Nature Hacks - Natural Solutions For Everyday Life

  • Home
  • Household
  • Remedies
  • Herbs
  • Food
  • Garden
  • Beauty

Using Valerian to Treat Insomnia

How to Treat Insomnia Using Valerian

What is Valerian?

Valerian is a medicinal herb that is used to treat insomnia.  It increases the time spent in sleeping and rapid eye movement. Valerian has been used for a long time and is still undergoing clinical trials and studies.

What does Valerian contain?

Valerian supplements contain ingredients from the roots of the valerian herb. The supplement consists of ingredients such as rhizomes and stolons.

Valerian also includes ingredients such as volatile oils, valerenic acids, and valepotriates. Other compounds are also present. The active ingredient that causes sleepiness is still subject to debate. Some studies claim that it may be melatonin or valepotriates.

How is the Valerian supplement made?

The dried roots are made as tea. Tea, dried plant materials, and extracts are put into capsules.

Why Valerian?

Recent studies have shown that valerian effectively treats Insomnia. In clinical trials, people were given valerian root extract or a placebo. People taking the valerian root extract reported significant improvement in sleeping without morning grogginess.

Valerian also improves sleep latency, which is the time taken to fall asleep. In a double blind study when patients were given valerian extract, they reported significant improvement in sleep latency. Interestingly, higher dose of valerian extract seemed to show the same results as that of moderate dose of valerian extract, whereas in clinical trials it was shown that higher dose brought about better sleep latency.

In some studies, valerian has been shown to improve reaction times. This herb can be taken without alcohol. Valerian extract also has no side effects. However, prolonged use of valerian may cause side effects.

So, regarding to studies and clinical trials, valerian has shown to improve sleep quality, improve reaction times, and decrease anxiety in people. Placebo was far less effective in the studies. Thus, this strongly supports valerian extracts effectiveness.

Historical Uses of Valerian

The uses of valerian go back to the medieval century. Hippocrates extolled valerian’s effectiveness. In the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century, valerian was used to treat heart conditions and nervousness and headaches. In the 19th century, valerian was used as a stimulant. During World War II, valerian was used to treat stress.

How does Valerian work?

How valerian works is yet to be confirmed. In fact, many doctors claim that the process is still a mystery. Esters are lost when valerian root is dried and stored for a long time. For that reason, the herb’s effectiveness may vary to a large extent. So, how effective Valerian extract is depends on the quality of the brand.

Valerian consists of chemicals called valepotriates. These chemicals have strong muscle-relaxant and sedative properties. These chemicals are especially concentrated in the roots of the valerian herb. However, that these chemicals cause sleepiness is still contradictory as extracts from the root, excluding valepotriates, has caused people fall asleep.

According to clinical trials, valerian seemed to affect the central nervous systems. Researchers found significant sedative activity. This sedative activity was recorded as an increase in brain waves associated with relaxation. On the other hand, when another group of subjects was given valerian root, the subjects showed different results of sedative activity. So, another chemical, probably melatonin, may be causing sleepiness.

On the other hand, some studies claim that this effect may arise due to the interactions of multiple ingredients than one active ingredient.

Can Valerian be harmful?

There are adverse side-effects shown in studies and clinical trials. However, most are due to prolong use of valerian or high dose of valerian. Side effects like headaches, dizziness, and gastric problems have been observed in the studies.

Does Valerian interact with any other drugs or supplements?

Valerian does have side effects if valerian supplements are taken with other sedatives, medications, herbs or dietary supplements. Therefore, it is extremely important to consult with a professional before taking valerian supplement.

How to use it for insomnia?

Valerian roots can be consumed as supplements. It is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. However, people should consult with a professional before using valerian supplements.

Regarding all the evidence based on studies and clinical trial, valerian is an effective herb to treat insomnia. However, the final conclusion is yet to be made about the effectiveness and the side effects of valerian.

--------------------------------------

OrganifiDrink THIS Green Powder Every Morning (It Will Be The Best Decision You Ever Make!)

Imagine…

  • Having more energy than you thought possible
  • Not being so dang hungry all the time
  • Feeling strong
  • Sleeping like a baby
  • Finally shifting that stubborn fat
Organifi is a synergistic blend of 11 powerful superfoods (including chlorella, moringa, spirulina, Matcha, ashwagandha, turmeric, peppermint and more).

It cleanses your body from the inside out... detoxifying... de-stressing... naturally and effortlessly melting away stubborn layers of fat. Just stir a spoonful into a glass of water in the morning and experience the best health ever!

<<< Click Here To Try It For Yourself >>>

Special Recent Posts

5 Beautifying Drinks Perfect For Summer

5 Beautifying Drinks Perfect For Summer

10 Allergy Remedies You Need to Try

10 Allergy Remedies You Need to Try

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Avocado Several Times Each Week

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Avocado Several Times Each Week

15 Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

15 Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

15 Amazing Benefits of Green Tea

15 Amazing Benefits of Green Tea

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Fleas on Dogs

10 Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Fleas on Dogs

The Best Tea For Sore Throats!

The Best Tea For Sore Throats!

DIY Natural Vinegar and Citrus Cleansers!

DIY Natural Vinegar and Citrus Cleansers!

Grandma's Effective Homemade Cough Syrup Recipe!

Grandma's Effective Homemade Cough Syrup Recipe!

