15 Health Benefits of Valerian Tea (No. 1 for Insomnia)

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Like all medicines, valerian tablets can bring not only benefits to the body, but also harm. When used correctly, the drug provides a stable sedative and hypnotic effect, helps reduce anxiety and normalize sleep. Valerian is also used in complex therapy for diseases of the digestive system, biliary tract, heart and blood vessels.

Despite the low number of side effects caused by valerian, pills containing it can be dangerous.

Before you decide to drink valerian, you should definitely consult your doctor. It has an extensive list of contraindications and can cause serious side effects. Valerian can cause severe intoxication of the body, affect blood pressure and even heart function. Before starting treatment, it is imperative to compare the expected benefits with all the risks.

Beneficial properties of valerian

The main properties of valerian, according to the World Health Organization Monograph, are sedative and hypnotic. However, due to the fact that the rhizomes and roots of valerian contain about 100 different biological substances, it has a multifaceted effect on the human body.

To date, the following properties of valerian have been scientifically confirmed:

• Sedative;
• Hypnotic;
• Antispasmodic;
• Hypotensive;
• Choleretic.

These effects only appear when the drug is taken regularly over a long period. In different cases, the course of treatment with valerian can last from two weeks to a month. Taking the medicine for a shorter period of time is not advisable, since the effectiveness of the drug increases in proportion to the amount of active substances of the plant accumulating in the body.

A single dose of valerian, as a rule, does not have a sedative effect, which provokes people to drink it and exceed the dosage.

Valerian exerts its influence on various organs and systems mainly indirectly. It affects the central nervous system and has an inhibitory effect on it. As a result, nervous excitement decreases and falling asleep becomes easier. Also, the drug, by acting on the central nervous system and directly on the heart muscle, helps normalize heart rhythm, and by dilating blood vessels, lowers blood pressure.

For sleep disorders and nervous agitation, valerian can be prescribed as the main drug. In the treatment of mild or chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system or gastrointestinal tract, the drug is used only in complex therapy.

Decoction of valerian and motherwort

You can prepare a soothing mixture at home from two herbal ingredients – motherwort and valerian. Homemade medicine will help you get rid of nervous disorders, eliminate depression, relieve tension, and improve sleep. Preparation:

1. Chop valerian rhizome and motherwort into equal parts.
2. Pour 50 gr. herbal gruel with a liter of water.
3. Place the mixture on the stove, bring to a boil, and remove.
4. Leave for an hour and strain.

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Take the prepared product twice a day, the recommended amount of liquid is 150 ml. You should not add any sweet components that improve the taste - the use of sugar will negatively affect the effect of the decoction.

Sedative and hypnotic effects of the drug

The sedative and hypnotic properties of valerian have been studied in a fairly large number of clinical studies. Their results proved that when the tablets are used correctly for 2-4 weeks, they help reduce anxiety, nervous excitability and insomnia.

The effectiveness of a single dose of valerian tablets is extremely low. They do not allow you to fall asleep quickly, do not cause a feeling of strong relaxation, and do not calm you down under serious stress. Depending on the individual reaction of the human body to the drug, it can cause slight relaxation, promoting calm, or have virtually no effect.

It is recommended to take valerian for:

• Episodic or chronic insomnia;
• Prolonged falling asleep and other sleep disorders;
• Nervous excitement, anxiety and stress.

In 2002, a group of researchers led by G. Zeigler conducted a study that compared the effectiveness of valerian extract and oxazepam. The experiment involved 186 men and women aged 17 to 73 years, divided into 2 groups. Participants in one took valerian tablets before bed for 6 weeks, and in the other, oxazepam. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, all subjects noted certain improvements in their condition.

Final testing was carried out 6 weeks later. It showed that 30% of participants who took valerian experienced relief from insomnia, decreased time to fall asleep, improved sleep quality and decreased mental stress. The same changes were noted by 24% of participants from the second group. Similar results, indicating a slightly greater effectiveness of valerian compared to oxazepam, were obtained in other studies.

It is also useful to read: Does homeopathic Valerian help Hel in cases where regular valerian is used?

At the same time, experts claim that valerian is ineffective for serious disorders in the functioning of the nervous system and can be dangerous in diseases that lead to inhibition of the functions of the central nervous system. Also, due to its ability to enhance the effects of other sedatives and hypnotics, valerian should not be taken simultaneously with them.

Valerian medicines

Valerian extract Evalar is available in tablets of 300 pieces per package, costing from 185 rubles. Contains valerian root and glycine. Indications for use are migraine, neurosis, insomnia, vegetative-vascular dystonia, hysteria, intestinal colic.

