Viridian Organic Valerian Root 400mg Vegetarian Capsules (60)

Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian?s primary traditional use has been as a sedative for the relief of insomnia, anxiety, and conditions associated with pain.  Specific conditions for which it was used include migraine, insomnia, hysteria, fatigue, intestinal cramps, and other nervous conditions.

Can be used for:
– Insomnia: Valerian root contains many different constituents, including volatile oils that appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors.  Valerian appears to attach to these receptors exerting a sedating effect.  Double-blind trials have found that valerian is an effective treatment for people with mild to moderately severe insomnia.
– CNS Sedative: valerian is noted for its ability to normal the central nervous system, acting as a sedative in cases of extreme agitation, and as a stimulant in extreme fatigue.

Dosage
For insomnia, some doctors suggest 300?500 mg standardized extract (or up to 2g of non- standardized) of valerian root herbal 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.  
No restriction on long term use.

Potential applications
Improves sleep latency (time required to get to sleep), sleep quality, reduces periods of wakefulness, increases slow-wave sleep (consolidates non REM sleep); reduces anxiety; relaxes smooth muscle (antispasmodic/anti-convulsant) e.g. intestinal tract.  The herb has also been shown to lower blood pressure, enhances the flow of bile (choleretic), and has having anti-tumour and anti-biotic activity.

Known contraindications
None known.
No adverse effects on ability to drive and operate machinery

Interactions
Useful in alleviating symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal.
Valerian may increase the effects of CNS depressants or alcohol when taken together.
Valerian in combination with St. Johns Wort has been shown to be as effective as the drugs amitryptyline and more effective than diazepam, with few side effects.  This combination has been suggested as a suitable alternative to kava kava for anxiety states.

Useful links
INSOMNIA ? Ca/Mg/Zn, B complex, Rhodiola or St. John?s Wort

What’s in the box
Viridian Organic Valerian Root 400mg Vegetarian Capsules (60)

Disclaimer
DISCLAIMER: This product may be a complementary medicine and/or not have been evaluated and verified by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority for its quality, safety or intended use. Use of this product is therefore not intended to compensate for diagnosis, treatment, cure, or mitigation of medical conditions and must not substitute the obtaining of medical advice from a registered health professional for any health or health-related conditions.