Valerian
Valeriana officinalis – root
Valerian is most well known for its sedating and relaxing properties and has long been used for people with anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, muscle pain and insomnia.
Actions
- Anxiolytic.
- Sedative.
- Hypnotic, antispasmodic.
- Relaxing Nervine.
- Anticonvulsant.
Indications
- Insomnia (especially sleep onset insomnia).
- Anxiety, stress, depression.
- Muscle tension, pain, menstrual cramping.
- Spasmodic coughing.
- Combined with lemon balm to improve sleep quality.
- Relief of headache, muscle cramps.
Contra-indications and Cautions
Care should be taken when driving a car or operating heavy machinery when high doses are used.
Use caution when taking valerian concurrently with pharmaceutical sedatives. This interaction may be beneficial under professional supervision.
Administration and Dosage
The analysis of contents below is a guide only, product specific data including expiry date is with the item in the shop.
Valeriana officinalis 1:2. Each 1 ml contains 500mg of dry herb.
Liquid extract in 45% ethanol. Use 15 to 50 ml weekly.
Our clinic uses fluid extracts from Optimal Rx, Herbal Extract Company, Nutrition Care, Mediherb or Sunray Botanicals, in this order.
Notes
Historically patients who have responded best to valerian include those presenting with a lack of adequate exercise and/or mental relaxation and manifest stress associated with despondency and mental depression.
