Valerian's Root

RECOMMENDED USE: The Valerian's root is traditionally used as a slight sedative to calm the uneasiness, the anxiety, to surpass the slight insomnia and as a tranquilizer for the people who experience emotional anguish (stress). The Valerian's root is occasionally used in programs to control addictions to antidepressants.

INGREDIENTS: Valerian's root (Valeriana officinalis L.).

CONTENT: 90 capsules / 300 mg. each one.

DOSE: Take 1 capsule, from one to three times daily, before meals.

WARNINGS: Do not take if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

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Valerian root (from the Latin valere: to be well) was used by the Greeks of antiquity and until the sixteenth century in the treatment of digestive problems such as flatulence and nausea, as well as a diuretic and to bring about comfort during menstrual cycles. In the eighteenth century it was used by herbalists in the treatment of diverse nervous dysfunctions. During the nineteenth century it was especially popular in the treatment of feminine “vapors” and panic or anxiety attacks.

This plant has been studied thoroughly and although scientists have isolated a number of compounds that are part of the Valerian root, its main principle asset has been identified in the essential oil (up to 2% of the root) that is termed the valeranona, (which comprises 10 to 21% of the oil. The dried root contains 0.3 to 0.9% of Valerenic acids and similar compounds. A category of substances called Valepotriates has been identified and its activities closely studied. Among these substances are the valtrate and the isovaltrate that are some of the most active ingredients and comprise about 1% of the plant.
One of the main components is an ester, (a compound formed from an alcohol and an acid by removal of water) the isovalerianate; when hydrolyzed, it breaks down into borneal and Valerenic acids, manifested by a distinctive and repulsive odor.

The following components are also found: formed acids: both sorbic and acetic, resins, starches, glucosides and two alkaloids: valerianine and catrine.
Valerian root has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, and has been used mainly as a light sedative to calm anxiety and overcome mild insomnia. It supports restful sleep without the side effect commonly associated with sleep aids.

It has also been used in the management of anxiety, restlessness, mental strain, lack of concentration, excitability, stress, migraines and headaches, nervous stomach cramps, uterine spasticity, menopause and the pain, discomfort and emotional distress that may occur with menstruation.
Occasionally it has been part of the programs used to control addictions to antidepressants or sedatives, and in some cases in the treatment of chronic pain.
In Europe it is used as an anti-spasmodic, for light abdominal cramps due to diarrhea, nervous dysfunctions, and Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), and has also been used in cases of croup, bronchial spasms and nervous cough.

The mechanism for action in this substance is as follows: the neurons of the cerebral trunk form part of the central nervous system, and is in charge of maintaining a state of alertness. Some studies suggest that the Valerian root (Valerian officinalis) is effective because it inhibits these neurons, through an increase in the production of an amino acid: GABA (Gama-aminobutyric acid). It is essential for brain metabolism, aiding in proper brain processes; its function is to decrease neuron activity and inhibit the nerve cells from overfiring. It can prevent anxiety- and stress-related messages from reaching motor centers of the brain by occupying the receptor sites.

Numerous studies have published clinical observations of this effect on human of all ages that have been based on studies using animals.
In one of the best studies carried out so far, the investigators were able to demonstrate changes in electroencephalographs showing significant sedative action, registered as a reduction in the cerebral waves upon awakening and an increase in the cerebral waves corresponding to relaxation and dream states.
In most clinical studies, Valerian root demonstrated that it can be taken to calm the body much the same way as diazepam (Valium), to smooth out even physical and psychological symptoms, acting as sedative and tranquilizer, but without the secondary effects of addiction.
Another area Valerian has shown promise is in the treatment of insomnia. Although not everyone responds to the treatment, most improve a great deal when the herb is taken prior to sleep.

In Europe, during the last 20 years, Valerian has been used in the treatment of infantile behavior dysfunctions, including the hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Experimentally, Valerian root has demonstrated an increase in the coordination ability of mice. In cats, it diminishes anxiety and aggressiveness without diminishing reaction times. In people with poor concentration abilities, it has improved the yield of several psychological variables. On the other hand, in patients with excellent concentration abilities, it produces a light decrease of some variables.
In a study, Valerian root was administered to 120 children with a variety of behavioral problems, including nervousness, migraine, learning disabilities, bed wetting, anxiety and pathological habits, such as fingernail biting and thumb sucking. All the children tolerated the product satisfactorily, without allergic reactions or other adverse secondary effects. In 74.4% of the cases good results were obtained in the study, and it was judged that Valerian root was an excellent addition for the treatment of the children with these types of problems.
Clinical observations in the last decade have demonstrated that the preparation of Valerian root seems to stabilize the autonomous nervous system in patients with psychosomatic presentations, and in those with dysfunctions of the autonomous nervous system. These dysfunctions are the basis for many cases of functional inadequacy that includes: anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, ulcers, edginess, pre-menstrual syndrome, menopausal depression, etc. Valerian root produces an increase in the yield of moderate sedation; therefore, it achieves an improvement in the coordination or motor skills and concentration abilities and reasoning, without producing depressive symptoms or excessive sedation.

In a German study of 70 patients hospitalized with diagnosis of autonomous nervous system dysfunction due to diverse etiologies, Valerian root suppressed and regulated all the symptoms, producing a sedative effect and a feeling of light relaxation. It was especially effective in the relief of symptoms of tension and anxiety. It is very useful in the cure of detoxification for tobacco users, because it eliminates the edginess and emotional upheaval caused by the withdrawal from nicotine, while at the same time it imparts an unpleasant flavor to the tobacco.