Blog 99 Valerian

Valerian is an herb that aids a woman in getting to sleep and having a deep relaxing sleep. Valerian has medical uses supported by clinical studies, traditional uses, and has a well-known safety record.

Personal Story

Valerian is an herb that I take when I have a season of busyness that makes getting to sleep difficult. It seems to calm my racing mind, so I can relax and go to sleep. It is a herb we keep on hand and use as needed to promote good rest.

Medicinal Uses

Valerian has medicinal uses that are supported by clinical studies:

• Insomnia- studies show that lemon balm combined with valerian aids insomnia, which is nervous sleeplessness
• Restlessness
• Calms nervous tension
• Muscle cramping
• May be useful for treatment of mild depression or anxiety, especially in combination with other herbs

Traditional Uses

Valerian has traditional uses of:

• a sleep aid
• an anxiolytic for nervous unrest
• relieving nervous headache
• stress relief
• neuralgia, an intense, usually intermittent pain which runs along the course of a nerve, especially in the face or head
• was used for shell shock after World War I
• epilepsy
• relieves digestive and other spasms of smooth muscle

Methods of Use

Taking valerian in one of these forms  thirty minutes to one hour before bedtime can support restful sleep:

• Liquid extract
• Dried root
• External application, such as adding to a bath to promote sleep

Establishing a night time routine can also be beneficial. Please see my blog #26 for more information.

Safety

Valerian is Class 1, which means no adverse effects are expected when consumed within the recommended dosage. It may be used for the long term.

Action

Consider using valerian to help establish a good sleep pattern and enjoy restful sleep.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. How do you use valarian? Please leave a comment.

Resources:

Principles and Practices of Phytotherapy

Botanical Safety Handbook