VALERIAN

Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis

Alternate Names: Garden Heliotrope, Tobacco Root, Phu, Setwell, Tagara (Sanskrit)

Family: VALERIANACEAE

Parts Used: Root, rhizome.

Properties: Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Antibacterial, Astringent, Anxiolytic, Carminative, Hypnotic, Muscle Relaxant, Nervine, Sedative.

Internal Uses: Aggressiveness, Anxiety, Cigarette Addiction, Convulsions, Delerium, Dysmenorrhea, Epilepsy, Headache, Hyperactivity, Hypertension, Hypochondria, Hysteria, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel, Migraine, Muscle Soreness, Nervous Breakdown, Nervousness, Neuralgia, Overeating, Pain, Premenstrual Syndrome, Restlessness, Shingles, Shock, Stress, Tachycardia, Tranquilizer Addiction, Trauma, Vertigo

Internal Applications: Tea (do not boil), Tincture, Capsules.

Valerian is a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant, as well as a premier sedative that aids in anxiety, stress and insomnia. Recent studies indicate that valepotriates and valeric acid can bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as benzodiazepine drugs. It is a benzodiazepine like valium. It reduces hypertension due to stress and reduces pain from shingles.

Topical Uses: Rheumatism

Topical Applications: Use as a poultice on painful areas in the body, and as a bath herb for rheumatic pain. Used as bait to attract rats. Cats love the smell of it and like to play with an old sock stuffed with Valerian.

Culinary uses: Young leaves are eaten as a spring green. The species Valeriana edulis has edible, but not delicious, roots.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Warm, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Valepotriates, alkaloids (chatinine, valerine), valeric acid, essential oils (acetic acid, borneol, pinene, camphene), caffeic acid, beta-sitosterol, tannin, manganese, calcium, choline, B vitamins.

Contraindications: Large doses can cause some people to feel depressed, nauseous, headachy and lethargic. Some individuals may find Valerian stimulating rather than sedating if the body's natural enzymes do not convert the volatile oils in Valerian into valerianic acid. Do not use for long periods of time. Not suggested during pregnancy, except in very small doses. Not for people with very low blood pressure or hypoglycemia.

Comments: The name Valerian is from Latin valere, meaning 'to be in health'. Legend says that the Pied Piper of Hamlin used Valerian to lure the rats out of the city. Many say that Valerian smells somewhat like dirty socks. In the early part of the 19th century, Shakers grew Valerian as a principle cash crop. During World War I, Valerian was given to shell-shocked soldiers and stressed civilians. In Europe, Valerian is the most common non-prescription sedative. In Germany it is used for unruly children. Native Americans used it to treat horses with distemper.

The common name Valarian includes numerous Valariana species, which are used interchangeably with Valeriana officinalis.

-- Phil in KS (cshomestead@planetkc.com), April 09, 2002