Valerian root is my favorite herb of all time! I call it the "Just Vibe" herb because it has it's own strong vibe to it. Also known as the heal-all herb or To Be In Health, Valerian has been used for centuries for insomnia, nervousness, heart-palpitations, and trembling.
Talking about vibes, when you uproot the herb, the ends of the root are magnetic and still transmits energy that when you put it back into the ground, it will regrow completely.
When I was enduring depression and unable to fall sleep, this was my best friend. Not in a dependent way but when I tell you it was my saving grace.. Then I began to think, how God put the power of strength and peace in an herb to aid us when going through lower frequency experiences when it gets a bit tough to handle alone. Rather than resorting to a drug it was manifested as an herb. The universe is definitely looking out.
Here are a few manifestations Valerian Root serves:
ANXIETY
Valerian is known as ‘nature’s valium’ because it has a similar effect on reducing anxiety as Valium and Xanax! [R, R, R]. One study of 2,462 adults with major depression and anxiety found that high doses of valerian taken for 6 weeks reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression by 66% [R].
It has a very strong earthy smell to it because it's so potent in it's sedative ways. It increases brain levels to reduce brain activity for those with anxiety. It binds with receptors in the brain involved with fear and emotional responses to fear. It also activates with serotonin levels, which controls our wake and sleep cycle.
SLEEP
16 studies and 1,093 people found that valerian improved the speed at which one falls asleep, depth, and overall quality of sleep [R].
In a 2-day study of 27 elderly patients with mental problems, 44% reported perfect sleep and 89% reported improved sleep using a valerian preparation [R]. Its main benefit is that it promotes NATURAL sleep after several weeks of use, without risk of dependence or negative health effects! How dope is that?!
BLOOD PRESSURE
Valerian slows down heart rate, widens and relaxes blood vessels to reduce blood pressure.
MENSTRUATION
When it comes to your period, sometimes it gets unmanageable and you feel like ripping someone's head off while eating a chocolate bar. I know, we all know, lol. Well, Valerian inhibits uterine muscles to help with menstrual cramps. Instead of popping in an Advil, drink a cup of Valerian tea. :)
MENOPAUSE
In a study (RCT) of 100 menopausal women with poor quality sleep, 30% of participants receiving valerian reported higher quality sleep after 4 weeks [R].
Another 3-month study (DB-RCT) of 60 postmenopausal women found that valerian significantly improved the severity and frequency of hot flashes [R, R].
Check the chart below to see if you fall in that category.
CANCER
Additionally, in a review, valerian improved insomnia and well being in people undergoing treatment for cancer due to its calming effects. Contrary to popular belief, it did not interact with cancer drugs [R].
DREAMS
In a 6-week pilot study of 24 patients with stress-induced insomnia, 16% of people taking valerian reported vivid dreams [R].
Overall, Valerian is an amazing herb for the body and mind. It's energy intertwines with our vessel and helps it during tough moments. What a great thing to have in an herb. Drink a cup of Valerian and you'll be grateful you did.
You can find Valerian Root here.
Recommended doses range from 400 mg to 900 mg at bedtime [R].
Valerian is most effective if taken regularly for 2 or more weeks. It may take a few weeks before the effects of valerian root supplementation are felt [R].
For insomnia, doses are taken 1 to 2 hours before bed, or up to 3 times in one day. Once sleep improved, treatment continued for 2 to 6 weeks [R, R].
Higher dosages may have a stimulating effect, so it is best to start with a minimal dose and use the lowest dose needed to achieve the desired effect [R].
When will you have valerian root back please?