Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a blooming plant sometimes called garden heliotrope or all-heal. This plant’s root has been used for thousands of years to cure heart palpitations, headaches, uneasiness, shaking, and insomnia.
Ayurveda has traditionally employed the herb Valerian to treat a variety of physical ailments, most notably insomnia. Valeriana officinalis is mostly used to cure physical problems through its roots. The herb facilitates falling asleep by reducing anxiousness and making it simpler. Flavoring agents for food and drink are derived from the Valeriana officinalis herb, including oil and natural extracts.
Description
Valeriana officinalis is a clumping perennial with aromatic leaves, stems, flowers, and roots. It is also known by the names garden heliotrope, common valerian, and all-heal.
Botanical Name:
Valeriana officinalis
Family:
Caprifoliaceae
Leaves:
Valerian’s leaves are arranged in pairs along the stem. They are pinnate leaves, meaning they have a central stalk with leaflets branching off on either side. The basal leaves have a rosette form, while the upper leaves are smaller and have fewer leaflets.
Flowers:
The fragrant white or light pink blooms of Valeriana officinalis are grouped in umbels. Every blossom has a length of 0.2 inches. June to August is flower-blooming season.
Stems:
Valerian has long, hollow, wrinkled stems that grow up to five feet above the ground. Usually smooth and spherical, these stems branch toward the top of the plant during its second growing year.
Habitat:
Valerian grows in temperate regions of Europe, but it is also found in the Caucasus, Siberia, Manchuria, Japan, and west and central Asia. It can grow in a variety of climatic situations and its different leaf forms can adjust to suit the unique requirements of each unique setting.
Parts Used:
- Roots
Chemical Constituents
Valeriana is believed to include three primary types of bioactive compounds: alkaloids such actinidine, shyanthine, chatinine, valerianine, and valerine, and essential oils like valenol and valerenic acid. Beta-sitiosterol, urosolic acid, caryophyllene acide, 3′-dimethoxyl-dibenzyl-ditetrahydrofuran, valerane, naphthalene, linoleic acid, ethyl ester, and myrtenyl acetate are also present in the herb.
Other Language Names of Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis)
French name – Valériane officinale
German name – Baldrian
Spanish name – Valeriana officinalis
Italian name – Valeriana Officinale
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Tracheobionta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Subclass | Asteridae |
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
Ayurvedic Properties
Rasa (Taste): Katu (Pungent), Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Qualities): Laghu (light for digestion), Snigdha (Slimy in nature)
Veerya (Potency) : Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka : Katu (After digestion undergoes pungent taste conversion)
Karma (Actions): Balances all the three doshas (Kapha, Pitta, and Vata)
Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) Uses
- The valerian root paste was applied to the insect-bitten area.
- The infusion of valerian roots is used to alleviate stomach discomfort and indigestion.
- The wound is covered with valerian root paste to promote healing.
- When a patient with arthritis applies valerian root paste to their joints, the pain is relieved.
Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) Benefits
Decrease Stress & Anxiety:
Regular Valerian dosage has been shown to reduce anxiety and tension in adults with serious depressive disorders, such as anxiety, by 60%. A chemical component like valverenic acid is essential for reducing apprehensive behavior. The primary cause of stress in the human body is a reduction in GABA levels. In addition to lowering high blood pressure and slowing the heart rate during stressful situations, Valerian increases GABA levels. Additionally, it lowers the body’s stress level by preserving the brain’s serotonin and norepinephrine levels, which are directly linked to anxiety and dread.
Anxiety:
The central nervous system is stabilized by the anti-anxiety effects of the valerenic acid and valerenol found in Valerian root. Because higher GABA levels facilitate relaxation in both the mind and body, Valerian root can also assist lower stress levels, which can have a major positive impact on day-to-day stress management.
Lower Blood Pressure:
Knowing how relaxing valerian root can be for the body and mind, it should come as no surprise that it can also lower blood pressure, which in turn improves heart health. The active ingredients in valerian that aid in the treatment of anxiety and restlessness can also assist the body in maintaining healthy blood pressure regulation.
Decreased Cramps and Muscle Spasms:
Valerian is most commonly used to increase both the quantity and quality of sleep, but it is also used for additional purposes that have also been supported by studies. There is some data that suggests the valepotriates in valerian may provide antispasmodic effects via regulating the autonomic nervous system. Some report that it also relieves nervous-induced cramping in the abdomen. But more investigation is required.
Memory Improvement:
Children’s memory and mental capacity can both be enhanced by dried valerian roots. The herb’s valerenic acid helps improve memory and problem-solving abilities in both adults and kids.
Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) Side Effects
Dizziness:
Feeling dizzy, unstable, or like the room is spinning are some possible symptoms of this.
Drowsiness:
Since drowsiness is the most frequent adverse effect of Valerian, it is imperative to avoid taking Valerian right before operating machinery or driving.
Headache:
Some people who take valerian report having headaches.
Stomach upset:
Indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can all be brought on by Valerian.
Mental dullness:
After taking valerian, you can feel dim-witted, forgetful, or find it difficult to focus.
Read Also: Nagbala (Grewia hirsuta) -Uses, Benefits, Medicinal Properties & Side Effects
Conclusion
Valerian was formerly used to alleviate stomach cramps, tiredness, migraines, and sleeplessness. Valerian is being recommended these days for headaches, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and menopausal symptoms. Valerian’s rhizomes, or underground stems, and roots are both used medicinally.
FAQS
What is the purpose of Valerian officinalis?
Valerian was formerly used to alleviate stomach cramps, tiredness, migraines, and sleeplessness. Valerian is being recommended these days for headaches, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), anxiety, depression, sleeplessness, and menopausal symptoms.
Do side effects exist with valerian?
While valerian is generally considered safe, adverse symptoms including headache, lightheadedness, nausea, or insomnia might happen. Valerian may not be suitable for use if you are nursing a baby or pregnant. Furthermore, its suitability for use with younger children has not been assessed.
Is Valerian safe for everyday use?
For up to six weeks, dosages of 300–600 mg of Valerian per day have been administered successfully. Long-term use safety is uncertain. In most cases, Valerian is well tolerated. Dizziness, tiredness, headaches, upset stomachs, mental dullness, and vivid nightmares are a few typical adverse effects.