7 Surprising Uses of Valerian in Everyday Health

Introduction

Valerian, scientifically known as Valeriana officinalis, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Traditionally used for its sedative properties, this herb is gaining momentum in today’s health and wellness spheres. In this article, we explore seven surprising and versatile uses of valerian, showcasing its relevance in modern health practices.

Promoting Restful Sleep

Valerian is widely recognized for its ability to enhance sleep quality. Numerous studies have highlighted its effectiveness in reducing the time it takes to fall asleep ¹. The herb’s natural compounds interact with the brain’s GABA receptors, promoting relaxation and making it easier to drift into a restful sleep. This makes valerian a popular choice for those seeking a natural alternative to conventional sleep aids.

Alleviating Anxiety and Stress

Beyond its sleep-inducing properties, valerian plays a significant role in managing anxiety and stress. Research indicates that valerian can increase GABA levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with calming the nervous system ². This action helps alleviate anxiety and promotes a sense of calm, making valerian a valuable tool in today’s fast-paced and often stressful environment.

Supporting Menstrual Health

Valerian’s benefits extend to menstrual health, where it has been used to alleviate cramps and discomfort. The herb’s antispasmodic properties help relax muscle contractions, often a cause of menstrual pain. Historical usage and some modern studies suggest that valerian can be an effective, natural remedy for women seeking relief from menstrual symptoms ³.

Enhancing Cognitive Function in Children

Interestingly, valerian is not just for adults. Research has begun to explore its potential in enhancing cognitive function and reducing hyperactivity in children. Studies indicate that valerian may improve focus and decrease impulsiveness, making it a promising natural option for managing attention-related challenges in younger populations ⁴.

Natural Treatment for Headaches and Migraines

Valerian has a longstanding reputation in traditional medicine as a remedy for headaches and migraines. Its ability to relax muscles and ease tension contributes to its effectiveness in this area. While more research is needed to fully understand its impact, current knowledge supports valerian’s use as a natural alternative for headache relief ⁵, offering a gentler approach compared to some pharmaceutical options.

Managing Digestive Issues

The benefits of valerian also extend to digestive health. It has been traditionally used to address various digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Valerian’s antispasmodic properties can soothe intestinal muscles, reducing cramps and discomfort associated with digestive disorders ⁶. This makes it a valuable herbal remedy for those seeking natural solutions for their digestive health concerns.

Heart Health and Blood Pressure Regulation

Valerian’s impact on heart health and blood pressure is an area of growing interest. Some studies suggest that valerian may have a positive effect on heart health by promoting relaxation and reducing stress ⁷, factors that are closely linked to cardiovascular health. Additionally, its potential role in regulating blood pressure makes it an herb worth considering for those focused on maintaining or improving heart health.

Conclusion

Valerian’s diverse applications in everyday health are both surprising and impressive. From improving sleep and reducing anxiety to aiding in menstrual health and managing digestive issues, this herb offers a range of natural benefits. However, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals before incorporating valerian or any new supplement into your health regimen. With its multifaceted uses, valerian stands out as a valuable addition to natural health practices.

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References

1. Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M., & Mehling, W. (2015). Valerian for sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), 1005-1012. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4394901/[↩]
2. Yuan, C.-S., Mehendale, S., Xiao, Y., Aung, H. H., Xie, J.-T., & Ang-Lee, M. K. (2004). The gamma-aminobutyric acidergic effects of valerian and valerenic acid on rat brainstem neuronal activity. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 98(2), 353-358. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14742369/[↩]
3. Behboodi Moghadam, Z., Rezaei, E., Shirood Gholami, R., Kheirkhah, M., & Haghani, H. (2016). The effect of Valerian root extract on the severity of pre menstrual syndrome symptoms. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 6(3), 309-315. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4936757/[↩]
4. Gromball, J., Beschorner, F., Wantzen, C., Paulsen, U., & Burkart, M. (2014). Hyperactivity, concentration difficulties and impulsiveness improve during seven weeks’ treatment with valerian root and lemon balm extracts in primary school children. Phytomedicine, 21(8-9), 1090-1093. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24837472/[↩]
5. Azizi, H., Shojaii, A., Hashem-Dabaghian, F., Noras, M., Boroumand, A., Ebadolahzadeh Haghani, B., & Ghods, R. (2020). Effects of Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) on tension-type headache: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, 10(3), 297-304. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32523884/[↩]
6. Hazelhoff, B., Malingré, T. M., & Meijer, D. K. (1982). Antispasmodic effects of valeriana compounds: an in-vivo and in-vitro study on the guinea-pig ileum. Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamie et de Thérapie, 257(2), 274-287. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7114974/[↩]
7. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). Valerian – Health Professional Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/valerian[↩]