Valerian Medicinal Herb is an Effective Painkiller

Valerian medicinal herb is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia and despite the findings that it is ineffective as an alternative for benzodiazepines, it is still used for restlessness, nervousness and anxiety.  It is also a muscle relaxant and it is used to slow the heart rate. 

Many users find that it takes effect immediately while others experience effect after several weeks.

Some of the common names are , All-heal, Setwall and Phu. The main parts used as herbal medicine are the root or rhizome and it is of the Valerianaceae family.

The medicinal properties are aromatic, tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, anodyne, emmenagogue as well as nervine. 

There is a lot of history attached to this herb.  It is recorded that the extracted liquid from the root was authenticated in the United States Pharmacopeia beginning 1820 to 1936. 

It can also be found in the World Health Organizations monographs concerning medicinal herbs.

Health benefits of valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

It is used as a sedative, so therefore and it is a good remedy for insomnia as well as stress. It blooms small, fragrant, white to pink or lavender flowers and these flowers are also used in medicine. 

The native American Cree Tribe's history included it as a topical medication for earaches.

It has been used as a sleep aid for over one thousand years and it has the ability to help relax the central nervous system and promote feelings of calm.

This medicinal herb is a wonderful nerve tonic. There are individuals who speak of its soothing and quieting effect on the body after consumption. Sleeping pills can be purchased if the natural herb is in short supply.

It is also excellent for dysmenorrhea, rheumatic pains, epilepsy, and high blood pressure, colic, heart palpitation as well as hysteria.

It is a remedy for colds and fever as well as gravel in the bladder.  It was discovered that it may also be given to dogs to calm and give them a feeling of relaxation.  However, the doses for dogs should be in small amount.

Herbal constituents

Valproic acid is an analogue of one of this herb's constituents and valeric acid is used as an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug. The root generally does not lose its effectiveness at anytime soon.

It has also been recommended as an epilepsy remedy, although it is not supported by a research. This was brought about by the fact that Fabius Calumna used it to cure himself of the disease in 1952.

While shown to be an effective remedy for the treatment of anxiety, a study shows that this herb tends to aid the agitated person and stimulate the fatigued person, thereby bringing about a balancing effect on the system. 

It can be an alternative to prescription sleeping pills as well as tranquilizers.

The tea and tincture

Herbal tea and tinctures are made from the dried roots. The root is one of the strongest herbal nervine. The root should never be boiled and do not take for more than two weeks at a time because it is possible that poisoning may occur if taken in large amount for a period of time.

To make a cold tea use one teaspoonful of the root soaked in one cup of cold water. Cover the cup and place it in the refrigerator for twelve to twenty-four hours. Then strain and taken about one hour before retiring to bed.

The tea may also be used externally by applying it to acne, pimples and sores to cure, heal, soothe and calm these ailments.

Capsules or pills are sold in stores worldwide, so if you do not have the time to grow your own herbs, there is easy access to acquire the herbal products and do make sure to follow valerian medicinal herb instructions that accompanied your purchase.

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Updated March 31, 2020