PROPER NAME:	Valeriana Officinalis
COMMON NAMES:	Valerian, Valerian Root, Valerenic Acid
PARTS USED:	Roots and Rhizomes
FORMS:	Capsules, Powder, Tablets, Liquid, Vegicaps
CLAIMS:	Valerian root is a perennial herb that is harvested in its natural environment in India and West Asia, without pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilizers. Most known for its sedative effect on the central nervous system. It is used for anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia and general stress symptoms. Also, it has been used for hysteria, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, and neuralgic pains. The German a Commission E phytomedicine monograph allows use of valerian in sedative and sleep-inducing preparations for states of excitation and difficulty in falling asleep due to nervousness.
DOSAGE:	For sleep disorders: 400-900mg one half hour before bedtime. Infusion: 1 cup, one to three times/day Tea: 150ml or 1 cup, two to three times per day before bed. Tincture: ½ to 1 teaspoon, one to three times/day Dosages can consist of acetic acid, butyric acid, camphene, chatinine, formic acid, glycosides, magnesium, volatile oils, pinene, valeric acid and valerine. There are over 120 chemical components that have been identified from the root and its essential oil.
SIDE EFFECTS:	Should be used in short term and in normal doses. Otherwise it may cause headaches, muscular spasm and palpitations, and mental depression in some individuals. Some have reported it to cause bad dreams and grogginess. May also cause blurred vision, cardiac disturbances, excitability, insomnia, and nausea. Avoid use with alcohol, central nervous system depressants, disulfiram, hepatic impairment, during pregnancy and lactation.

VALERIAN REFERENCES:

PDR for Herbal Medicines. (1998). New Jersey: Medical Economics Company

Herbs for Your Health. (1996). Interweave Press: Colorado.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended to provide basic information only. It is not a recommendation for use or endorsement of any product listed, by the Southeastern Michigan Dietetic Association. Please consult your physician or a health professional before taking any medications or supplements.

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