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The Eclectic Physician
Medicinal Herb Monographs
Valerian
Botanical Name
Valeriana officinalis
The information on this page compiled by
Beth Burch N.D.
Index
(click on the keywords)
Introduction
The use of Valerian dates back to the Greek physicians and has been traditionally
used for insomnia, intestinal cramps, and nervous excitement. King’s American
Dispensatory recommends it for nervous headache, pain and sleeplessness.
It continues to be used as a sedative, as a relaxant for intestinal spasms
and to help with lowering blood pressure due to tension and anxiety. Recent
research has shown it to be effective in treating insomnia with one study
showing a combination of Valerian and Hops to be comparable to benzodiazepines
without the side effects (1). Valerian is on the GRAS (generally recognized
as safe) list and is approved for food use by the FDA.
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Description
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Native to North America, Europe and parts of Asia, Valerian is cultivated
throughout Europe, Britain, Japan and the US. A perennial, it grows up
to 4 feet high from a tuberous strong smelling root with long dark brown
rootlets. The leaves are pinnate, arising from a hollow stem. The pink
to white flowers appear from June to September. The root and rootlets are
the parts used.
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Constituents
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Valpotriates
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Sesquiterpenes including valerenic acid
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Volatile oils
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Pyridine alkaloids
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Caffeic acid derivatives
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Action/Effects
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Conditions used
for
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Dosage
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Liquid extract- 1/2-1 teaspoon before bed or up to three times a day
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Dry root- 500-1000 mg before bed
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Extract standardized to valerenic acid- 150-300 mg of 0.8% before bed or
up to three times a day.
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Children’s dosage- Multiply adult dosage times the child’s weight, then
divide by 150.
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Side Effects
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Gastrointestinal upset
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Long term use may cause headache, restlessness and sleeplessness
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Contraindications
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Interactions
with medications
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Do not combine with alcohol
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Do not use with sedative medications (6)
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Use in
pregnancy & lactation
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No known contraindications for use in pregnancy or lactation
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References
1. Schmitz M et al, Comparative study for assessing quality
of life of patients with exogenous sleep disorders (temporary sleep onset
and sleep interruption disorders)
treated with a hops-valarian preparation and a benzodiazepine drug,
Wien Med Wochenschr 1998;148(13):291-8
2. Leathwood PD et al, Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency
to fall asleep in man, Planta Med 1985;51:144-48
3. Leathwood PD et al, Aqueous extract of valerian root improves sleep
quality in man, Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1982;17:65-71
4. Lindahl O et al, Double blind study of a valerian preparation, Pharmacol
Biochem Behav 1989;32:1065-6
5. Hazelhoff B et al, Antispasmodic effects of valeriana compounds,
Arch Int Pharmacodyn 1982;257:274-87
6. Miller LG, Herbal medicinals: selected clinical considerations focusing
on known or
potential drug-herb interactions, Arch Intern Med 1998;158(20):2200-11
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* The information presented in this web site is intended to inform and educate.
It is not intended replace a qualified medical practitioner to diagnose or treat medical conditions.
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