Valerian (valerian) – a top herb with sleeping and calming properties. Discover the amazing effects of valerian!

Valerian, or valerian root, or simply valerian, is a frequently used herb to improve sleep quality. Its ability to tone the activity of the central nervous system makes it possible to fall asleep more easily and quickly. However, valerian’s benefits go beyond sleep disorders, as it has a diastolic effect, making it effective in treating digestive ailments and other conditions. Learn about valerian’s wide range of health benefits and how it can be used.

In a nutshell:

• Since ancient times, valerian has been recognized as a medicinal herb with versatile properties. It is commonly used to relieve insomnia, as well as a range of nervous disorders and physical ailments.

• The calming effect of valerian on the central nervous system is attributed to its content of valerian acid, isovalerian acid and essential oils.

• Valerian is a well-known herb for solving sleep problems. Its properties are effective in promoting the initial sleep phase and prolonging the duration of the restorative deep sleep phase.

• Valerian infusions or extracts can significantly improve mood in people suffering from neurotic and anxiety disorders, as well as those experiencing high levels of stress.

• Valerian is a very beneficial herb for the cardiovascular system due to its high concentration of flavonoids.

Valerian (valerian) – what is this plant and where does it come from?

Valerian, also known as valerian root, is a well-known herb that has gained popularity around the world. It is valued in natural medicine, and its bioactive properties make it a popular ingredient in pharmacological products.

This perennial plant is included in the valerian family. It takes the shape of a medium-sized shrub with small inflorescences of whitish or pinkish flowers. The scent of the plant is strong and sweet, resembling that of honey.

The effects of valerian have been documented since ancient times, with references to it appearing as early as in the medical texts of Hippocrates from the 5th century BC and later. In Poland, it is believed to have been used for medicinal purposes since the Middle Ages. The main ingredients of valerian with medicinal properties are its root and rhizome, and sometimes its flowers are also used.

Valerian, also known as valerian root, derives its name from a Latin term meaning “to be healthy” or “to be strong.” This plant species grows abundantly throughout Europe and Asia, with a particularly high prevalence in Poland. Its habitats include moist forests, riverbanks, meadows, thickets and bogs.

Valerian is a nectar-producing plant, making it an important resource for bees. The plant’s valuable properties are due to its high concentration of essential oils, as well as other bioactive compounds. These components “work together” to ultimately increase the overall value of the plant.

Valerian is known for its numerous health benefits, but it is important to remember that proper processing is required to release the active compounds. Specific formulas and preparations containing valerian roots or rhizomes can have varying degrees of activity depending on the processing method used.

Alcohol-based valerian extracts have the strongest activity, while water-based extracts have a less intense effect. This is because the active components of valerian, including the essential oil, dissolve more effectively in alcohol than in water.

The value of a particular specific is also affected by the method of drying. When the drying process is carried out at too high a temperature, the active ingredients of the preparation lose their beneficial properties. Therefore, it is important that the drying temperature does not exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

Valerian and its mystical abilities

Valerian root has extraordinary effects, thanks to which it helps relax the body, induce sleep and reduce stress. This amazing root has been used for centuries to promote calmness and tranquility, making it a popular choice among those seeking natural remedies for anxiety and sleep disorders. Its powers, moreover, have been widely appreciated, so it has become a very popular addition to herbal supplements and teas.

Ginseng has the ability to calm the activity of an anxious mind and bring a state of serenity. Throughout history, it has been attributed mystical abilities and used in spells, love potions and as an ingredient in amulets and talismans.

It was believed that valerian could protect against malevolent entities such as witches and demons, as well as safeguard against bad events. In addition, valerian placed in a pillow was believed to prevent nightmares.

Valerian as a remedy for insomnia, trouble sleeping and hyperactivity of the nervous system

When dealing with sleep problems, such as insomnia or waking up during the night, it is crucial to regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. In addition, reducing the activity of the central nervous system during the evening hours is essential for a good night’s rest. Valerian root is an excellent natural remedy that can effectively accomplish this task.

Reducing the activity of the cerebral cortex translates into the elimination of both anxiety and mental tension, as well as psychosomatic problems. This helps restore balance to the emotional state. This, in turn, affects a more orderly sleep cycle.

