Goals: Insomnia, Anxiety, Stress Management, Menopausal Symptoms, ADHD, Menstrual Cramps, Memory and Cognitive Function, Heat Intolerance
History: Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used as herb in traditional medicine since ancient times. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, described its properties, and Galen later prescribed it as a remedy for insomnia. In medieval Sweden, it was even placed in wedding clothes to ward off “envy” from elves! John Gerard’s Herball in the 16th century praised valerian for various ailments, including convulsions and bruises. So, it’s safe to say that valerian has quite the historical pedigree! Valerian contains compounds like valerenic acid and valerenol that act on GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and sedation. It also interacts with serotonin and adenosine receptors, affecting mood and sleep regulation.
Daily Intake: For insomnia, take 500 mg of valerian root 30 minutes to two hours before bedtime. Regular use over two weeks is most effective.
Supplementation: Valerian root is often called “nature’s Valium.” It’s commonly used to promote sleep and ease insomnia. It helps reduce anxiety due to its interaction with GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for calming effects. Valepotriates, responsible for valerian’s pungent smell, has anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Some studies suggest that valerian can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. It’s used to alleviate symptoms during menopause. Preliminary research indicates potential benefits for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Valerian root helps ease menstrual cramps.