Benefits of Valerian Root
In ancient times and when sleeping pills were unheard of, valerian root was used as a natural sleep aid to treat sleeping disorders such as insomnia. The root of the valerian plant was used as a natural tranquilizer and sedative dating back to the time of Hippocrates.
Valerian is also known by other names such as valeriana officinalis, garden heliotrope, garden valerian, common valerian and all-heal. Studies have shown that the root of valeriana officinalis has the ability to produce the calming and tranquilizing effects as claimed. Among the compounds found in valerian are acetic acid, ascorbic acid, caffeic acid and valerenic acid. Calcium, magnesium, manganese and quercetin are also present.
As a natural sleep aid, valerian extract helps induce sleep faster and improves the quality of sleep. A benefit of taking valerian as a remedy for insomnia is that it doesn't produce the side effects such as feeling groggy the next day that a sleeping pill would.
Valerian herb with its calming properties relaxes the nervous system and helps in relieving stress and is one of the herbs used as a home remedy for anxiety and fatigue.
A combination of valerian, sage and horsetail may help treat sweaty palms or excessive hand sweating.
You might also want to consider taking valerian to ease menstrual cramps or improve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
You might not like the taste of valerian tea or liquid extract because of its smell and taste. So your next best choice is to take the extract in the form of capsules.
If you follow the prescription on the label, it shouldn't cause any side effects. But like anything else that is taken in large doses or taken with other medication, valerian side effects may include drowsiness, nausea, fatigue and upset stomach.
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