There are several other types of herbs, such as passionflower, hops and lemon balm, that work in a similar way. However, herbs are not the only way to reduce anxiety, stress and sleep difficulties. Special sleep accessories, such as a weighted quilt for adults, a weighted quilt for children or a pillow filled with husk buckwheat, are equally effective in calming nervous tension, minimizing stress levels, relaxing the body and mind and offsetting sleep problems.

Valerian (valerian) is commonly used as a natural sleep aid. How does it work to give us restful nights?

• It promotes relaxation in the evening, inducing a state of mental calmness and helping us transition to a drowsy atmosphere.
• Helps speed up the process of falling asleep.
• Effectively reduces the number of times you wake up during the night.
• Solves the problem of waking up after a few hours of sleep and the problem of falling asleep again.
• By lowering the activity of nerve cells, it relieves tension and anxiety that often interfere with regular sleep, while combating irritability and palpitations.
• It affects the prolongation of the slow-wave, or deep sleep phase.
• It has the ability to combat various sleep disorders, including nightmares, delayed sleep phase, night terrors, and sleep talking.

Health-promoting properties of valerian

Valerian has a number of medicinal properties that have been known for many centuries. It has been used for its sedative effects, as well as its anti-anxiety and antispasmodic properties.

The root of the plant is the main part used for medicinal purposes. It can be consumed in the form of capsules, tablets or liquid tinctures. Valerian has been shown to have a calming effect on the central nervous system, making it an effective remedy for anxiety and sleep disorders. It is also known to relieve muscle spasms.

If we have difficulty falling asleep, it is recommended to include valerian in our medicine cabinet. However, there are also many other reasons why valerian should be present in our homes. Valerian is rich in valerian acid, isovalerian acid and essential oil, which contribute to its calming, soothing and relaxing effects.

In addition to these bio-compounds, valerian also contains many other components, including vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. It also has in its composition acetic acid, caffeic acid, tannins, bitters, mucilages, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes and iridoid triesters, which are responsible for numerous health benefits. The extensive list of bio-components found in valerian has been shown to alleviate many common health problems.

Among valerian’s valuable properties is no shortage of positive effects on skin health, making it an excellent natural skin care agent.

Valerian is also known to support the proper functioning of the digestive, urinary, biliary, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Valerian exhibits:

• Relaxing and anti-stress properties – relaxes the body, reduces nervous system activity, influences a state of calm and relaxation, and relieves nervous tension.
• Anticonvulsant properties – it has the ability to nullify convulsive activity.
• Slightly sedative properties – affects a calm, relaxed state of mind without being too intense in its effects. It is characterized by a mild effect, so that it does not cause stupefaction, disorientation or excessive drowsiness, as traditional sedative drugs often do.
• Tonic properties – has an overall invigorating and revitalizing effect on the body. Restores physical and mental well-being.
• Antispasmodic properties – combats spasms both in the abdominal area and throughout the body (including muscle spasms arising from overexertion, exhaustion).
• Supporting the work of the digestive system – regulates the processes involved in digesting food.
• Positive effect on the condition of the skin – restoring the natural balance of physiological processes of the skin, reducing inflammation, improving hydration levels and regulating sebum production, as well asas well as helping to prevent common skin problems such as acne, premature aging, lack of proper hydration, lack of skin vitality and elasticity.
• Anti-inflammatory properties – helping to extinguish inflammatory processes in the organism.
• Antioxidant (antioxidant) properties – ability to neutralize excess free radicals and oxidative stress, protecting cells from damage.

Valerian – uses

The main use of valerian is to counteract sleep problems, as well as to prevent the persistence of anxiety and excessive nervousness. It is also used to relieve anxiety disorders and induce a state of relaxation.

Valerian is often consumed in the form of herbal teas as well as tablets and capsules. When used properly, it can be a safe and effective natural remedy for those seeking relief from sleep problems and neurotic disorders.

