Valerian is a medicinal plant of the Valerian family, which can also be known as Valerian, Botanical Valerian or Wild Valerian, and is commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety and agitation.
The scientific name of this plant is Valeriana officinalis and can be found in health food stores, pharmacies and some supermarkets, in the form of dried roots to make infusions, oils or capsules.
- Because it is a natural tranquilizer.
- Valerian can be used as a natural treatment for various disorders such as:.
Valerian’s active ingredient, valrum acid, influences the functioning of nerve cells, having a calming effect that can reduce the time it takes for a person to sleep.
Valerian contains substances that may interact with the sedative neurotransmitters of the human body, called GABA, which, for example, reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety.
However, Valerian is not effective in treating generalized anxiety, in this case it is ideal to look for a psychologist to help with the treatment of this symptom.
Valerian extract increases GABA concentration and this decreases irritability and anxiety, so the feeling of exhaustion and lack of contraction tends to decrease because the person has a sense of relief.
Valeria is widely used to induce sleep and improve sleep quality at night. Therefore, in addition to its relaxing effect, Valerian is effective against menopause symptoms, especially at night, where women refer to hot flashes and sweat. Intense.
Valerian has antispasmolytic and relaxing properties, which decrease the strength of spasms and contractions characteristic of menstrual cramps, helping to alleviate this symptom.
Valerian can be taken in infusion or consumed in capsules, however, for a specific treatment, the capsules are safer, as so the person may have greater control over the amount they consume.
The amount of Valerian may vary depending on the indication, which may be:
Despite being a natural drug and with few side effects reported, Valerian should be recommended by a herbalist, as in excessive doses it can cause tremors, headaches, dizziness, hallucinations, emotional instability, diarrhea and feeling “wood mouth”.
Valerian should also not be used during pregnancy and lactation. In addition, as the ability to react may be affected, do not drive or consume alcohol after taking the supplement or drinking tea.