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Ancient Herb Proven for Better Sleep!

For centuries, the tall perennial herb with pinkish flowers known as valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been enlisted to help restless insomniacs get a sound night's sleep. Today this mild, nonaddictive sedative is quite popular both as a sleep aid and as an anxiety fighter, and in recent years its popularity has grown enormously.
This graceful plant grows wild in North America, Europe, and Asia . Its underground stems and roots are harvested and dried to make healing preparations.

Health Benefits:

Although there has long been controversy over what makes valerian so effective as a relaxant, it is increasingly accepted that this herb does, in fact, work as the ancients once claimed it did. In addition to promoting sound sleep, valerian has a reputation for easing anxiety and relaxing tense muscles. It may also have a role to play in relieving digestive conditions, such as diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome.

Specifically, valerian may help to:

Improve sleep. 
In the brain, valerian is thought to bind to receptors for a nerve chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). By blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain, the herb seems to shorten the amount of time it takes to fall asleep as well as improve the quality of sleep that results. And, unlike some of the more commonly prescribed sleep medications, valerian is not addictive. Nor does it cause morning grogginess (when taken at recommended doses), as some prescription drugs do.

Numerous studies of insomniacs have shown that those who take valerian fall asleep faster than participants given a placebo. The quality of sleep improves as well, according to several recent studies. In one placebo-controlled trial of 27 people with insomnia, Swedish researchers found that 89% of those who were given a valerian preparation reported improved sleep, with 44% rating their sleep as "perfect."

Even more impressive results emerged from a well-designed 1996 trial involving 121 insomnia sufferers. Among the benefits of valerian root extract taken one hour before bedtime (500-600mg): 
significantly improved sleep quality, dream recall, and sense of psychological well-being.

Valerian may also be useful for people without insomnia per se. In a 1983 trial that involved 128 healthy people, those assigned to take a valerian root preparation were far more likely to fall asleep faster than those given a placebo. The valerian group also tended to stay asleep longer. Overall sleep quality improved significantly, particularly in those who rated themselves as poor sleepers to start with.
 

Reduce nervous tension, anxiety, and restlessness:
German health authorities endorse the use of valerian for restlessness and sleeping disorders that are caused specifically by nervous conditions. In fact, anyone who suffers from stress, panic attacks, or other nervous conditions may want to give valerian a try.

Valerian is thought to lessen anxiety because in blocking brain receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA, it also inhibits nerve impulses and stress-related messages from reaching the brain. More research is needed, however.

Lessen stomach cramps and improve digestive system disorders:
Animal testing and clinical research indicates that valerian has antispasmodic properties. This may explain why it's valuable for countering spasms of the muscle tissue in the digestive tract and easing the intestinal pain that frequently accompanies irritable bowel syndrome. The herb's calming effect may also contribute to healing; after all, many digestive disorders are provoked by stress.

Use and Dosage:
If using valerian during the day, start at a low dose(250mg once a day), and assess how drowsy the herb makes you feel. Then gradually increase your intake to the recommended dose of 500mg two or three times a day once you feel comfortable with the herb's effect on your system.

Cautions:
To avoid excessive drowsiness or possibly other complications, don't take valerian with any muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), narcotic pain relievers (codeine, hydrocodone), prescription sleep medications, tranquilizers, or other drugs that can make you sleepy (including certain antihistamines).
Generally, valerian causes no side effects when taken at recommended doses. Some people do experience drowsiness or a certain lack of alertness if they take the herb during the day, however.
 
Extremely large doses may cause dizziness, restlessness, blurry vision, nausea, excitability, and/or grogginess upon awakening. A case of valerian overdose was reported in 1995; taking approximately 20 times the recommended therapeutic dose of valerian root (18 to 24 grams) produced mild symptoms. Luckily, these symptoms resolved within 24 hours.

After taking valerian, wait at least three hours before driving, operating heavy machinery, or undertaking any other potentially hazardous task that requires you to be alert.

Make sure to avoid alcohol while taking valerian.

Don't take valerian if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Store valerian in a cool, dark place. 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, imply cure or prevention of any disease.