Valerian is a herb. Medicine is made from the root. As a medicinal raw material used rhizome valerian. The rhizome of the plant is thick and not very long. From the rhizome there is a lot of additional roots brownish in color and several mm thick. In these parts of valerian concentrated the largest number of healing substances.
Uses:
– Is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia).
– Is also used orally for anxiety and psychological stress.
– It is used as a sedative and antispasmodic (in relation to the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary system).
– It also has a choleretic effect, increases the secretion of the gastrointestinal tract, dilates the coronary vessels.
– In manufacturing, the extracts and oil made from valerian are used as flavoring in foods and beverages.
Valerian is likely safe for most people when used in medicinal amounts short-term. The safety of long-term use is unknown.
According to clinical studies, the dosage of valerian root extract below 100 mg does not have any therapeutic effect; It is advisable to use valerian extract in doses of 300 mg to 1 g per dose.
Cautions: Valerian can cause some side effects such as
hypotension, dizziness, hiccup, nausea. A few people feel sluggish in the morning after taking valerian, especially at higher doses. It’s best not to drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking valerian. To avoid possible side effects when discontinuing valerian after long-term use, it’s best to reduce the dose slowly over a week or two before stopping completely.
Pregnancy or breast-feeding: Valerian is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. There isn’t enough information about the safety of valerian during the pregnancy and lactation period.