Valerian Root - What you need to know
Since centuries, Valerian Root has been used as a mild sleep aid and sedative. The root is known to have a calming, relaxing effect and was used by Traditional Medicine for Anxiety, insomnia and headaches. Valerian roots are derived from perennial flowers Valeriana officiinalis which originates in Europe and Asia. In recent years, it has gained popularity due to the natural properties of this herb and its potential benefits.
In the media and social media, Valerian Root has gained attention for its capacity to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia. Numerous studies have shown its efficacy in treating symptoms of these disorders. Participants who were given valerian roots showed marked improvements in sleep quality when compared with those who weren't. In another study , taking valerian roots can help reduce migraine headaches.
Valerian Root: Benefits and Uses
Valerian root is said to have benefits for stress reduction, insomnia, and anxiety. The valerian root is believed to increase levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric) in the mind, helping to reduce stress, relax muscles and improve mood. Some research has also shown that valerian can help reduce migraines and headaches. The valerian root may help promote better sleep as it increases the levels of the hormone Melatonin , which regulates the sleep/wake cycles.
The following are some of the most important points regarding valerian roots and their purported health benefits:
- GABA is believed to be a key factor in reducing stress and anxiety.
- This may reduce headaches or migraines.
- Melatonin may promote better sleep through increased levels.
- The drug is not addictive and it has very few side effects.
Views from Experts and Professionals
Most experts and professionals agree that valerian is safe and effective for treating mild-to-moderate cases of anxiety and stress. They warn, however, against taking excessive amounts or for long periods. Experts recommend that you start with a low dose, and then increase it gradually if necessary. Some experts also advise against taking the drug with alcohol and certain medicines, which can cause adverse reactions.
There are also concerns regarding the safety of valerian roots over time. Some studies suggest that valerian root may affect the ability of the body to absorb some medications. The FDA does not regulate valerian, which is why it's important to buy it only from trusted sources.
Valerian root: How to Get started
Start with a small dose of valerian and increase the dosage if necessary. It is recommended that you take 400-900mg per day in divided doses. You can buy it in many forms, including tablets, capsules, teas and liquid extracts. Be sure you buy valerian from a reliable source when purchasing it.
Valerian roots can be consumed in a variety of ways.
- Take one capsule with meals, 2-3 times per day.
- Tablets: 1 tablet taken 2-3 times daily, with meals.
- Extract liquid: 15-30 drops taken 2-3 times per day with food.
- For tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons dried roots in 8 ounces hot water for 5-10 min. Drink 1-2 cups per day.
What are the side effects or drawbacks of using this product?
Valerian is well tolerated by most people and considered to be safe. It can, however, cause minor side effects like nausea, headaches, dizziness and stomach upset. You should also be aware that certain drugs can cause an interaction, so you'll want to consult your doctor first.
Some experts also advise that valerian roots should not be taken for long periods, because their effectiveness can decrease with time. You should also be aware that valerian root is not FDA-regulated, and you need to buy it only from trusted sources.
Conclusion
Since centuries, Valerian Root has been used as a mild sleep aid and sedative. In traditional medicine, it has also been known to have calming, relaxing properties. It can be used for anxiety, insomnia and headaches. It is still a subject of research , but some studies suggest that this herb may reduce stress, anxiety and insomnia. The root may help reduce migraines and headaches as well as promote better sleeping. Valerian is generally non-addictive and safe for use. However, you should consult your doctor first before using it as certain medicines can react with it.
.