valerian."

It was even used for the treatment of epilepsy, to which at that time demonic or mystical origins were attributed, even being used as an amulet to prevent a curse that led to the dreaded epileptic seizures.

Health benefits of valerian

1- insomnia

Is it too hard for you to fall asleep or have a really comforting rest? Without a doubt this is one of the most studied and recognized properties of valerian. To contextualize the relevance of the issue, we must not overlook the fact that according to recent reports, insomnia affects approximately one third of the adult population.

It also contributes to the increase in rates of absenteeism, traffic accidents and why not say it; bad interpersonal relationships and a humor that leaves no one indifferent, dramatically affecting our social performance.

Historically, extracts from the roots of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) have been widely used in order to induce sleep and recently high-quality clinical trials have been carried out, which corroborate the benefits of this herb, which seems to have a very good and fluid relationship with Morpheus, to bring us placidly into his longed-for arms.

2- Antidepressant

The effects of valerian in this area have been studied especially in animals, through various physical tests.

Whether we agree or not with this type of experiment, the results in this particular sense guide us to endorse its antidepressant action, chemically demonstrated through the measurement of certain neurotransmitters that are direct indicators of the various states of mental satisfaction.

3- Anti-inflammatory

You don't like to treat inflammatory states with conventional medications? Well with valerian you have a 100% natural alternative.

Its properties to treat this type of condition are widely recognized and indicated to treat mild to moderate inflammations, and its use is mainly external through infusion compresses.

4- Concentration

A study carried out with 102 men and women aimed to evaluate whether alertness, reaction time and concentration could be affected by the use of Valerian, through the application of an extract of its native root.

After months of intervention, it was concluded that neither the morning or evening administrations of 600 mg of valerian sustained over time, negatively affect the reaction time, alertness and concentration of human beings, but even you can slightly improve these parameters.

5- Antispasmodic

Do you often suffer from terrible "stomach cramps"? Multiple studies have concluded that valerian compounds distend the smooth muscle cells present along the extensive path of our digestive system, acting as relaxing agents for it, even without even requiring the need to interact directly with the receptors of the digestive system. autonomic nervous system.

6- Arrhythmias

If you suffer from pathological alterations of the cardiac cycle, in other words from the speed of your heartbeat, which overloads it and puts your life in constant danger, I tell you that valerian can help you reduce blood pressure and normalize the blood flow to your heart, partially regulating the rhythm of heart contractions.

7- Dysmenorrhea

If you are a woman, this point will interest you greatly because "dysmenorrhea" refers to the pain that occurs in the menstrual cycle, which generally includes discomfort in the lower abdomen, colic and nausea.

For all the above, we have sought to evaluate the impact of valerian on the uncomfortable clinical manifestations of dysmenorrhea. This property is corroborated through various studies carried out with hundreds of women treated with extracts of this herb, which benefited by reducing the severity and frequency of symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle.

8- Arthritis

Experimental studies have explored the feasibility of using valerian in terms of its efficacy as a sedative herb in treating painful arthritis-related disorders, especially postural discomfort and malaise.

Although further research is required, especially with larger and more representative samples, the results in the relief of this type of patient 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 valerian root extracts on responses to both physical and / or psychological stress through the use of different experimental programs, which suggest that this herb may even suppress responses harmful when exposed to some type of stress, whatever its origin, through a complex action in specific areas of our brain.

10- Anxiety

Too restless to get to the end of this article?

Unfortunately many times anxiety overwhelms us and is expressed in multiple ways 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 situation (especially gynecological tests) after taking oral valerian capsules has been studied.

The anxiety scale was measured through specific tests for this purpose, the results of which lead to the conclusion that valerian, in addition to all the properties that we have already detailed, is even effective in reducing anxiety in women subjected to situations that usually occur. make their hair stand on end and lead them in some cases to literally bite their nails.

11- Happy cats

Now we will get to why it has been historically known as "Cat Grass".

If you have not had the opportunity to observe it, I will tell you that these felines show a marked affinity for valerian, against which they usually react with a rather peculiar state of excitement.

This is due to the fact that the volatile compounds of this herb produce an effect similar to that of the sex hormones of a cat in heat, since their genetic structure has some similarities.

Now surely you will understand much more the euphoric and festive sense of those cats that frequently walk through your garden full of attractive valerian buds.

How can I use it?

You can currently find it in the following presentations:

Capsules

The dose should be recommended by a specialist, although they are usually 2 to 6 maximum per day, but in order to treat insomnia, it is recommended above all to take one capsule approximately 1 hour before going to bed.

Dry extract

In this form, between 1 to 2 grams per day are indicated, a dose that is distributed in 2 to 3 doses throughout the day.

Drops

It is usually made from valerian extract, which is ingested in doses of 15-20 drops once or twice a day (in the morning and at night).

Essential oil

It is obtained from the root of this herb. You can dilute 1 drop in a glass of juice or another fluid of your liking.

Infusion

Without a doubt it is one of the most accepted options and that I recommend if you have not tried it before. You can even prepare it directly from the leaves you have in your garden. It is worth suggesting that you do not overdo the number of cups you consume (no more than 2-3 a day).

How to make your own valerian tea

Ingredients you will need:

- Purified water, if you don't have it you can use tap water.

- Valerian root (approximately 15-20 grams).

- Flavors of your choice (cinnamon, cloves, honey or spices according to your taste).

Step-by-step preparation:

- Boil the water in a kettle, pot or whatever suits you best.

- Being about to boil you add your flavoring of choice that could be.

- Then you add the valerian root.

- Let everything boil for about 3-5 minutes.

- Wait a few minutes for it to rest.

- Now you can proceed to enjoy your spectacular valerian tea.

Contraindications

-If you are ready to undergo surgery, you should stop using it a few days before until a couple of days after the surgery.

-Do not use it if you are already in treatment with a sedative or similar medication.

-It is not advisable to mix it in a "cocktail" with too many herbs.

-Don't risk consuming it if you are pregnant.

-Do not combine it with alcohol.

-Not for use by children under 6 years of age. After this age, you should consult with a health professional.

References

1. 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.
2. Mirabi P, Dolatian M, Mojab F, Majd HA., Effects of valerian on the severity and systemic manifestations of dysmenorrhea, Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2011 Dec; 115 (3): 285-8. doi: 10.1016 / j.ijgo.2011.06.022. Epub 2011 Sep 28.
3. Hazelhoff B, Malingre TM, Meijer DK. Antispasmodic effects of valerian compounds: an in-vivo and in-vitro study on the guineapig ileum. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 1982; 257: 274-287.
4. 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.