Valeriana Officinalis – The calming herb that keeps you sleeping through the night

Valerian is a genus of flowering plants in the Caprifoliaceae family, which can normally be called valerian. The name valerian comes from Valerius, the Latin term "valere", meaning health or well-being.

Where and how Valeriana grows

Valeriana, or valerian as it is called in Swedish, is a perennial herb that grows widely in Europe and Asia. There are about 200 species in Europe, Asia and North America. In Sweden, it is mainly found in the southern part of the country, in damp places. It is the rhizome including the root that is used. It is harvested in autumn and dried.

Real substances and medicinal properties

It is the valerian plant's valepotriates of valtratum, acevaltratum, didrovaltratum and essential oils that are the active substances. Valerian is a well-known traditional medicinal herb with calming properties, and is often used for sleep disorders. Both people with normal sleep and those with sleep difficulties get a calming effect.

Other active substances in Valeriana

Valeriana officinalis contains a number of active substances, including valerenic acid, valerenol and valerenal. These substances appear to have sedative and sleep-promoting properties. They work by inhibiting the secretion of the nerve-active substance GABA, which can lead to reduced anxiety and improved sleep.

Research and studies

Several studies show that valerian can make us fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. In a multicenter study of 11,000 people, roughly 70 percent experienced an effect.

Use and dosage

Like other herbal medicines, Valeriana should be taken continuously to build up the active substances in the body. To achieve an optimal effect of the treatment, continuous use is recommended for 2-4 weeks.

Other areas of use

Valerian can be used to treat various medical conditions, including digestive problems and urinary tract infections. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve pain and inflammation.

Interactions with other drugs

Valerian can interact with certain medications, such as benzodiazepines and other sedatives. It is therefore recommended to consult a doctor before starting to take valerian if you are taking other medicines.

Valerian supplement

Valerian is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tea, essential oil, and extract. Each shape has its own advantages and it is important to choose the shape that suits you best. Capsules and extracts are usually the most practical and readily available options, but tea and essential oil can also be good choices.

Side effects and precautions

Natural products are superior to synthetic medicines in terms of side effects, as they have fewer side effects and also do not alter physiological and biochemical pathways. Valerian is normally well tolerated, but it can cause side effects such as fatigue, headache and upset stomach. It is recommended to start with low doses and gradually increase them to avoid side effects. People taking medications for depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions should consult a doctor before using valerian.

In the traditional use of these plants have primarily been recorded in local herbal books or have been passed down orally from one generation to another. The compounds and extracts from Valeriana Officinalis have shown a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It was definitely first used as a treatment for brain disease in the late 16th century. This plant has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years to treat various nervous disorders, spasm reliever, for prolonged fever, brain disorders and as a sedative for hysteria, epilepsy and stress and anxiety. Valerian root can also be used to treat digestive problems and urinary tract infections. In the US it is mainly sold as a sleeping aid, while in Europe it is used for restlessness, tremors and anxiety.

common questions and answers

What is valerian good for?

It is primarily used as a mild sedative to help reduce anxiety and tension. It can also be used to treat insomnia, headaches, depression and digestive problems. In addition, Valerian can help reduce symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. People often take valerian supplements or tinctures to get the desired effects. Although some people report positive results with valerian, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any herbal supplement because they can interact with other medications you may be taking.

How long can you eat valerian?

As with other herbal medicines, Valeriana should be taken continuously to build up the active substances in the body. To achieve an optimal effect of the treatment, continuous use is recommended for 2-4 weeks. But it is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure or need to continue treatment for a longer period of time.

How does valerian night work?

Valeriana Natt is a natural remedy that contains extracts from Valeriana Officinalis root. It is intended to help relieve sleep disorders and anxiety. Valerian Night can be taken before bed to help promote a calm and relaxed feeling and to improve the quality of sleep. It is important to follow the dosage and instructions on the package carefully, and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Can you overdose on Valerian?

No cases of overdose have been reported. Overdose can cause serious side effects such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, vomiting and nausea. It is important to follow the dosage and instructions on the packaging carefully and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. People taking medications for depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric conditions should consult a doctor before using valerian.

How fast does Valerian work?

The effect of valerian varies from person to person, but it may take time before valerian begins to show its effects. It is recommended to use valerian continuously for 2-4 weeks to build up the active substances in the body and get an optimal effect. Some people may experience an improvement in sleep quality and reduced anxiety within a few days, while for others it may take longer. It is important to use valerian for a long enough time to see if it works and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Recipe 2.0 with a sleep focus contains, among other things, Valeriana

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