Valerian Root Herb

Identification

• Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, is a perennial herb used for relaxing or calming an individual. Valerian root's first documented use was by Fabius Calumna in 1592 to help him cure his epilepsy. The plant is found wild throughout Europe and northern Asia, according to A Modern Herbal. The plant itself can grow up to 4 or 5 feet tall. When in bloom, it produces tiny white, pink and purple flowers in dense bunches in the late spring or early summer. The plant also produces a strong odor, according to Kansas State University Extension, that attracts cats just as catnip does.

Chemical Components

• Valerian root contains several active chemical combinations that can produce both health benefits and side effects. According to Patti Duffy-Salmon writing in Today's Horse, valerian root contains valepotriates as well as a volatile oil with bornyl isovalerenate and isovalerenic acid, both of which are aroma-carriers. There are also sesquiterpenes in valerian root including valerenic acid and Pyridine alkaloids, actinidine and valerianine.

Benefits

• The calming benefits of valerian root help a wide variety of conditions. As a sedative, valerian is helpful in treating sleep problems including panic attacks, anxiety and nightmares. Women experiencing premenstrual syndrome have also reported relief from cramping. Because it can relieve the feeling of mild or intense pain, valerian can help with headaches and joint pain. According to Herbal Legacy, valerian is "calming and soothing to the digestive muscles," making it useful in relieving upset stomachs and constipation. Coughing from a variety of illnesses has also been eased when valerian root is used.

Side Effects

• Valerian has a class 1 safety rating, according to the American Herbal Products Association. This means that it is considered a safe herb and has a wide dosage range. Some people, however, do not feel calmed or relaxed after taking valerian. Instead, they "suddenly feel nervous, anxious and restless after taking the herb and may experience heart palpitations," according to Jase Donaldson writing for the Insight Journal. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms after stopping valerian use suddenly. Because it has a relaxing or sedative effect, those who will be driving or doing other activities that require them to be alert, should not take valerian root.