14 Health Benefits of Valerian Root

Valerian, commonly known as valerian root, is a flowering plant native to Asia and Europe. The source of the valerian plant is used to treat various ailments, the most famous of which is insomnia. One of the oldest uses of valerian root comes from Hippocrates, who used the plant to relieve the effects of headaches, palpitations, and anxiety.

The healing active ingredient in the plant is valeric acid. Valeric acid is thought to interact with GABA receptors in the brain. The root can help relax overexcited nerve cells, making it an excellent natural anti-anxiety and sedative. You can find the source in many forms as a supplement. It is an essential oil for topical use, capsules, tinctures, extracts, tablets, and even tea. Some of the benefits of valerian root are listed below.

 

1- Helps treat insomnia

Valerian root is used to treat various ailments but is best known for treating insomnia. Valerian root is a calming herb that helps to relax the mind and body. It works similarly to kava and chamomile. Most studies suggest that a person should take 300 to 600 mg of the herb at least an hour before bed for maximum benefit.

This helps the body relax while giving the herbs time to circulate throughout the system. Valerian root is available in tablet form and can be taken as a tea. To make tea, simply steep three grams of dried valerian root for ten minutes. Serve hot. As with most herbal sleep aids, it's best to consult your doctor before starting a new treatment regimen. You can also combine valerian root with other herbal sedatives.

2- Home Remedies for Anxiety

Valerian root has a calming effect on the brain and body. This herb can be used by those who suffer from anxiety but do not want to take a prescription. According to some studies, valerian root is a natural alternative to anti-anxiety medications like Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and others. This herb works on the brain's GABA receptors like prescription drugs interact with the brain. While prescription medications are sedative, the acid in the root interacts with the brain without producing the overt soothing effects many would prefer to avoid.

This herb may be an effective alternative for people with mood and anxiety disorders. A Harvard Medical School study tested various herbal supplements to determine their effectiveness in controlling anxiety. Valerian root proved to be the best performer of all the herbs tested.

3- Manage stress effectively

There are many reasons for stress. However, there are many ways to reduce stress. A very beneficial option is regular exercise. Nature is relaxing, so hiking is an excellent option if fitness isn't your thing. Walking in nature is a great way to use your senses to calm your nerves. Enjoying soothing sights and fresh smells, along with the simple act of walking, positively reduces stress.

Another way to relieve or manage stress is to take a valerian root supplement regularly. Not only can this herb help you lower your stress levels and sleep more profoundly, but it can also help you deal with stress triggers more calmly. Taking valerian root regularly will help you manage your blood pressure and how you react to stressful situations throughout the day.

4- Help reduce hot flashes

During menopause, women experience various unpleasant symptoms. One of these symptoms is hot flashes. A hot moment is a sudden feeling of warmth all over your body. This may cause sweating, dizziness, and even fainting. Hot flashes can last from a few minutes to several hours. In some more severe cases, women have been hospitalized with severe hot flashes and other side effects of menopause.

Valerian root is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Although valerian root does not directly interact with hormone levels, this herb can still effectively treat this condition caused by hormone fluctuations. Women experiencing hot flashes due to menopause should take 200 mg of valerian root thrice daily to manage the situation safely.

5- Promotes mental concentration in people with ADHD

Many things are every day for children. Regardless of background, daydreaming at school, acting recklessly, and even fussing over meals are typical behaviors for children of most ages. These are often similar to ADHD symptoms. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity often create problems at home and in your child's classroom.

Valerian root is known to increase GABA levels in the brain, which can reduce compulsive behaviors, calm restlessness, and relieve anxiety. These are common symptoms of ADHD, and while most parents are reluctant to take medication, they try herbal alternatives. Even in children without ADHD, lemon balm and valerian root have been used effectively to relieve anxiety and improve mental focus. This herb is an excellent option for parents who want to avoid their children's prescription medications.

 

6- Can reduce menstrual pain

Menstrual cramps are common in women of all ages. Some people experience debilitating pain, while others may only experience mild discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers have been an instant solution to women's hurt for years. However, regular use of pain medication can have serious side effects on the liver. Therefore, take pain medication only when you need immediate pain relief.

There are many home remedies to relieve uterine cramps, such as hot water bottles and even specific yoga stretches. Another highly effective treatment for uterine cramps and dysmenorrhea is valerian root. This helpful herb can be taken daily to prevent cramps before they start or to reduce the severity of cramps after they start. Taking valerian root for dysmenorrhea has no side effects and is a perfect choice.

7- Reduces physical stress from cancer and HIV treatment

When your body doesn't feel well, it can take a toll on your entire system. Taking valerian root can help reduce the effects of stress on the body. This can make you better able to face the pressure of cancer or HIV treatment. When our brain is replenished correctly, it works faster and more efficiently. This brings clarity to our daily activities and increases productivity. Poor sleep quality and insomnia are often experienced by most people undergoing cancer or HIV treatment.

