Cape Cod Holistic

Red Valerian

Since the days of the ancient Greeks, the herb Valerian (Latin for “strong”) has been used to treat insomnia, epilepsy, digestive and liver problems. It has also been dispensed as a  treatment for urinary tract infections. Utilized as a perfume in the Middle Ages, Native Americans also used the ground root as a substitute for flour. In Germany, Valerian was often boiled and eaten as a soup stock or hot beverage.

Valerian is also known in various parts of the world as Phu, All-Heal, Cat’s Valerian, Capon’s Trailer, Sets Wale, English Valerian, Vandal Root, Bloody Butcher, Fragrant Valerian, Set Well, Amantilla, , and Red Valerian. Cats love Valerian and often exhibit the same behavior as they do for catnip.

Grown naturally in Europe and some parts of Asia, over 150 species of Valerian are now grown in most parts of the world with temperate climates. It is a perennial herb that grows in clumps up to five feet in height. The flowers are white or pink and have an aroma similar to a cross between vanilla and cloves, but it is the root that is harvested and used for medicinal purposes.

Valerian should be planted at least twelve inches deep and about a foot apart. Compost and mulching is recommended, as is regular watering to supplement natural rainfall. A high nitrogen fertilizer once per month is sufficient. The flowers should be snipped after they fade. The root clumps can be divided and planted elsewhere in the spring and fall months.

The root is normally harvested in the autumn, cut into slices, and dried over a period of two weeks. These dried slices can then be stored in an airtight container for up to three or four months if kept in a cool, dry, and dark area. Dried Valerian can also be stored in airtight plastic bags.

Historically, Valerian has been used mainly as a treatment for insomnia and anxiety, and may be used in conjunction with kava for the best effect. In one study, a placebo-controlled double blind test showed that a dosage of 600 mg of Valerian over a two-week period did indeed drastically improve some patient’s slow wave sleep, although studies have been contradictory and more work needs to be done to validate the claims of Valerian.

For anxiety, a small number of trials indicate Valerian can reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and decrease feelings of anxiety, except results are still inconclusive. Although there is a lot of anecdotal evidence over hundreds of years supporting claims Valerian does help with insomnia and anxiety, there haven’t been enough documented studies done to date to scientifically substantiate the claims.

Valerian can be administered through teas, powders, and tinctures, however, the most common form of dispensing is in capsules. Valerian is available in most popular department and drug stores in 300 to 600 mg increments.  The dosage for insomnia is recommended at 300 – 600 mgs taken 30-90 minutes before sleep. This is equivalent to 2-3gms of driedValerian root steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes for a tea. The dose is easier to control in capsule form, although the tea is easier for some people to take.

Side effects of taking Valerian are rare, which makes it a popular choice for insomnia. Users have stated there is no “day after” grogginess with Valerian, unlike some of the more popular pharmaceutical sleep aids on the market today. Occasionally, people have experienced headaches and gastro-intestinal distress with Valerian. Additionally, anecdotal experience suggests it may take up to two weeks before the effects of Valerian manifest, indicating a certain level has to be in the blood before one can benefit from the properties of Valerian.

Legally, Valerian is classified by the FDA as a supplement and not a medication. This means Valerian is not regulated like a drug, and is subject to only the standard US labeling requirements.  A prescription is not necessary to purchase Valerian. Interactions with other drugs are also rare, although it is recommended to refrain from drinking alcohol and taking Valerian because of its sedative quality. Additionally, people who are taking medication to regulate their blood pressure need to be especially careful because of the herb’s ability to lower blood pressure. As with any natural supplement, a health care provider should be consulted before attempting self-medication for anxiety or insomnia with Valerian.

Freelance editor and writer Annetta Ribken has been writing since a tender young age, when letters were chiseled on stone tablets. A precocious student, Annetta received her Ph.D in the School of Hard Knocks, with honors, in the early age of disco. Her early medical education sparked an interest in alternative medicine which has since become a passion. You can learn more about her at www.wordwebbing.com.

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