Valerian was used to treat insomnia, migraine, fatigue, and stomach cramps. Today, valerian is promoted for insomnia, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause symptoms, and headaches.

The Valerian Root has been used as a sleep aid, for anxiety relief and much more through the ages. Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen touted it as a remedy for poison, whilst it was used as a cure for epilepsy in the Middle Ages. However, it is as a treatment for nervous disorders that Valerian has become most noteworthy.

Valerian Benefits

Insomnia

The most popular use of this versatile herb is, without doubt, as a sleep aid. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages through the brain and nervous system. Its role is to inhibit or reduce the activity of neurons or nerve cells. In large enough quantities GABA can cause a sedative effect – Valerian root  has been shown to increase GABA levels in the brain which can in turn not only reduce the amount of time taken to fall asleep, it can also improve the quality of sleep too.

Anxiety

The aforementioned GABA also helps to calm anxiety with its regulation of nerve cells. The valerenic acid and valerenol contained in the Valerian root act as anti-anxiety agents, stabilising the central nervous system. The improved GABA levels make it easier for the mind and body to relax, meaning Valerian root can also help to keep your stress levels down – significantly helping with daily stress management.

Pain Relief

Valerian appears to work directly on the nervous system as a natural pain reliever. Researchers from “The Indian Journal of Experimental Biology” found that the whole extract and the isolated essential oil had a significant analgesic effect on rats.

Muscle Relaxant

Naturally sedative and antispasmodic, Valerian root acts as a powerful muscle relaxant and can be especially helpful in easing menstrual cramps. It can effectively calm the severe uterine muscle contractions experienced by some women during menstruation.

Heart Health

Extensive studies have found that GABA also regulates blood pressure. Properly regulated blood pressure has a direct positive impact on the health of the heart, with high blood pressure increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke..

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