Valerian

Arch-enemies though they are, cats and rats reportedly share at least one passion; they both like the root of Valeriana officiualis. According to popular belief the herb drives cats into frenzy, and rat exterminators of long ago believed it made foolproof bait for their traps.

People have used Valerian since ancient times. In German speaking countries Valerian has significantly been given well over 500 distinct names. The Romans already graced the plant with a string of feminine names. This may reflect how much Valerian has always been talked about.

Valerian is a perennial plant native to Europe. Infact you can find it growing in damp woods, ditches and the sides of streams here in Donegal. It likes rich, heavy, moist loam. It has small rose-colored flowers which bloom from June to September. It’s a tall plant 2-4 feet high.

Valerian has demonstrated a number of pharmacologic effects, such as the following:

• Normalizing of the central nervous system
• Lowering of blood pressure
• Enhancement of the flow of bile
• Relaxing intestinal muscles
• Antitumor and antibiotic activity

Its prime pharmacologic effect however is consistent with its historical use as a sedative.

Pharmacologic studies indicated that the active compounds in Valerian, bind to GABA receptors much like the benzodiazepines. However, Valerian does not appear to act in a similar fashion, in that side effects such as impaired mental function, morning hangovers, and dependency have not been reported with Valerian. In addition Valerian compounds which do not bind to GABA receptors have also been shown to produce sedative effects. The main use of Valerian is in the treatment of insomnia, stress and anxiety.

More than 20 double blind clinical studies have now substantiated valerians ability to improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia. These studies showed quite clearly that extracts of Valerian root improved subjective rating for sleep, but left no ‘hangover’ the next morning. Infact, it was found that Valerian was as effective as a sleeping pill without the side-effects. Valerian has also been shown to help improve sleep and relieve insomnia in people with drawing from chronic benzodiazepine use.

Valerian extract also appears to be quite effective in children. Serious sleep disturbances are particularly problematic for children with an intellectual deficit and are often the source of much distress for both the child and care givers. Conventional drugs are not suitable for long – term treatment, making Valerian an attractive alternative.

One of the major advantages of Valerian extract is that it rarely has a negative affect or reaction time, alertness, or concentration the morning after intake.

            Valerian extract are also proving to be quite helpful in treatment of generalized anxiety.

As a mild sedative, Valerian may be taken 30-45 minutes before bedtime. It also can be taken during the night if one wakes up, a 5ml (one teaspoon) in a little water of a 1:5 tincture. Higher doses can also be taken up to 10ml twice a night if needed.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist