Although valerian grows wild all over Europe, most
valerian used for medicinal extracts are
cultivated. The root is used. In what
conditions might valerian be supportive?
- anxiety
- dysmenorrhea
- insomnia
Historical or traditional use: The Greek
physician Dioscorides recommended valerian for a
host of medical problems, including digestive
problems, nausea, liver problems, and even urinary
tract disorders.
Use of valerian for insomnia and nervous
conditions has been common for many centuries. By
the eighteenth century, it was an accepted
sedative and was also used for nervous disorders
associated with a restless digestive tract. Active
constituents: Valerian root contains many
different constituents including essential oils
that appear to contribute to the sedating
properties of the herb. Central nervous system
sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain
known as GABA-A receptors. Valerian may weakly
bind to these receptors to exert a sedating
effect.
