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Valerian roots, also known as Valeriana officinalis, are a herb found in regions of Asia and Europe. It is an effective herbal remedy, dating back to ancient Rome and Greece. Today, this medicinal herb is available in different forms, including pills, tinctures, and teas.
Valerian roots consist of a variety of compounds that are known to offer calming effects on the body. It is believed that there are many incredible benefits of valerian roots, which is why this medicinal herb has been used as a natural remedy to treat various problems for thousands of years.
Various studies have also shown that the benefits of Valerian roots may include easing symptoms of menstrual pain, reducing headaches, preventing insomnia and more. Read on to find out some more benefits of Valerian roots along with possible side effects and usage.
Health Benefits of Valerian Roots
Here are some of the most popular benefits of Valerian roots:
1. Helps with insomnia
Among the most potent benefits of valerian roots is its ability to help with insomnia and other sleeping problems. Valerian roots are commonly used in herbal remedies to promote sound sleep. These include lemon balms, chamomile tea, passion flowers, and more.
Studies suggest that valerian roots consist of muscle-relaxing properties that help ease tension in your body. It helps your mind release stress and promotes sleep by improving symptoms of insomnia. Medical experts believe that taking Valerian roots for sleep is much safer compared to pharmaceutical sleep aids.
2. Reduces Period Cramps
The benefits of valerian roots also include reducing menstrual cramps and managing PMS. The herb helps alleviate period pain by relaxing uterine muscle tissue. Valerian roots also prevent contractions of the uterus, and various studies suggest that valerian roots can potentially ease muscle spasms, making it an effective remedy for managing period cramps.
3. Improves menopause symptoms
Improving menopause symptoms is also among some of the most well-known benefits of Valerian roots. The herb contains a plant compound that potentially substitutes estrogen when it's low and reduces when the levels get too high. Furthermore, it helps fight symptoms of menopause by properly balancing estrogen levels in women.
4. Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression
Valerian roots have calming properties, which makes it a beneficial treatment to reduce and manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Experts believe that the herb can improve anxiety symptoms, particularly those that are associated with certain medical conditions and sleep issues.
Other Benefits of Valerian Roots
Aside from the aforementioned advantages, some other uses and benefits of Valerian roots also include:
- reducing nervousness
- reducing headaches
- improving heart palpitations
- preventing epileptic seizures
- managing ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
It is important to note that there is not much evidence to support the above-given use of valerian roots.
How to Use Valerian Roots?
The herb can be taken on its own, although it is also used in combination with other sleep-promoting and calming herbs in products like sleep teas and gummies. Valerian root is often used in combination with passionflower, chamomile tea, and other sleep-promoting treatments.
You should take Valerian roots depending on the symptoms you are experiencing and hope to improve. Generally, it is taken at bedtime in a single dose to promote sound sleep. However, it can also be taken in multiple doses to ease stress and anxiety as prescribed by the doctor.
Are Valerian Roots Safe?
Valerian roots are safe when taken by mouth in doses of 300 to 600 mg daily for no more than six weeks. While the herb is generally easy to digest, some people might experience side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, stomach upsets, headaches, and vivid dreams. In some cases, it might also cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued.
It is also important to be careful when mixing the herb with sedatives such as antidepressants, muscle relaxers, sleep medications, and antipsychotics as this can lead to serious health and mental problems.
