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The most noticeable trait of valerian is its horrible smell. It contains chemicals similar to catnip and can charm many animals. In fact, the Pied Piper in German Folklore was said to have charmed the children and the rats, not only with his music, but with hypnotic valerian root. Native American tribes were using valerian root to treat wounds. By the 1800s, it was considered a tranquilizer used to calm soldiers, anxiety, and insomnia, and as an antispasmodic to treat epilepsy. Valerian Uses Valerian contains chemicals with sedative properties. They occur in the highest concentration in the roots. People who take the root for insomnia show an improvement in sleep without morning grogginess or other side effects. In addition, those who take 320 mg of the herb fall asleep faster, enjoyed longer periods of sleep, and have a greater overall sense of well being.
Some people compare valerian with Valium, a drug sedative, but valerian is a much milder and safer sedative. One reason people prefer valerian to Valium or Halcion is that these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. When people stop taking Valium they regularly experience withdrawal symptoms including headache, dizziness, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. Valerian does not cause addiction or dependence and has no withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol can also increase the sedative effects in Valium and is often used together to commit suicide. Valerian’s sedative effects actually lessen with alcohol. Valium and Halcion usually cause morning grogginess, making it difficult for patients to get going in the morning or function properly at work. Valerian has no morning grogginess in normal doses. And, children born to women taking Valium while pregnant are at increased risk for cleft palate. Valerian has not been linked to birth defects at all. Besides improving sleep, valerian has been shown to reduce blood pressure. Granted, these results have only been found in animals, but valerian could be an appropriate alternative for you. But, make sure you speak to your doctor about incorporating valerian into your treatment plan first. Valerian Forms Valerian is usually found in over the counter sleep aids or as a root extract or tincture. If you take the valerian 30 minutes before bedtime, you should experience a more restful sleep. You probably will not want to make a tea from valerian because the taste is so foul. When the herb is dried, valerian roots have an unpleasant odor, once described as the smell of dirty socks. Valerian Safety Precautions Valerian root is generally regarded as being a safe herb. However, taken in large doses valerian may cause headache, giddiness, morning grogginess, blurred vision, restlessness, and nausea.
If you find you are having difficulty sleeping – whether trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, valerian root may be a good choice for you. Make sure to take in regular doses to avoid any side effects. Before you take a prescribed drug like Valium, consider valerian as a safe natural method to help you sleep without making you groggy in the morning.
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