How to grow
- Cultivation Grow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade.
- Propagation Propagate by seed in containers in the open, or take basal cuttings (see softwood cuttings) in spring.
We all know how important it is to get enough sleep.The potential value for valerian in treating mood disorders is particularly intriguing, as side effects from standard mood-disorder medications, such as drowsiness, dizziness, weight gain, constipation, nausea and vomiting, can be very unpleasant.
People use valerian to relieve anxiety, depression, and poor sleep, and also to ease menstrual and stomach cramps. Valerian has a mild calming effect that does not usually result in sleepiness the next day.
For insomnia, valerian may be taken 1 to 2 hours before bedtime, or up to 3 times in the course of the day, with the last dose near bedtime. It may take a few weeks before the effects are felt.
Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). Valerian is also used orally for anxiety and psychological stress, but there is limited scientific research to support these uses.
Valerian Root May Help You Sleep BetterIn a controlled study of 27 young and middle-aged adults with sleep difficulties, 24 people reported improved sleep and 12 of those reported “perfect sleep” after taking 400 mg of valerian root ( 24 ).
This herb is popular as a sedative but little is known about its toxic effects. The patient presented with mild symptoms, all of which resolved within 24 h. Valerian overdose, at approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose, appears to be benign.
Hepatotoxicity. Valerian has been implicated in a small number of cases of clinically apparent liver injury, but usually in combination with other botanicals such as skullcap or black cohosh. In view of its wide scale use, valerian has to be considered a very rare cause of hepatic injury.
Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
Various compounds present in valerian are metabolized through different mechanisms and at different rates, further complicating its use. However, it is apparent that clinical effects generally wear off after about 4–6 hours.
Long-term use of the herb has been shown to have addictive properties, but there is no evidence that its use -- whether in tea or capsule form -- would cause someone to return to drug addiction.
The Good Scents Company Information Listings
| Flavor Descriptors for valerian root |
|---|
| odor: sweet green apple |
| flavor: valerian root cheese ripe fruity |
| FL/FR | valerian rhizome absolute |
| odor: balsam green sweet woody sour |
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is most commonly used for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety disorders. Valerian has a mechanism of action similar to benzodiazepines; however, instead of binding to the gamma subunit like a benzodiazepine, it appears to bind to the beta subunit on the GABA-A receptor instead.
Does valerian root make you smell ? No, valerian's strong smell won't make you smell. It will stick to your hands, and your breath may smell a little until the capsules are digested, but that's it. Valerian won't come out through your sweat glands and give you a strong body odor, like fried onion or way too much curry.
Valerian root is safe for dogs. However, it shouldn't be given to older dogs, puppies, pregnant/lactating dogs, or any dogs with underlying health issues. It's essential that you check with your vet before administering valerian root to your pup just to be sure.
Valerian may have a sedative effect. It may have a stimulant effect for extreme fatigue. Valerian root may lower blood pressure and relax muscles.
Possible Interactions with: Valerian
- Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin) and valproic acid (Depakote)
- Barbiturates.
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium)
- Drugs to treat insomnia, such as zolpidem (Ambien), zaleplon (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and ramelteon (Rozerem)
Cats like to smell valerian root because it can make them feel euphoric. Some cats don't have the gene that makes catnip appealing to them. For cats who don't like catnip, valerian can be a good alternative.
Valerian is also thought to have estrogenic activities (17)(28), but this was not observed in vitro (29).
A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