Valerian extract – available in film-coated tablets. Indicated for increased nervous excitability, insomnia, heart and stomach disorders. The average price for a package of 50 pieces is 104 rubles.

How to take tablets - instructions for use recommend that adults and children over 12 years of age take one tablet three times a day. The course of treatment is three to four weeks.

Tincture - indicated for the treatment of nervous excitability, attacks of fear, depression, cardiovascular disorders, insomnia, stomach and intestinal spasms. Price per bottle with 25 ml. is from 24 rubles.

How to take valerian tincture - instructions for use are attached. It is recommended to take it before meals - adults take 30 drops diluted with water in three to four doses per day; children can drink as many drops of valerian as the child is old. The drug is not recommended for pregnant women and during lactation, as well as drivers and people whose activities are associated with increased concentration of attention, as a decrease in psychomotor reactions is possible.

Dormiplant Valerian is a herbal sedative; pharmacies offer film-coated tablets, the active ingredient of which is an extract of the roots of the plant. Indicated for increased excitability, irritability, difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings at night. Cost of 200 mg tablets. 50 pieces in a bank are from 450 rubles.

Valerian P - relieves nervous excitement, headaches, stomach pains and cramps, symptoms of menopause, normalizes heartbeat and sleep. Release form: tablets, price for 100 pieces from 90 rubles.

Valerian forte KA - available in capsules of 50 pieces per package. Contains valerian root and rose hip extract. Used as an additional source of valeric acid.

Dosage - instructions for use recommend that adults drink three capsules before meals, three doses per day. The drug has a protective and calming effect on the nervous system. The average cost of a package is 126 rubles.

Valerian essential oil – its aroma can eliminate neurosis, depression, anxiety, and exhaustion of the nervous system. The oil has a general strengthening effect, relieves heart pain, tachycardia, headaches, and vascular spasms of the brain. Alleviates the condition during menopausal syndrome and hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. It prepares and cares for the skin very well during extreme weather events, treats climatic dermatitis, neurodermatitis and stress rashes. The average cost of a bottle (10 ml) is 240 rubles.

Lily of the valley - valerian drops - this herbal preparation has a cardiotonic, antispasmodic and sedative effect. Indicated in complex therapy for the treatment of neuroses, stomach and intestinal spasms, insomnia. Cost of a bottle with 25 ml. about 20 rubles.

Dragee “Evening” (valerian, hops, mint) – evening valerian treats neurasthenia, diseases of the stomach, gall bladder and kidneys, cystitis, menopause, headaches and insomnia. Instructions for use, which must be strictly followed, are included. The price for 100 pieces ranges from 60 to 115 rubles, depending on the manufacturer.

Valerian Plus is a homeopathic remedy in granules. Indicated for the treatment of increased irritability and sleep disturbances. The cost of a package (20 grams) is from 280 rubles.

How to take valerian correctly

Each drug comes with instructions, which you should read before taking it. It indicates how to take the drug and how much. The product should be used only as directed by a doctor. The universal dosage is one 20 ml tablet. two to three times a day. If necessary, for adults, when you need to quickly calm down, the single daily dose can be increased to five tablets or 40 drops diluted with water.

The instructions also indicate the storage conditions for the drug - they should be stored closed, in a cool place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees, out of reach of children and protected from direct sunlight.

In many cases, taking valerian must be carried out in complex therapy; it is not a panacea and is not able to cope with a serious illness.

Antispasmodic and choleretic properties of valerian

Valerian tablets have a mild antispasmodic and choleretic effect. The latter is provided by the organic acids and some other components contained in the essential oil of the plant. They affect the glandular apparatus of the gastrointestinal tract and increase bile secretion. Valerian is used for certain diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract.

Ultrasound for gallbladder pathology, when valerian tablets may be needed.

The drug has an antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle organs. It reduces spasms and, with long-term use, prevents their occurrence. Thanks to this property, valerian can be useful for diseases of the digestive system, accompanied by spastic conditions.

Since the antispasmodic effect does not appear immediately, but after a course of treatment and is mild, valerian tablets are prescribed as an additional remedy in complex therapy.

