If you have tossed and turned and yearned for sleep then you are going to LOVE Valerian. Valerian is nature’s Valium and has been inciting Zzzzzs in insomniacs since the 1400s. With adjusted doses, you can use it just to chill out, stop worrying and approach life with a zen-like calm.
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How Does Valerian Calm You Down And Help You Sleep?
Scientific research suggests that Valerian’s impacts on the body are linked to the independent interactions of Valerian’s compounds. When the compounds react with each other, they create an effect that is greater than the sum of their parts. The compounds are:
- Valepotriates (A sedative)
- Monoterpenes (An anti-cancer compound)
- Sesquiterpenes (An anti-cardiovascular disease & cancer compound)
- Carboxylic compounds (A healthy type of fatty acid)
- Lignans (Has estrogen benefits)
- Flavonoids (Contains beneficial antioxidants)
- Low levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (A type of nerve impulse sleep regulator)
Other compounds in the plant, such as valerenic acid and valerenol, can interact with gamma-aminobutyric acid in the body.
Valerenic acid and valerenol are believed to bring about an increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors that communicate with your central nervous system, and they act on enzymes that kill gamma-aminobutyric acid.
Some of the plant’s compounds might also enhance receptors for serotonin and adenosine which are vital sleep and mood stabilisation chemicals. This is how this root can leave you feeling relaxed or sleepy.
Valerian Dosage
Valerian is scientifically called Valeriana officinalis and was originally found in Europe and parts of Asia. There are centuries of records praising Valerian root for its sedative effect on the brain and nervous system. The Greeks and the Romans both used this powerful natural treatment.
As a plant, it will grow to over 1.8 m tall and is easily identified by its heady aroma.
An extract from the root of the plant can significantly improve sleep quality when 300 mg to 600 mg is taken orally every day over four weeks. It can have an immediate effect, but in severe cases, it might need to build up in your system over a few weeks. There is no research that covers the use of the root for longer than 6 weeks. Talk to your natural medical advisor about the appropriate Valerian dosage and duration for you and your body.
Valerian root will help to keep you relaxed or make you sleepy, but as with all herbal and medical remedies, always check with your medical advisor before using this wonder root. Shop our wide range of natural remedies today and order yourself some Valerian root!