5 Natural Fungus Remedies!

5 Natural Fungus Remedies!

6 Home Remedies For Headaches

6 Home Remedies For Headaches

4 Easy Allergy Remedies

4 Easy Allergy Remedies

10 Amazing Benefits of Onions You Didn’t Know

10 Amazing Benefits of Onions You Didn’t Know

Onion is one of the most used vegetables in the kitchen. Not only can this ingredient make dishes more delicious, but it can actually boost the nutritional value of recipes. We all know that … [Read More...]

8 Natural Ways to Feel Energized

8 Natural Ways to Feel Energized

People go to bed with fantastic plans for the next day…only to wake up feeling completely “drained out”. Many people start the day fine but then lose they lose the steam by the time they reach their … [Read More...]

7 Unusual Ways To Boost your Health Naturally

7 Unusual Ways To Boost your Health Naturally

It sounds weird but, it’s true that there are some unusual ways to boost your health naturally. Though unusual, they are not unnatural, and therefore quiet safe let’s have a look. Laugh … [Read More...]

What You Need To Know About Canola Oil

What You Need To Know About Canola Oil

  Oil is an essential item in the kitchen because of its different applications. In fact, it is hard to imagine a cook’s life in the absence of these oils. Among the choices that are possible, … [Read More...]

Home Remedies For a Sore Throat

Home Remedies For a Sore Throat

Sore throats abound. With winter already dropping temperatures and the inevitable cold symptoms sneaking in, it's time to stock up on supplies to combat the result of infection, such as the painful … [Read More...]

10 Effective Warts Remedies

10 Effective Warts Remedies

When you see warts, the first thing that you will surely think about would be how to get rid of them. The default choice for many people would be the wart removal treatments that are offered in … [Read More...]

8 Natural Ways to Treat Eczema

8 Natural Ways to Treat Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that many people of all ages suffer from. It cause severe mental and physical discomfort and can be very difficult do endure. Eczema outbreaks usually cause a lot of skin … [Read More...]

6 Natural Ways to Beautiful Skin

6 Natural Ways to Beautiful Skin

There’s no better foundation to a perfect make up than a naturally beautiful skin. No matter what those promising ads on the TV might claim, the fact is that each person has a different skin type and … [Read More...]

5 Natural Ways to Enhance Fertility

5 Natural Ways to Enhance Fertility

Most people spend a huge amount of time and energy, throughout their romantic relationships, trying to avoid pregnancy. Unfortunately, many find that once they settle down and find the right person, … [Read More...]

Garlic For Prevention and Cure of Ear Infections

Garlic For Prevention and Cure of Ear Infections

Garlic has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour. Allicin, the vital compound among them, is known to have great anti-bacterial, … [Read More...]

This Is Why We Need More Natural Light

This Is Why We Need More Natural Light

Corporate offices that are well-lit can result into having members of the workforce who have better physical activity, improved mental capacity, and better sleep quality. These are the findings of a … [Read More...]

7 Ways to Curb Your Appetite Naturally

7 Ways to Curb Your Appetite Naturally

A voracious appetite can be very annoying at times, as it not only causes psychological disturbance but also leads to physical disasters like obesity, diabetes, heart disease etc. In case you are … [Read More...]

9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Eye Bags

9 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Eye Bags

Eye bags are a telltale sign of exhaustion. They form due to fluid build-up under your eyes, which could be caused by several reasons, including lack of sleep, stress, allergies and, let’s face it, … [Read More...]

8 Scary Cleaning Chemicals To Avoid

8 Scary Cleaning Chemicals To Avoid

… [Read More...]

6 Alkaline Foods and their Importance for Better Health

6 Alkaline Foods and their Importance for Better Health

In a typical American diet, it is easy to tell that one may not enjoy a prolonged life span and will most likely suffer from a variety of health problems. This is basically because of the presence of … [Read More...]

No Scrub Natural Toilet Tabs

No Scrub Natural Toilet Tabs

These convenient, cheap toilet cleaning fizzing tabs take away the hassle of scrubbing and leave your toilet bowls shining and smelling fresh. While these won’t necessarily remove heavily built-up … [Read More...]

4 Natural Ways to Feel Happier

4 Natural Ways to Feel Happier

Most people’s primary goal is to feel happy. Yet so many are brought to desperation because their desire seems elusive. One thing to remember, is that your happiness is in your own hands. This … [Read More...]

10 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

10 Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally

High blood pressure, though sounds to be very common, has shattering effects on our body and mind. In this world of competition, the stress levels are moving high, causing hypertension to 1 out of … [Read More...]

5 Ways to Naturally Help Alleviate Anxiety During Pregnancy

5 Ways to Naturally Help Alleviate Anxiety During Pregnancy

Being pregnant is a great, but it doesn’t come without difficulties either. One of them is the elevated levels of anxiety that many moms to be experiencing. This is an especially common problem for … [Read More...]

How Raw Honey is the Ultimate Survival Food

How Raw Honey is the Ultimate Survival Food

For many people, honey is most probably known as a natural sweetener. However, for a long time now, honey is being kept in many household for more than such purpose. For instance, it is stored by many … [Read More...]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisements

Nature Hacks
5 Beautifying Drinks Perfect For Summer

5 Beautifying Drinks Perfect For Summer

10 Allergy Remedies You Need to Try

10 Allergy Remedies You Need to Try

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Avocado Several Times Each Week

10 Reasons Why You Should Eat Avocado Several Times Each Week

15 Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

15 Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors

15 Amazing Benefits of Green Tea

15 Amazing Benefits of Green Tea

Organifi

Organifi
NatureHacks.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.
Copyright 2012-2015 NatureHacks.com | Contact | Disclosure | Privacy