Chemical composition of valerian

The composition of valerian roots includes the following substances:

• up to 0.5-3.5% essential oil, the main part of which is bornyl isovalerianate (valerian-borneol ester);
• isovaleric acid in a free state;
• borneol;
• bicyclic monoterpenes (camphene, a-pinene, d-terpineol, l-limonene);
• sesquiterpenes;
• borneol esters of formic, acetic and butyric acids;
• nitrogen-containing alcohol and kessil alcohol - proazulene (tricyclic sesquiterpene alcohol);
• alkaloids - actinidin (which has a stimulating effect on cats), valerine, hatinine;
• tannins;
• saponins;
• Sahara;
• organic acids (formic, acetic, malic, stearic, palmitic, etc.);
• glycosides (valeride, valerosides A, B and C);
• monoterpene alcohol mertinol in free form and in the form of isovaleric acid ester;
• vitamin C (ascorbic acid);
• micro- and macroelements (calcium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, zinc, copper);
• other biologically active substances (more than 100 substances in total).

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The aglycone of valerosides A, B and C is valerogenin, which is a triterpene ketone. Also, 2 unknown ketones were detected. Valerian contains about 1% valepatriates, polysaccharides, and organic acids.

Effect of the drug on blood pressure

Valerian helps lower blood pressure. By affecting the central nervous system, it has an indirect effect on the heart and blood vessels. Also contained in valerian, borneol and some other components act on the coronary vessels, promoting their expansion. Thanks to this, the effect of normalizing coronary circulation is observed. A decrease in blood pressure also occurs due to vasodilation.

The hypotensive effect, like other actions of valerian, appears only with long-term use. According to numerous studies, valerian tablets contribute to a stable decrease in blood pressure and prevent its sharp tales. The drug is used for hypertension and some other cardiovascular diseases.

Root-based medicines: their benefits and harms

Based on valerian root, teas, decoctions, infusions and alcohol tinctures are prepared at home:

Valerian tea

Can be prepared using fresh or dried roots. They are taken in the amount of a tablespoon and placed in a teapot, pouring boiling water over it. Infuse and drink warm during the day. You can add lemon balm to the drink, this will increase the range of therapeutic effects. Valerian and lemon balm will help you quickly restore strength, relieve nervous excitement and improve sleep.

Valerian root infusion

To prepare it, take crushed valerian root (a teaspoon), pour it with a glass of chilled boiled water, and leave it covered for 24 hours. Take one hundred milliliters several times a day.

Decoction

Take 20 grams. crushed valerian root and 250 ml. boiling water, put in a water bath and hold for five minutes, let it brew. Take a tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Alcohol tincture

Take crushed roots, vodka or alcohol (in a ratio of 1:5), put them in a dark place for two weeks to infuse. Then filter and drink 20-30 drops with water three times a day.

Valerian honey

Valerian honey has a specific aroma of the plant and has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Indicated for the treatment of increased heart rate, headache, insomnia, and stomach pain. It has general strengthening, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Strengthens the immune system and enhances the body's defenses in the fight against adverse external factors.

Benefits and harms

Valerian officinalis is the best sedative. It relieves causeless feelings of anxiety, excitement, fear, helps to calm down, fall asleep quickly and improve the quality of sleep. Preparations with valerian depress the nervous system, slow the heart rate, dilate blood vessels, relax muscle tissue, increase bile secretion and lower blood pressure.

An overdose of valerian can provoke the possibility of allergic reactions, skin irritation, lacrimation, sneezing and coughing attacks.

In what cases can the use of valerian be dangerous?

Valerian preparations have a number of contraindications that must be taken into account. Although the product is considered low-toxic, it can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Valerian is contraindicated for:

• Inhibition of central nervous system functions;
• Hypotension;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Heart attack;
• Stroke;
• Inflammation of the liver;
• Kidney inflammation;
• Intestinal inflammation;
• Allergies are not its components in some other cases.

  
  Typical allergy to valerian.

Valerian is included in various preparations, which may contain additional medicinal components. In this regard, their contraindications may differ.

In such products, hops and mint may cause additional side effects.

Since valerian, when taken regularly, helps lower blood pressure, it should not be taken by people with hypotension. The drug can cause blood pressure to drop to critically low levels.

The tablets also have a certain effect on the blood. They promote blood clotting, which is why in atherosclerosis there is a risk of blood clots. This can lead to complications of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke.

You should not drink valerian in diseases accompanied by depression of the functions of the central nervous system, since valerian has a sedative effect, and in this case it is undesirable. You should also take into account that tablets can enhance the effect of other sedatives, hypnotics and antispasmodics. Taking them together is not recommended, as an overdose may occur.

