Valerian (Valeriana officinalis Valerianaceae)

Other Names: Garden Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Setwall

Valerian, a herbaceous perennial found across Europe and northern Asia, thrives in moist areas but can survive drier conditions. It features an upright, furrowed stem up to 2 meters tall, with leaves forming a rosette at the base. In summer, it produces umbrella-shaped inflorescences with white, red, or pink flowers.

Parts for Use

Rhizome

1. Harvested in autumn from plants over two years old, washed, and dried at low temperatures to preserve active compounds.
2. Used for powders, dry extracts, aqueous or alcoholic extracts, suspensions, and drinking solutions.

Ingredients

Contains valepotriates, valeric acid, and valeranone, which have calming and antispasmodic effects, and gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA), which may inhibit signal transmission in the brain.

Use in Treatment

Valerian is a renowned herbal sedative, widely used for minor nervous disorders, insomnia, and anxiety in adults and children. Clinical trials, including recent Brazilian studies, confirm its efficacy in improving sleep quality and treating insomnia. Its valepotriates and valeric acid provide calming and antispasmodic effects, potentially aiding in blood pressure reduction. Valerian also shows promise for anxiety-related disorders.

Cultivation

Grow from seeds in April or rhizome cuttings in late summer, in moist, rich soil, preferably in sunny or partially shaded areas.

Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Nervous Disorders, Insomnia)

1. Capsules (240 mg powder): Take 1–2 capsules daily; for sleep issues, take 1–2 hours before bed.
2. Capsules (50–100 mg dry extract): Take 2 capsules three times daily.
3. Liquid Extract (1:1 in 60% alcohol): Take 0.3–1 ml three times daily.

Warnings

1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
2. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
3. Do not combine with other sedative drugs.
4. Avoid driving or tasks requiring concentration for at least 2 hours after taking valerian.