History | Valerian

History

The valerian root has been used as a remedy since ancient times. The botanical name “valeriana” contains the Latin word “valere” – how healthy to be. The German term valerian is associated with the Nordic god of light, Valerian, which stands for help and charity.

As early as 800 A.D. the valerian root was used as a means of balancing between sleeping and waking. When there is too much sleep, it balances with waking and when there is a lot of insomnia, it helps to sleep. Hildegard von Bingen also recommended valerian against pleurisy. On cats the pyridine alkaloids contained in valerian are used as sex attractants. The smell of valerian makes the cats roll on the floor.

Production

For the medicinal use of valerian one takes the dried rootstock and its branches. The drying process below 40°C produces the typical valerian smell. As the most important medicinally active substances, valerian roots contain mono- and sesquiterpenes (valeric acid) and essential oils.

Preparation

Valerian tea: Pour 1⁄4 l of cold water over 2 teaspoons of finely chopped valerian root and leave to stand for about 10 hours, stirring occasionally. Then bring to the boil briefly, leave to stand for 10 minutes and strain. You can drink a cup of this tea 2 or 3 times a day. Valerian bath has a calming and sleep-inducing effect: Pour 2 litres of water over 100 g of valerian root, heat to boil and strain after 10 minutes. Add this decoction to the bath water.

Combination with other medicinal plants

Tea made from valerian root and melissa leaves: Mix valerian root and lemon balm leaves in equal parts. Pour 1⁄4 l boiling water over 2 teaspoons of this mixture, cover and leave to infuse for 15 minutes, strain. You can sweeten with honey and drink the tea warm, slowly, sip by sip. Has a calming, relaxing effect, relieves mental cramps. Sleeping tea: mix valerian root and hops in equal parts, preparation as described above, drink before going to bed.

Therapy and areas of application

In folk medicine, medicines with valerian extract are used for:. Valerian is also effective for tense muscles after physical exertion. The sleep-inducing effects of valerian have been repeatedly proven in humans and animals.

A reduction in the time it takes to fall asleep and a better quality of sleep have been observed, making it ideal for treating sleep disorders. For internal use, valerian is taken throughout the day. In case of sleep disorders, half an hour to two hours before going to bed.

The ability to react can be limited. Valerian can also be combined with hops, lemon balm, chamomile and passion flower. Side effects: As an herbal extract, valerian has few side effects.

Very rarely, there may be gastrointestinal disorders when taking valerian. Valerian should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as there is insufficient data on a possible harmful effect on the child. As there are a large number of different valerian remedies in Germany, it is generally recommended to use approved valerian drugs from the pharmacy, as the pharmaceutical quality of preparations from drugstores is not always sufficient. – Insomnia

  • Sleep disorder
  • Unrest
  • Fear
  • Nervous exhaustion
  • Spiritual revision
  • Lack of concentration
  • Irritability
  • Stress
  • Headaches
  • Migraine
  • General inefficiency
  • Nervous stomach