Experts also advise pregnant women and nursing mothers to refrain from taking valerian. The effect of the drug on the course of pregnancy, fetal development and the well-being of the infant has been practically not studied in clinical studies. Since the drug does not have a teratogenic effect, sometimes doctors still prescribe it to pregnant women. It should be borne in mind that there are valerian preparations, the use of which is permissible, and those that are completely contraindicated.

Valerian is also used with caution in children. Up to 3 years of age, the drug is completely contraindicated, and from 3 to 12 years of age it is allowed as prescribed by a doctor in small dosages.

Treatment recipes

There are many folk recipes in which valerian rhizome is the main component. Treatment, despite the effectiveness and efficiency of home remedies, should be carried out only after diagnosing the disease.

It is recommended to discuss each stage of treatment with your doctor and agree on the combination of decoctions with pharmaceutical drugs - this guarantees a successful recovery.

For babies

A lightly saturated decoction prepared from the aromatic root of the plant will help cope with colic in a baby, normalize the functioning of the digestive system, and get rid of sleep disorders. The home remedy should only be used after prior medical advice. Step by step recipe:

1. Chop a small piece of root (about 5 grams).
2. Pour boiling water (50 ml), put on the stove, boil for 3 minutes.
3. It is not necessary to insist - immediately after cooking, strain, cool completely, and refrigerate.

Give the baby 5 drops at a time, it is recommended to dilute it in a small amount of boiled warm water (10-15 ml). Children are allowed to use the product no more than three times a day.

Valerian decoction for bathing babies

When preparing a product for bathing a child, you should strictly follow the recipe of alternative medicine. Carelessness of parents, overdose, and improper brewing of home medicine threaten children with unwanted problems.

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Another requirement is that before water procedures, be sure to make sure that the child does not have a negative reaction to the active ingredients. To do this, apply a few drops of the decoction to the baby’s delicate dermis, wait half an hour, and check if a rash appears. Preparation:

1. Chop vegetable raw materials (25 g).
2. Pour boiling water (240 ml) over valerian.
3. Boil the mixture for five minutes.
4. Leave for half an hour before straining.

Pour the prepared liquid into the baby’s bathtub. Add the required amount of warm water. It is advisable to carry out water procedures in the evening, just before going to bed. This guarantees the child a sound sleep without waking up.

Exacerbation of gastritis

Prolonged discomfort, insomnia, poor emotional state are a small part of the unpleasant manifestations that an exacerbation of gastritis threatens a person with. A rich decoction prepared from valerian rhizome will help you cope with problems.

Homemade medicine normalizes sleep, improves well-being, and has a beneficial effect on high acidity.

To prepare a home remedy, a herbal mixture is used - plant components increase the effectiveness of valerian. Mix the main component (100 g), speedwell, St. John's wort, motherwort (50 g each). Add thyme, rose hips (25 g each).

Brew 25 g. herbal mixture with boiling water (260 ml is enough). There is no need to boil or simmer - wrap the container in a woolen scarf and leave for about an hour. Strain using gauze (roll the material into 3-4 layers).

Take before meals. Drink 80 ml three times a day. The duration of traditional treatment is 5-6 months. It is recommended to take a break, rest for 2 months, and take another course.

Spasmodic cough

If you have a spasmodic cough, it is useful to take a course of valerian decoction at home, which will effectively eliminate the problem. You should not refuse to use medications prescribed by a specialist - a combination of herbal composition and pharmaceutical drugs will allow you to get rid of an alarming sign in a short time. Step by step recipe:

1. Chop the valerian roots (45 g) into a fine paste.
2. Place the plant material in an enamel container and add hot water (250 ml).
3. Place the container on the stove and cook for a quarter of an hour.
4. Leave for an hour and filter.

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Use the home remedy up to five times a day. For an adult, the dosage is only 50 ml. Store the composition in the refrigerator - the beneficial qualities are retained for three days.

What harm can the drug cause to the body?

Valerian should be taken as prescribed by a doctor, following the recommended dosage and duration of use. Exceeding doses or duration of treatment increases the risk of overdose and side effects.

An overdose of valerian can occur in two cases: when taking a large number of tablets at a time or taking them regularly for more than 1-2 months. In case of an overdose, severe intoxication of the body may occur, and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of consciousness, trembling hands, rapid heartbeat and other symptoms may also appear.

On a note

The amount of active ingredient in different valerian preparations can vary significantly. Most tablets are available in dosages ranging from 20 to 40 mg, but there are also tablets with a dosage of 200 mg. To avoid accidentally causing an overdose, be sure to read the instructions before taking the medicine.

