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Traditional Uses
Traditionally, valerian has been long recognised as a medicinal herb. Its therapeutic uses were described by Hippocrates, and Galen prescribed, in the 2nd century, valerian for insomnia.
It was used in England during World War II, to relieve stress from air raids.
Current uses
In addition to sleep disorders, valerian has been used for gastrointestinal spasms and distress, epileptic seizures, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The main constituent of valerian, valeric acid, is used in the manufacture of drugs and perfumes.
Valerian has been in use for many years for its calming and soothing properties.
In addition to its use in supplements valerian can also be taken as tea with calcium and magnesium tablets to enhance its effectiveness. It also reduces anxiety and tension and therefore aids in sleep.
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News Comment
4 All Natural Sleep Aids to Help Treat Your Insomnia
Best Syndication, CA - 20 Jun 2008
Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb that flowers near the end of spring. It has a long history of use as a sleep aid and it is available over ...
Ask Dr. H.
Victorville Daily Press, CA - 20 Jun 2008
Antihistamines do increase non-REM sleep , but have a variable effect on decreasing important REM (dreaming) sleep . Valerian root is an herb used by some to ...
10 Essential Herb
PlanetSave.com, ME May 2006
... St. John's wort. VALERIAN FOR INSOMNIA Valerian's centuries-old reputation as a sleep aid has been validated by many studies. It ...
Counting sheep
Saga Health News, UK -May 2006
... So what are the options? Mr Richards says: “They advised me to try a herbal supplement containing valerian instead. I now sleep ...
Precautions and side effects (refer also to statements below)
There are no consistently reported adverse side effects of valerian taken in recommended doses.
Possible and/or rare effects are listed as drowsiness, headache, excitability, dry mouth and stomach upset
Research
Studies have shown that valerian improves sleep when taken nightly over one- to two-week periods, and it appears to work well in patients with mild to moderate insomnia.
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