Valerian is the generic name of a root herb used as a sedative substance to treat insomnia and anxiety disorder. For more than one thousand years, Valerian root has been used as a tranquilizer to calm people by helping them alleviate stress.

The biochemicals of valerian are similar to the modern tranquilizers and mood elevators being prescribed by doctors in the treatment of anxiety and stress. Based on results of medical studies conducted on humans and animals, it has found great support in its use as treatment for high blood pressure.

As far as herb dosages are concerned, the absence of standard medications poses some problems since its contents may vary with the way it is prepared. Nevertheless, the suggested daily use of the valerian plant material should not exceed; for standardized extract - 30 to 400 mg; tincture - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon; 300 to 500 mg in capsule or tablet forms and 1 to 2 cups if taken as tea. Further, in its preparation as tea,it is suggested that the pot be kept covered to prevent the oils from escaping.

As an herbal medicine, there are no prescribed regulations in its manufacture; hence, the presence of contaminants or other counter-interacting drugs is possible.

Although the utilization of valerian has scientific support, it can cause excessive urination and should not be used by pregnant women, by persons operating machines, and people under the medication of antidepressant drugs.

Regardless of the scientific support, the use of valerian has no evaluation from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as to its effectiveness, safety, and purity.

The most common side effects are difficulty in breathing, excitability, headache, sleeplessness, recklessness, dilated pupils, and irregular heartbeats. In case any of these symptoms are experienced while taking valerian, the user is advised to discontinue with its use and seek medical intervention.

On the other hand, valerian roots have no side effects considered as common among synthetic sedative drugs, such as addiction and morning sickness or hangovers. Some medical practitioners even prescribe valerian roots to ease the symptoms of withdrawal from sedative drugs; usually it is recommended to be taken on a daily basis to be effective as opposed to “when needed” basis.

Today, valerian is primarily prescribed in treating people with sleeping problems or insomnia, anxiety syndromes, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps or intestinal cramping.

As an herbal medicine, consulting an herbalist physician as a precautionary measure should be observed before taking valerian, especially if making a transition from the use of a current sedative drug. In addition, you should first seek your doctor’s approval, in case you are considering valerian roots as your treatment for high blood pressure.

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