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Valerian Root
The valerian plant is a perennial flower and is known to be hardy in rough environments. It can grow up to five feet and has been a popular choice in gardens for years because of its ease of maintenance and quick growth.
For centuries these plants have been used for a wide array of health benefits. Let's take a closer look at what these benefits are and how they can provide stress support along with any side effects or dosing guidelines that may also exist.
Non-habit forming
Natural active ingredients
Manufactured in USA
Caffeine Free
Non-drowsy
Melatonin Free
What is Valerian Root?
The valerian plant originated in Europe and Asia but has since been planted and harvested in the Americas as well. Its hardy, tough build makes it an ideal plant for most areas of the world and its perennial quality means that it will keep coming back after planting.
It grows under a wide variety of conditions and self-seeds as well, making it a very low-maintenance flower for any garden. The bloom of the flower is beautiful and composed of multiple clusters of flowers, but typically this is not what most people harvest when using the valerian plant for medicinal purposes.
While the flowers can be used for decoration or even brewing tea, instead it is the root that is typically harvested for stress supporting benefits. This thin, hair-like structure is thought to house powerful health benefits and can be used as a supplemental ingredient.
How Does Valerian Root Provide Stress Support?
For centuries, the valerian root has been used to aid people who are struggling to fall asleep as it is thought to promote relaxation that helps prepare your body and mind for rest. This plant has many compounds that are thought to help promote mental wellness and provide stress support through calming effects.
One of the main compounds thought to be an active ingredient in valerian root is called valeric acid. The valerian root is thought to directly impact our central nervous system. The brain has two main paths of receptors that either help to relax and wind down the central nervous system, or excite it. Those two systems are the GABA receptors and glutamate receptors. GABA is responsible for relaxation while glutamate is responsible for excitement
It is believed that the valerian root supports GABA pathways; this would explain why valerian herbal medicine has been tied to relaxation for so many centuries.
Traditionally, the relaxing qualities of valerian root have been the leading reason for using it as a front line, natural defense against restlessness. Regardless of how the mechanism of action plays out, it is well established that there is a strong link between stress support and valerian root.
What Else Can Valerian Root Be Used For?
While the valerian root is typically used for its potency, the flowers can also be harvested for tea. These flowers can be either dried or added to your loose leaf tea fresh off the picking. It has been noted that similar easing, unwinding effects have been associated with the tea, however it appears to be much milder.
You can also find valerian root in capsule form, commonly marketed as a daily supplement for stress support. Our Calm and Unwind combo utilizes valerian root along with several powerful active botanicals such as chamomile, lemon balm, and passion flower. This combination of adaptogens and herbals is specifically designed to help with stress support so you can relax and get the rest that you need.
Average Dosing and Side Effects
Because valerian has been linked to sedative effects that can promote drowsiness and sleepiness, it is not recommended to take valerian along s prescription medicines such as; Ambien or Lunesta, as well as over the counter medications such as; products promoted for sleep containing the anti-histamine, diphenhydramine. . Children and pregnant women should avoid taking valerian, and all concerns should be taken up first with your Healthcare provider to see if valerian is right for you.
The typical dosage for valerian appears to be up to 400 hundred mg. Possible side effects can include and are not limited to nausea, headaches, dizziness, and restlessness, especially at higher doses.