| Valerian a remedy for insomnia, anxiety and | | | | remedy for all forms of nervousness. It helps to |
| restlessness | | | | alleviate anxiety; it promotes sound sleep; and its |
| Valerian is one of the best-known herbs for | | | | calming effects benefit those suffering from |
| promoting a good night's sleep and easing nervous | | | | exhaustion or mental burnout as well. The herb also |
| tension. Its sedative effects were first recognized in | | | | appears to have anti-convulsive properties. However, |
| the seventeenth century, and since then it enjoyed a | | | | some people cannot digest Valerian properly and may |
| long history of safe an effective use. Its latin name, | | | | get headaches or feel nervous when using it. In |
| Valeriana, means "well-being" In popular lore, it is | | | | these instances, another herb should be used. |
| known as cat's weed or moon root. | | | | Methods of Administration |
| Plant Facts: | | | | Valerian tea |
| Valerian belongs to the umbelliferous family of plants. | | | | Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. Of dried |
| Growing up to 5 feet tall, this gracefull perennial emits | | | | Valerian. Allow to steep for 5 min. Add linden leaves |
| a spicy aroma and tastes slightly bitter. Remedies are | | | | or hops to enhance the calming effects. |
| often made from its cylindrical root stocks, which | | | | Tablets |
| spread via underground runners. | | | | Valerian comes in tablets and capsules. Take 1 or 2 |
| Origin | | | | capsules or tablets (200mg. Each) up to 3 times a |
| Valerian is native to Europe and the parts of Asia | | | | day. |
| that have a moderate climate. It prefers moist | | | | Drops |
| soil-swampy meadows in particular-but it also grows | | | | Take 30 drops, or up to 2 tsp., of liquid Valerian in a |
| on the plains and in the montains even at altitudes | | | | glass of lukewarm water. Repeat up to 3 times daily. |
| above 6,000 feet. | | | | |
| Parts used | | | | Valerian bath sachets |
| The rootstock (rhizome) of the healing plant is used | | | | Place 3 ½ oz. Of dried Valerian root pieces in a |
| in natural medecine; it is used fresh or dried, which is | | | | small cotton bag, Let the bag soak in a bathtub. This |
| done at temperatures above 104 degree F. | | | | herb bath is ideal for calming nervous or agitated |
| Components | | | | children. |
| The root of the Valerian plant contains various active | | | | Valerian soak |
| medicinal agents: approximately 5 percent valepotriate | | | | Soak 3 1.2 oz. Of dried Valerian-root pieces in 1qt. Of |
| (the calming substance), 1.5 percent essential oil from | | | | water for 10-12 hr. Decant the liquid and use it in your |
| Borneo camphor, formic and acetic acids, mucilage | | | | bath. For an even quicker solution, try one of the |
| and tannins. | | | | ready-made bath products that contain Valerian and |
| Indications | | | | other herbs. |
| A popular natural tranquilizer, Valerian is an excellent | | | | |