Valerian has an effect on neurotransmission in the nervous system. It accomplishes this by regulating the level of a neurotransmitter known as GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). As a result, it reduces neuronal excitability and impedes the nervous system’s reception of external stimuli. This particular action is particularly useful for the following ailments:

• persistent high nervous tension and feelings of anxiety,
• irritability, constant irritability, easy transition from a state of calmness to a state of irritability,
• stress (physical and psychological),
• sleep problems,
• mental exhaustion, a state of extreme fatigue and weariness caused by long periods of intense mental activity, lack of time for adequate rest and recuperation, reduced productivity and impaired cognitive function,
• mood swings, sudden changes in emotional state, tendency to fall into extreme emotions, tendency to fall into despondency,
• depressive disorders,
• chasing thoughts, impaired control over thoughts, intrusive thoughts, exaggeration of problems, excessive nervousness and tendency to worry.

Valerian demonstrates the ability to calm the nervous system, while also having an effect on regulating excessively high blood pressure and stabilizing heart rhythm.

Valerian also exhibits a whole range of additional actions beyond those mentioned earlier. It can serve as a valuable support for many health ailments. In combination with other therapies, valerian can be an effective way to reduce insomnia and anxiety and neurotic disorders.

What health-promoting effects does valerian exhibit?

Valerian has been shown to aid the digestive process. It has the ability to stimulate the production of digestive juices, and combat common gastrointestinal ailments, such as indigestion, constipation, bloating, stomach and intestinal cramps. In addition, valerian supports the proper functioning of the intestines and has a windmill effect. Moreover, valerian is beneficial for the liver and bile ducts.

Valerian also has beneficial effects on the heart and cardiovascular system due to the presence of flavonoids. It strengthens and seals blood vessels, increases their strength, improves blood circulation and has a stabilizing effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In addition, valerian is also useful in reducing heart rate.

Valerian’s soothing properties can be attributed to the presence of valerian and isovalerian acids. These compounds work together to relieve tension, irritability and mood swings that are commonly associated with premenstrual syndrome. Valerian has also been found to be beneficial in reducing menopausal symptoms.

Valerian also exhibits many beneficial properties due to the presence of terpenes, tannins and polyphenolic compounds. These properties include: the ability to fight bacterial and fungal infections, as well as the ability to prevent sepsis, reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant support.

Valerian is known for its ability to relax smooth muscle, making it a useful natural remedy for a variety of painful conditions. These include abdominal pain, back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, as well as migraines.

The benefits of valerian are not limited to its internal properties. Its external benefits include its ability to fight seborrhea and dandruff, reduce inflammation and cleanse the skin (thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties). Valerian is also known to be effective in treating skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

Valerian extracts a common ingredient in herbal preparations for numerous ailments

A plethora of valerian-based products can be found in both pharmacies and herbal stores. These products come in a variety of forms, such as capsules, hard tablets, liquids, granules, syrups and dried herbs for brewing.

Valerian is a common ingredient in sedative preparations, including valerian drops, which were extremely popular in the second half of the 20th century. Other examples of such preparations include Nervosol liquid and Neospazmin syrup.

Valerian is a common ingredient in dietary supplements and medications for many conditions. Its uses go beyond sedative effects and combating sleep disorders. For example, it can be found in stomach drops. In addition, valerian is an active ingredient in many over-the-counter cardiac preparations (such as Cardiol) and some antidepressants.

Valerian is often used in combination with other ingredients with similar properties, such as lemon balm, hops, hawthorn, L-theanine or passionflower. This combination results in a stronger and more multifaceted effect of the final product.

Valerian – contraindications

Although valerian is generally considered safe for consumption, there are a few contraindications to be aware of. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as children, should avoid its use.

People with certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, liver disease and mental illness, should not take valerian on their own. People taking medications for heart disease, medications for high blood pressure, antihistamines, antiepileptic drugs, as well as sedatives, sleeping pills or antidepressants should refrain from using this product.

Valerian – side effects

Valerian can cause a number of side effects that users should be aware of.

It is recommended that valerian preparations should not be used for more than a month. It is also important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage and not exceed it.

Overuse of valerian can lead to various side effects, such as: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, headaches, dizziness, excessive sleepiness and difficulty waking up in the morning.

It is recommended to take short breaks between periods of valerian use to avoid these symptoms.

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