The risk of side effects increases if recommended dosages are not followed. However, they can appear even if the drug is used correctly.

The main side effects of valerian are:

• Drowsiness;
• Apathy;
• Decreased performance;
• Decreased concentration;
• Depression;
• Hypotension;
• Disturbances in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Nervous excitability;
• Headache;
• Sleep disorders.

In some cases, valerian may have effects that are opposite to those desired. In particular, if the dosage is exceeded, the tablets can cause nervous agitation, sleep disturbances and insomnia. There is also a risk of increased blood pressure and increased heart rate.

It is recommended to drink Valerian without a break for no more than 1 month. With prolonged use, a lot of the active ingredients of the drug can accumulate in the body, which can cause drowsiness, apathy and other symptoms that appear when the central nervous system is depressed. The latter is especially undesirable in childhood.

The instructions for using valerian in tablets are relatively simple, which does not prevent many patients from violating it.

Studies have also found that taking valerian in high doses for two or more months can cause hypotension and bradycardia. According to some experts, the drug can also be addictive. However, this fact does not have reliable evidence.

On a note

The smell of valerian is very attractive to cats, but its preparations can be harmful to their health. On cats they do not have a sedative, but a strong stimulating effect. It is also undesirable to give tablets to cats because they contain a large dose of the active substance and many auxiliary components, which is why they can cause allergies, intoxication and even death.

What are the benefits of valerian tablets?

Valerian is a strong sedative that helps improve the functioning of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. In addition, valerian has a number of other medicinal properties:

• relieves spasms;
• eliminates pain in the gastrointestinal tract;
• calms the nervous system;
• helps cope with stress, depression, anxiety;
• relieves headaches,
• normalizes sleep;
• reduces blood pressure;
• prevents heart failure;
• has a beneficial effect on metabolism;
• helps with menopause;

In addition, due to its general strengthening properties, valerian is useful for maintaining the immune system.

Should I take valerian tablets?

When used correctly, valerian has a slow but stable effect, which is fully manifested only after a course of treatment. As for the effectiveness of the drug in emergency cases, it is extremely low. When taken once, the effect of the medicine is insignificant, so it is not prescribed when there is an urgent need to lower blood pressure, ease a spasm, or reduce nervous tension.

Scientific studies have mostly studied the sedative and hypnotic effects of valerian. Their results showed that the drug can improve sleep quality, reduce the time it takes to fall asleep and reduce nervous arousal. It should be borne in mind that for complex diseases of the nervous system, valerian is ineffective.

In the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and digestive tract, valerian is prescribed only together with other drugs. Due to its weak therapeutic effect, it is not recommended to be taken as a primary drug.

Only a doctor can determine the advisability of prescribing valerian after making a diagnosis. When used correctly, the product can be effective and safe. If you drink valerian without taking into account contraindications or without knowing all its pharmacological properties, you can cause significant harm to your health.

Valerian officinalis: collection and preparation

The roots and rhizomes of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. Harvesting should be carried out in late autumn (late September - mid-October), when the growth of the root mass is completed.

Rhizomes with roots are cleaned of the remains of aerial parts and soil, thick rhizomes are cut lengthwise, quickly washed with water (no more than 20 minutes) and dried with active ventilation, spread out in a layer of 3-5 cm, for a week. Finished raw materials are stored in tightly closed containers or paper bags. Shelf life of raw materials is no more than three years

Harvesting of roots in early spring, before the beginning of the growing season, is allowed, but at the same time the quality and yield of raw materials are almost halved

Valerian during pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy, due to changes in the body, expectant mothers often succumb to tearfulness, mood swings, and short temper. And although the benefits of valerian for women in stressful situations and nervous excitement are irreplaceable, it is not advisable to take it while carrying a baby. You can take the pill only if you really need it, but with caution. It is worth excluding the use of the medicine during lactation, so as not to harm the baby’s health, because the drug can reduce milk flow, cause excessive drowsiness, nausea and even vomiting.

Preparation of valerian

At the very beginning of autumn, the roots of valerian officinalis begin to be dug up, then they are treated to remove dirt and washed in cold water. After this, they are left in the fresh air for a while, and then moved to the attic for drying. During this period, the roots acquire a rather specific aroma. This happens due to bornyl isovaleric acid contained in the chemical composition of the plant.

To prepare the medicine, roots that have reached two years of age are used. This is explained by the fact that at this time the plant accumulates the greatest amount of useful ingredients that have unique healing properties.