Valerian(Valeriana officinalis)
Other Names:
N/A
Range:
Non-natice species which has escaped cultivation.
Family:
Valerianaceae - Valerian Family
Growth Type:
A hardy perennial, Valerian is a non native species which has escaped cultivation, and become transplanted sporadically across the northern half of the US. I would suggest planting your own plants, or if that is not an option, purchasing Valerian from a health food store.
Parts Used:
Root
Culinary Uses:
None known
The following text is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness or injury. Always consult with a physician or other qualified medical care provider concerning the diagnosis and treatment of any illness or injury.
Energetics
Taste: Pungent
Thermal: Warming
Humidity: Drying
Medicinal Uses:
Valerian has been used for insomnia and other sleep disorders. It has been studied alongside of barbiturate sleep aids, and was found to be more effective at relaxing the subjects so that they were able to achieve sleep. It was further shown not to have the grogginess associated with barbiturate sleep aids. Subjects awoke fresh in the morning with absolutely no barbiturate fog. IT has also been shown to be effective for users who have trouble staying asleep. It has also been used as a sedative, and for treatment of anxiety and stress. I have personally witnessed the efficacy of Valerian as a muscle relaxant. My wife was experiencing severe back spasms. She took Valerian tincture, and within 15 - 30 minutes her back had completely relaxed. I have also given Valerian to a female friend who was experiencing a panic attack. Within a short time, she was completely calm and relaxed. Valerian is often indicated as transition medication when discontinuing benzodiazepines. Valerian has also been recommended for epilepsy although no clinical study exists to support this use.
Cautions According To WebMD
Possible Side Effects:
For some people, rather than a sedative effect, V. orricinalis acts as a stimulant
Possible Interactions:
None Known
Medicinal Actions:
Adaptogen,
Analgesic,
Anticonvulsant,
Antiepileptic,
Antispasmodic,
Anxiolytic,
Carminative,
Hypnotic,
Nervine,
Relaxant,
Sedative,
Soporific,
Spasmolytic,
Tonic: Nerve,
Vasodilator
Herbal Preparations For Plant
00 Capsules
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Use to aid in achieving a recuperative night’s rest.
Dosage: 2-3 capsules as needed to achieve recuperative sleep.
Tea
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh or dried
Place 2 tsp of the fresh, or 1 tsp of dried, chopped plant material into a mug and add 6 ounces of almost boiling water. Steep for 10-20 minutes and then strain out any sediment. If you like, you can sweeten with honey, and enjoy.
Dosage: Drink 1 mug as needed to achieve recuperative sleep.
Strong Decoction
Part Used: Root (chopped)
Plant State: Fresh or dried
Place 2 ounces of fresh, or 1 ounce of dried plant into a pan. Add 1 quart of water, and bring to a boil. Continue to boil over medium heat, stirring periodically, until reduced by half. Cool the mixture, and strain and drink.
Dosage: 2-4 oz up to four times daily as needed
Infusion
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Fresh
Place 2 ounces of the fresh chopped root into a quart mason jar, and fill the jar with almost boiling water. Cover the jar, place it in a sunny location, and let it sit for 8 to 10 hours. If refrigerated, the infusion will last a couple of days.
Dosage: 4-6 ounces as needed to achieve recuperative sleep
Tincture
Part Used: Root
Plant State: Dried
Alcohol Percentage: 50%
Plant to Alcohol Ratio: 1:3
Label a quart mason jar with the plant name, the part of the plant used, the percentage of alcohol used, and the date the tincture was started.
Place 250 grams of dried plant material into a quart mason jar. Now pour in 750 ml of 100 proof vodka, or 500 ml of 150 proof Everclear and 250 ml of water. Next pour the contents of the jar into a blender and blend until all of the plant material is thoroughly chopped into fine pieces and incorporated into the menstrum. This will increase the surface area and provide better leaching of the plant constituents. As a matter of fact, this method works so well that, if necessary, the tincture can be used in as little as 7 days. Now pour the contents of the blender back into the jar, being careful to scrape every last bit of goodness from the blender. Place a lid on the mason jar, shake it well, and place the jar in a dark cupboard. Once a day for the first 7 days, take the jar out of the cupboard and shake it well. Place the jar back into the cupboard, and leave it soak for another 3 weeks. After the tincture has soaked for 30 days, remove it from the cupboard and strain out the spent plant material. Your tincture will remain viable for 2-3 years.
Dosage: 0.75 to 1.5 ml as needed to achieve recuperative sleep
