Valerian Root Tincture

Label: Beneficial Botanicals Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis Other Names: garden heliotrope, setwall, all-heal Parts Used: fresh root Organic: Yes Tincture Ratio: 1:1 Origin: USA

Known Uses:
smooth muscle relaxant
insomnia and hypertension

[tab name="Overview"]
Analgesic / Anxiolytic / Sedative / Anticonvulsant

Diazepam (Valium) is a synthetic analog to Valerian. Valium doesn't come from Valerian, but the active compounds are chemically similar. Both Valium and Valerian root are thought to affect the level GABA amino acids in your brain, which are related to increased anxiety levels.

Dr. Oz calls this the Sleep Secret of Greece. He suggests using Valerian as a smooth muscle relaxant to aid in treating insomnia, back pain and sciatica. Shows 11/16/2012, 10/28/2011, 06/08/2011

Constituents:
Valepotriates, valtrate, didrovaltrate, acevaltrate, isovaleroxy-hydoxydidrovaltrate; volatile oil, esters, bornyl isoValerianate, bornylacetate, bornyl formate, eugenyl isovalerate, isoeugenyl, isovalerate alcohols, eugenol, terpenes, Valerianol, sesquiterpene alcohol. Alkaloids including chatinine, valerine and two others similar to skytanthine.

[tab name="Use / Dosage"]
Valerian Root is used as a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant to aid in treating insomnia, back pain and sciatica. It may also be used to alleviate gastrointestinal pain and irritable bowel syndrome as well as reducing hypertension thereby regulating blood pressure.

Known Dosage (for Adults)
½ teaspoon in a cup of warm water, adjusting dosage by an additional 1/4 tsp.

Note: Effects are felt quickly and may last up to 6 hours. Do not assume more is better as there can be adverse effects from over dosing.

[tab name="Precautions"]
Do not drive or operate equipment while taking Valerian Root tincture. Valerian root is nontoxic, but may cause side effects such as slow muscle reaction and disorientation. Over dosing can cause the muscles to feel weak and should not be taken before driving or operating heavy equipment.

Do not take Valerian if you are also taking depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or opiates.

People with impaired kidney or liver functions should not take Valerian except under a physician’s supervision.

Valerian should not be used with Kava.

[tab name="References"]
LiveStrong.com "Valerian Root vs. Valium"
RxList.com
University of Maryland Medical Center
Dr. Weil on-line
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photo credit: flowering valerian AnRo0002, Wikipedia Commons

This information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare provider. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of this extract is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare provider before taking this tincture.