Know Your Roots: Valerian

Through the months of June and July we will spotlight different herbs that have powerful medicine in their roots!

​Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Family: Valerianaceae
Part used: Root
Taste/smell: Strong aromatic, sweet, spicy, some think it smells like a foot!
Energetics: Slightly warming
Actions: Sedative, Relaxing nervine, Antispasmodic, Anticonvulsant, Hypotensive
​
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flower extracts were used as a perfume in the 16th century. Today, the root is most commonly used for promoting relaxation and sleep.

This mild sedative is used for conditions connected to anxiety and psychological stress including nervous asthma, hysterical states, excitability, fear of illness (hypochondria), headaches, migraines, and stomach upset. Some use it for depression, mild tremors, epilepsy, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Valerian root can also be used for muscle and joint pain. Some women use it for menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and anxiety. Makes a lovely and therapeutic addition to bathwater.

Valerian contains many constituents with pharmacological activity. They include the essential oil, sesquiterpenoids (valerianic acid) and epoxy iridoid esters (valepotriates) and their decomposition products. Additionally Valerian contains the amino acids (arginine,GABA, glutamine, tyrosine) and alkaloids.

Contraindications: The volatile components of valerian increase sleeping time induced by pentobarbital. It has been shown to potentiate the action of barbiturates in general.
​
Sun God Herbal products with Valerian Root: Click here 

---