Those without sleep problems often report chronic fatigue as a side effect of treatment. Valerian root has been shown to help reduce fatigue in people taking certain medications. In many cases, people who take valerian seeds also experience improved health due to their relaxing effects on the brain and body. This herb does not interact with cancer or HIV medications.

8- Cognitive function and memory

Memory loss is a severe complication of the central nervous system. It could be the result of Alzheimer's or dementia. Medical professionals have long believed that poor oral hygiene may be another factor in addition to genetic disease. They recently confirmed this by linking bacterial buildup in plaque and tartar to brain disease. Oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream or nervous system through oral lesions, cuts, or openings in the skin.

When it gets into the brain, it contributes to the development such diseases. This can lead to increased memory loss in patients. There have also been reports of cognitive decline after certain surgeries, including heart surgery. Taking valeric acid as a dietary supplement may help reduce oxidative stress in brain regions that control memory. Additionally, valeric acid may improve oral health and reduce inflammation, which can curb memory loss.

9- Improve fertility and fetal health

Research on this is still in its early stages. However, scientific research confirms that high-stress levels combined with certain connections in the brain can affect fertility and the ability to conceive. Evidence shows that these complications can lead to low birth weight, preeclampsia, premature delivery, and an increased chance of miscarriage.

 While scientists haven't figured out why, it's clear that the correct concentrations of specific compounds combined with low levels of stress are a factor in the health of babies today. Valerian root can help reduce damage caused by oxidative stress in the body. This damage is exacerbated when a person experiences high-stress levels regularly or is chronically stressed. This herb can be taken as a tea or a dietary supplement with a regular prenatal vitamin—no side effects.

 

10- Digestive problems

Everyone has digestive problems at some point in their lives. Most stomach problems go away on their own or with the help of over-the-counter medications. In many countries, valerian root has been used for centuries as a home remedy for stomach cramps and other digestive problems. Valerian root can reduce muscle spasms in the body, including the stomach. Many people with constipation or indigestion problems find relief by taking valerian root, valerian tea, or valerian extract regularly.

One study even demonstrated that valerian oil could successfully reduce small bowel contractions. While relieving cramps can provide pain relief, relieving cramps can also help treat diarrhea in many people. The root helps relieve cramping, reducing the urge to run to the toilet too often. Always consult your doctor if you are using valerian for diarrhea.

11-Treatment of watery diarrhea

Most commonly, microorganisms and bacteria in raw water can cause vomiting and diarrhea. When you lose a lot of fluid, this can cause you to become more dehydrated. These pests are invisible to the naked eye and include E. coli and Salmonella, as well as amoebas and giardia, often found in water supplies contaminated with feces.

Dehydration can lead to weakness that affects your ability to find or purify water to replace lost moisture. In the long run, dehydration can cause hallucinations, alter your clarity, and eventually lead to slow, painful organ failure that can lead to death. Valerian root can help relieve intestinal spasms and is also an effective remedy for intestinal inflammation. The heart also has antimicrobial properties that can help restore a healthy balance of gut flora.

12- Relieve restless legs syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome is a condition that affects a large portion of the population. People with restless legs syndrome may feel nervous, tingling in their legs, and even shake their legs so often that they can't sleep. Although restless legs syndrome has no apparent cause, its effects are evident. Several prescription medications can help treat this condition. However, many side effects are more severe than those alone.

Valerian may be helpful for people seeking relief from restless legs syndrome but wanting to avoid heavy medications. Valerian root has been shown to significantly reduce daytime sleepiness and help relieve symptoms associated with restless legs syndrome. Always inform your doctor if you are taking any herbal supplements for restless legs syndrome before they prescribe other accessories.

13 – Versatile Herbs for Cough Cramps

Cramping coughs can be caused by allergies, illness, or just the result of random body reflexes. While an occasional cough for no reason is nothing to worry about, it can sometimes develop into a chronic problem. Spasms of specific lung or throat muscles usually cause a recurrent cramp cough. They can also affect people who have just recovered from a seasonal illness but have a persistent dry cough.

A recurring cramp cough can be managed with valerian root supplements instead of medication. Many people experience recurrent cramp coughs when lying down or, in some cases, just by taking a deep breath. Drinking tea made from valerian root can relax cough muscles while promoting sleep. A cup of valerian tea usually works for up to 4 hours.

14- Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia often experience memory problems, frequent mood swings, chronic fatigue, and even chronic pain in everyday life. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition that can cause long-term body pain, muscle aches, poor sleep quality, and tender points throughout the body. Women are more prone to the disease than men, but there are ways to manage symptoms in both conditions.

Valerian root baths are an effective way to help patients relieve their symptoms regularly. Taking herbal baths at least three times a week will help improve sleep habits and reduce pain caused by this condition. Over time, a root bath will significantly enhance a person's health and mental state. People with sciatica may also find relief from regular baths with valerian.