Description
Valerian root is known as the “nature’s valium”. For almost 2,000 years people have used this medicinal herb to relax and improve anxiety. Valerian root is associated with GABA in your brain that promotes a natural feeling of calmness and tranquility.
Valerian root is similar to having relaxation drugs without the nasty side effects.
Possible Benefits
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps you sleep
- Promotes parasympathetic action
- Promotes relaxation
- Decreases inflammation
- Increases antioxidant levels
- Reduces symptoms of epilepsy
Required Equipment
Valerian root extracts
How to Do It
Valerian Extract
- Take as instructed. A safe and effective dosage valerian extract is between 400 to 900 mg.
Valerian Tea
- Use 2-3 grams of dried valerian root
- Steep it in hot water for 10-15 minutes
- Drink
Why it works
Valerian root has compound interaction with the GABA in the brain. It prevents breakdown of GABA resulting in an increase of parasympathetic action in the body. It enhances the sensation of calmness and tranquility. This mimics the effects of anti anxiety medications such as Valium.
Time Commitment
It takes about 10-15 minutes to make valerian tea.
Suggested Frequency
Every night
Time of Day
Night
Possible Side Effects
Valerian root is one of the safests alternative treatments for anxiety and insomnia. However, some may experience the following rare adverse effects:
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
Related Products
Gaia Herbs : Sound Sleep https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036THNS4/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d&tag=aiponsite-20&linkCode=ic6&ascsubtag=amzn1.ideas.289FQ2UCWXL29
Tips
- Consult your doctor if you are taking other prescription drugs
- Be sure that you will not drive or operate heavy machinery 12 hours after taking a valerian root.
- In mild cases of anxiety, some take valerian root as a complete substitute to their anxiety medicine.
- Valerian root extract does not interfere with chemotherapy of cancer patients.
- Take valerian root every night for at least two weeks to four weeks for better sleep.
- Take 120-200 mg three times per day during mealtime with the last dose just before you sleep for anxiety treatment
Supporting Studies and Articles
Expand Collapse- Reduces Anxiety: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602406/
- Reduces Stress: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26177123/
- Improves sleep: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17268081/
- OCD Treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22718671/
- Epilepsy Treatment: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19900527/
