5 Common Health Issues Valerian Root Can Treat

What is Valerian?

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), is a flowering plant originally grown in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The root of valerian has been used medicinally for hundreds of years to treat a number of conditions.

One of the main medicinal components of valerian root is that it increases the brain’s GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) levels. GABA is a neurotransmitter that reduces nervous activity in the brain. Many people have low levels of GABA, which commonly causes many health concerns including restlessness, anxiety disorders, stress, and high blood pressure.

Mainstream medications are often prescribed to treat these conditions. While some do increase GABA levels, they also pose many risks; many of them cause side effects which can be unbearable. The side effects of valerian root are minimal and low-risk.

Here are 5 health issues that valerian root could be useful in treating!

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Sleep Problems

Do you struggle with insomnia or have other problems that make it difficult to fall asleep? Whatever the cause of your sleep issues may be, valerian root has been shown to help, as the most common use of valerian root is to aid in sleep!

Since valerian root increases the brain’s GABA levels, it results in sedation. The neuroleptic aspect of valerian root is why it’s heavily preached by many insomniacs. Some users have claimed to not only have an easier time falling asleep, but they experience more lucid dreams.

Anxiety Disorders

Are you struggling to get through the day because of an irrational thought? Or maybe you feel uptight, even when you can’t pinpoint why. If you feel like your mind is racing, you probably have anxiety. There’s no need to worry (no pun intended), you came to the right place!

An increase in the brain’s GABA levels does not only help with sleep. Since GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it calms nerve activity in the brain; this can help relieve anxiety. All anxiety disorders involve excessive nervous activity in the brain.

Particularly, those who suffer from OCD experience constant nervous activity in the brain. The Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences conducted an 8-week study on 31 adults which suggested that valerian root reduced their symptoms of OCD. This suggestion was made based off of the significant difference of results between participants who took the extract and those who took the placebo.

Valerian root has also been linked to helping treat panic disorder.

Stress

Nowadays, who isn’t stressed? Whether it’s a heavy work schedule, endless homework, or even just the everyday demands of life, stress is inevitable in this world. The brain is known to have lower GABA levels during periods of stress, which is why valerian root can help!

In a study performed on mice, it was discovered that valerian root decreased the amount of corticosterone (a stress hormone) in their blood. This suggests that valerian root could potentially reduce the amount of cortisol (a very similar stress hormone) found in humans.

Menstrual Cramps

Menstruation can be the most painful time of the month for women. Cramps can feel unbearable, and common pain-relievers like Advil and Ibuprofen don’t always do the trick.

Valerian root has been shown to inhibit the contraction of smooth muscle in the uterus during menstruation.This is carried out by hindering the release of prostaglandins (lipid compounds which cause painful cramps).

Valerian root also offers relief for premenstrual syndrome.

Blood Pressure

Who would've thought that high blood pressure is commonly linked to stress and anxiety? When people are not relaxed, their blood pressure will go up. When the underlying causes aren't treated, this can become a risk.

High blood pressure is a common concern for many; because of its ability to increase GABA levels, valerian root could offer relief. Valerian root is especially effective with lowering blood pressure when it is tied to stress. Valerian root also relaxes blood vessels, which aids in the reduction of blood pressure.

Side Effects?

The potential side effects of valerian root are minimal, especially when compared to prescription medications.They include (but are not limited to):

- stomach pain

- headache

- uneasiness

- dry mouth.

*Consult your doctor before trying valerian root.