Monday 25 March 2013

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

Monday 4 March 2013

Preventing and Recovering from Strokes


Up to 8,000 people suffer strokes every year in this country. From this total, over 2,500 stroke patients die. A stroke, like a heart attack is a serious arterial condition. Thankfully, strokes are decreasing in number at present, but with the increase in obesity in our population, this trend may change. Strokes usually occur suddenly and violently, they can be life threatening and require many months of recovery time. Currently, there are over 30,000 people with residual disability from stroke in this country, with 20% unable to walk and 50% in need of day to day assistance.
Signs of a serious stroke are dizziness, headaches and fainting. Problems with vision are sometimes experienced and may be associated with nausea and vomiting. Once consciousness is regained, a one-sided paralysis is typical. In the face, the mouth and eyelid droop on one side, while an arm and leg maybe paralyzed as well. It is often impossible to speak. Following a serious stroke, the first hours and days are the most critical. During the recovery months, the fatigue and exhaustion can be profound and frustrating. Memory problems, confusion and personality changes are serious effects, though they will not follow every stroke. Symptoms and recovery times vary widely from person to person. Apathy, mood swings and flares of anger are not uncommon, though these usually disappear with time.
Most strokes are caused by impaired circulation to the brain, which causes the destruction of brain tissue from lack of oxygen. This typically occurs as a result of a blood clot, or thrombus that develops with Arteriosclerosis. The risk factors are the typical ones for arteriosclerosis and heart disease, including poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity and smoking, with diet being the single most important risk factor in strokes. Fat is the primary cause of strokes. Saturated fats from meat and processed oils clog arteries and cause a lack of oxygen to the brain. Eliminating these fats from meat and processed foods such as margarine or cooking fats, will drastically reduce the risk of strokes. A lack of fiber is a common problem in our diet, since many foods are refined of their natural fiber, especially white flour based products such as bread and pasta, and also white rice. Wholesome, unrefined foods not only contain fiber but are much richer in nutrients and enzymes. Eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily reduces the risk of strokes. Less commonly, a stroke occurs because of a ruptured blood vessel in the brain or an embolism from an ailing heart.
Hawthorn is an excellent herb to keep the arteries clear, as well its ability to reduce blood pressure and lower cholesterol. To prevent blood clots from forming and to improve circulation, hawthorn and garlic are very helpful.
Lecithin is an excellent blood-clotting inhibitor, transporting unhealthy fats out of the body. Take 3 teaspoons of lecithin each day with meals.
Vitamin C is very important for the integrity of the blood vessel walls. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables will provide good Vitamin C levels in the blood stream.
After a stroke, nutrition is paramount and provides a foundation for recovery. Eat fresh fruit and vegetables daily to protect against future strokes. Eating oily fish, at least twice a week has been shown to reduce the amount of strokes. Take fish oil capsules if you can’t get fish twice a week. Garlic and Ginkgo Biloba are excellent after a stroke. Ginkgo will reduce odema in the brain after a stroke, thus aiding recovery and limiting brain cell damage.
As during all convalescence periods, several small fresh meals throughout the day are easier to digest than three large ones.



David Foley
MRCHM, MNIMH
Medical Herbalist