Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant that is native to Europe and Asia. The use of valerian root as a medicinal herb dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was used to treat a variety of health conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and digestive problems.

During the Middle Ages, valerian was widely used in Europe as a treatment for nervousness, hysteria, and other nervous disorders. It was also used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages, and as a perfume.

Valerian root continued to be used for medicinal purposes throughout the Renaissance and into the modern era. In the 19th century, it became popular in the United States as a natural remedy for sleep disorders and nervousness, and was widely used during both World War I and World War II as a treatment for shell shock and other nervous conditions.

Today, valerian root is still used as a natural remedy for anxiety, insomnia, and other health conditions, and is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, and tinctures. While scientific research on the efficacy of valerian root is ongoing, many people continue to use it as a safe and effective alternative to prescription medications.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a medicinal herb that is widely used for its calming and sedative properties. While valerian is not typically consumed as a food, it does contain several nutritional constituents. Here are some of the key nutrients found in valerian:

1. Essential oils: Valerian contains several essential oils, including valerenic acid, which is believed to have sedative and anxiolytic effects.
2. Alkaloids: Valerian contains several alkaloids, including valtrate, which is believed to have sedative properties.
3. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): Valerian is believed to increase GABA levels in the brain, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
4. Flavonoids: Valerian contains several flavonoids, including hesperidin, which is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a medicinal herb that is widely used for its calming and sedative properties. Here are some of the key health benefits associated with valerian.

1. Sleep and Insomnia: Valerian is commonly used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Several studies have found that valerian can help to improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
2. Anxiety and Stress: Valerian is also used as a natural remedy for anxiety and stress. Some studies have found that valerian can help to reduce anxiety levels and improve mood.
3. Menopausal Symptoms: Valerian has been shown to be effective in reducing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in women.
4. ADHD: Valerian has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity and improving attention span in children with ADHD.
5. Pain and Inflammation: Valerian has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in several studies.
6. Digestive Issues: Valerian has been used to treat digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colic. It has been shown to have antispasmodic properties, which can help to reduce muscle spasms in the intestines.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a popular herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Here are some references to scientific research on the use of valerian for health and medicinal purposes:

1. Sleep and Insomnia: Several studies have found that valerian can improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. One meta-analysis of 16 randomized controlled trials found that valerian was effective in improving sleep quality and reducing sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep).
2. Anxiety and Stress: Some studies have found that valerian can reduce anxiety levels and improve mood. One randomized controlled trial found that valerian was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in postmenopausal women.
3. Menopausal Symptoms: Valerian has been shown to be effective in reducing hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in women. One randomized controlled trial found that valerian was effective in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
4. ADHD: Valerian has been shown to be effective in reducing hyperactivity and improving attention span in children with ADHD. One randomized controlled trial found that valerian was effective in improving attention and reducing hyperactivity in children with ADHD.
5. Pain and Inflammation: Valerian has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in several studies. One randomized controlled trial found that valerian was effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis.
6. Digestive Issues: Valerian has been used to treat digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and colic. One study found that valerian was effective in reducing abdominal pain and discomfort in patients with IBS.

Overall, these studies suggest that valerian can be an effective natural remedy for a variety of health conditions. However, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using valerian or any other herbal supplement.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate herbal supplements like valerian in the same way as prescription drugs. However, the FDA does have guidelines for the manufacturing and labeling of these products. Check out the following on the FDA website.

1. Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide: The FDA has published a guide for manufacturers of dietary supplements, including herbal supplements like valerian. This guide includes information on how to properly label and market these products.
2. Warning Letter to Herbal Supplement Manufacturer: In 2015, the FDA sent a warning letter to a manufacturer of herbal supplements, including valerian, for making unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of their products. The FDA stated that the company’s products were being marketed as drugs, and therefore required FDA approval before being sold.
3. FDA Consumer Updates: The FDA regularly publishes updates for consumers on the safety and effectiveness of various products, including herbal supplements. While they do not specifically address valerian, these updates can be a helpful resource for those considering using any kind of dietary supplement.

It’s important to note that the FDA’s guidelines and regulations for herbal supplements are not as strict as those for prescription drugs. Therefore, it’s important to do your own research and consult with a healthcare professional before using valerian or any other herbal supplement.

• “Valerian Root for Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4394901/
• valeriana – PMC – NCBI (nih.gov)
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) : https://www.fda.gov
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