Valerian

Botanical Name(s):

Valeriana officinalis, Centranthus ruber. Family: Valerianaceae

Other Name(s):

all-heal, amantilla, carpon's tail, heliotrope, setewale, setwall, vandal root

General Description:

Valerian is a perennial plant with pink flowers that grows in North America and Europe. The medicinal part is the fresh underground malodorous roots, carefully dried below 40 degrees Celsius.

Valerian root contains two categories of compounds that have sedative properties: the sesquiterpenes (valerenic acid) and the iridoids triesters (valepotriates). It is widely used to produce a sedative effect during periods of agitation and a stimulant effect in extreme fatigue. Valerian root is also claimed to lower blood pressure and relax muscles.

Medically Valid Uses:

There is no evidence that valerian has any beneficial medical effect on any condition.

Unsubstantiated Claims:

Please note that this section reports on claims that have NOT yet been substantiated through scientific studies.

Native Americans used one species of valerian for treating cuts and wounds. In ancient Greece, valerian was taken for nausea and digestive problems, as well as urinary tract disorders.

It is also claimed that valerian may possibly act as a sedative (calms the nervous system and reduces stress and nervousness), as a hypnotic (induces a deep state of sleep, not a trance), as an anti-spasmodic (reduces or eases spasms or cramps in the muscles), as a hypotensive agent (lowers blood pressure) and as a carminative (herbal remedy that is rich in volatile oils and stimulates the digestive system to work properly).

There are also claims that valerian may be used to reduce tension, anxiety, stress, over-excitability and hysterical states. Finally, although without scientific confirmation, valerian is reportedly effective in the relief of insomnia, menstrual cramps and pain, intestinal colic, rheumatic pain and migraine pain.

Dosing Format:

Valerian comes in the form of tea, tinctures, capsules and liquid extracts. Valerian is light sensitive and should be stored in a light-resistant container. Keep in a dark area to preserve.

Unless otherwise prescribed, prepare an infusion with 2 to 3 g of valerian per cup, one to several times per day. In tincture form, use half to 1 teaspoon, one to several times per day. In liquid extract form, use 2 to 3 g, one to several times per day. Externally, use 100 g per one full bath.

Side Effects, Toxicity and Interactions:

Valerian has a very strong smell that many people do not like. (Cats are attracted to valerian because it has a compound similar to that of catnip.)

Do not use valerian to treat infants. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should consult a physician before taking any herbal medicines.

Also, do not use valerian with other sedatives.

There are no known significant food or drug interactions.

Additional Information:

Click here for a list of reputable Web sites with general information on nutrition.

References:

1. Leatherwood P, Chauffard F, Heck E, Munoz-Box E. Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1982;17:6541.

2. Lindahl O, Lindwell L. Double-blind study of a valerian preparation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1989;32:1065-1066.

3. Leuschner J, Muller J, Rudmann M. Characterization of the central nervous depressant activity of a commercially available valerian root extract. Arzneim Forsch. 1993;43:638-641.

4. Mennini T, Bernasconi P, Bombardelli E, Morazzoni P. In vitro study of the interaction of extracts and pure compounds from Valeriana officinalis roots with GABA, benzodiazepine and barbiturate receptors in rat brain. Fitoterapia. 1993;54:291-300.

5. Hobbs C. Valerian: a literature review. HerbalGram. 1989;21:19-34.

6. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C, eds. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company; 1998.

7. Blumenthal M, Gruenwald J, Hall T, Rister RS, eds. German Commission E Monographs. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1997.

8. The US Department of Agriculture publications.

9. Robbers JE, Tyler VE. Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The therapeutic use of phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press, 1999.

10. Dr. Duke's phytochemical and ethnobotanical databases. Agricultural research service, Duke University.