Valerian

Botanical Name: Valeriana officinalis

Active Ingredients

Some of which include: Valerenic acid, valerenone, valepotriates

Valepotriates have been shown to have anti-tumour and cytotoxic activity in in vitro systems.

RESEARCH

Natural Crude Extracts:

• Valerian is a sedative and relaxant by reducing nervous activity by prolonging the action of an inhibitory neurotransmitter
•  It is an antispasmodic and acts on muscle tissue to reduce over-contraction.
• Vasodilator which in turn modifies blood pressure.
•  Valerian is a sedative and relaxant and helps normalise sleep patterns
•  Reduces the time taken to fall asleep, particularly older people and does not cause somnolence in the morning or affect dream recall
• Valerian is widely used in Europe for insomnia, excitability and nervousness.

WHAT ARE ITS USES –

People:

•   May be used for times of  insomnia
•  May relieve symptoms of pre-menstrual tension.
• During times of mental over-excitability and those that find it difficult to switch off.
• Relaxes over-contracted muscles.
• Helpful for shoulder and neck tension or any stress related condition. May relieve tension headaches.
•  May be helpful in reducing blood pressure but should not be used in conjunction with any other medication.

 Pets,Horses and farm Animals:

• May be used during times when your pet is exposed to a new and stressful event ie first time showing, when travelling etc.
• May be useful after a long and strenuous work out.
•  Anti-spasmodic action may make it helpful for mild cases of epilepsy.
• May be used during times when the horse is exposed to a new and stressful event ie first time showing, first few races, when travelling etc.
• Horses that habitually tense muscles during a training session.
•  Relaxes over contracted muscles and will help soften the topline especially when training dressage at higher levels.
• Anti-spasmodic action may make it helpful for mild cases of colic and the secondary effects of tying up.
• Low grade laminitis causes constricted vessels and pain. Valerian acts as a vasodilator which may relieve some of the pain.

Disclaimer: Information in this article is not to be used in place of professional medical advice and expertise. For diagnosis and treatment always see your health professional. We recommend that either a qualified herbalist or your animal professional carry out diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Herbal remedies must not be given not be taken in conjunction with other medication with out consulting a medical professional.