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Valeriana wallichi
Scientific Name: Valerian
Other Names: Baldarian, Garden Heliotrope, Valeriana officinalis,
Valeriana sambucifolia, Valeriane
Who is this
for?
Uses
Known for its
calming effect, valerian is used orally for insomnia and associated
conditions such as anxiety-induced headache, nervousness or "nervous"
stomach. It is believed that valerian works in ways similar to the
prescription drugs in the benzodiazepine class by increasing the body's
supply of a neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA).
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to
other cells. One of GABA's effects is to regulate nerve cells so they do
not activate too often. Both valerian and benzodiazepine drugs may
increase GABA production, decrease its re-absorption, and/or interfere
with its break down. Unlike benzodiazepines, though, valerian may not
have as much residual "hangover" effect on physical or mental
functioning.
Several small
studies involving humans have been conducted to test the effectiveness
of valerian compared to placebo (sugar pills) and to prescription and
non-prescription sleep aids. Most of the results show that valerian has
some value for both insomnia and anxiety. However, these studies had
very small sample sizes; they used many different doses of valerian; and
they varied widely in both the length of time valerian was taken and the
methods utilized to determine the results.
Although valerian
is not usually applied topically, it may occasionally be added to bath
water. Inhaling the vapor from the warm water is thought to help
relieve nervousness and induce sleepiness. Similarly, shredded
valerian root may be put into simmering water so the steam can be
inhaled as a relaxant.
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