Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) 2 oz (60ml)

Valerian root is often referred to as “nature’s Valium.” In fact, this herb has been used since ancient times to promote tranquility and improve sleep.

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is an herb native to Asia and Europe. It is now also grown in the US, China and other countries. Flowers from the valerian plant were used to make perfume centuries ago, and the root portion has been used in traditional medicine for at least 2,000 years.

Unlike its delicately scented flowers, valerian root has a very strong, earthy odor due to the volatile oils and other compounds responsible for its sedative effects. Interestingly, the name “valerian” is derived from the Latin verb valere, which means “to be strong” or “to be healthy.”

Valerian root contains a number of compounds that may promote sleep and reduce anxiety. These include valerenic acid, isovaleric acid and a variety of antioxidants.

Valerian has received attention for its interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical messenger that helps regulate nerve impulses in your brain and nervous system. Researchers have shown that low GABA levels related to acute and chronic stress are linked to anxiety and low-quality sleep.

Valerenic acid has been found to inhibit the breakdown of GABA in the brain, resulting in feelings of calmness and tranquility. This is the same way anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax work.

Valerian root also contains the antioxidants hesperidin and linarin, which appear to have sedative and sleep-enhancing properties. Many of these compounds may inhibit excessive activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain that processes fear and strong emotional responses to stress.

One study found that treating mice with valerian improved their response to physical and psychological stress by maintaining levels of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in mood regulation. Moreover, researchers have shown that isovaleric acid may prevent sudden or involuntary muscle contractions similar to valproic acid, a medication used to treat epilepsy.

(Click here to get access to database of all scientific clinical and test tube studies on Valeriana officinalis)

1. Can help you relax

Valerian root may help reduce anxiety related to acute stress and improve symptoms of OCD. It may also increase focus and reduce hyperactive behavior in children.

2. May help you sleep better

Several studies suggest that valerian root may improve the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep and achieve high-quality sleep in adults and children with insomnia.

3. Other benefits of Valerian root

Early research suggests that valerian root may be helpful for menopause, premenstrual syndrome, painful menses, restless legs syndrome and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

INTERACTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS!!!

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy or breast-feeding: There isn't enough information about the safety of valerian during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Valerian is POSSIBLY SAFE for children when taken by mouth appropriately for 4-8 weeks.

Surgery: Valerian slows down the central nervous system. Anesthesia and other medications used during surgery also affect the central nervous system. The combined effects might be harmful. Stop taking valerian at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

• Alcohol interacts with VALERIAN

  Alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Valerian might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking large amounts of valerian along with alcohol might cause too much sleepiness.

• Alprazolam (Xanax) interacts with VALERIAN

  Valerian can decrease how quickly the liver breaks down alprazolam. Taking valerian with alprazolam might increase the effects and side effects of alprazolam such as drowsiness.

• Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines) interacts with VALERIAN

  Valerian might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking valerian along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness.
  Some of these sedative medications include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), midazolam (Versed), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others.

• Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with VALERIAN

  Valerian might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking valerian along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Taking valerian along with sedative medications used in surgery might cause prolonged sedation.
  Some sedative medications include pentobarbital (Nembutal), phenobarbital (Luminal), secobarbital (Seconal), thiopental (Pentothal), fentanyl (Duragesic, Sublimaze), morphine, propofol (Diprivan), and others.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with VALERIAN

  Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver.
  Valerian might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking valerian along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking valerian, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.
  Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.

*These Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA

*This product is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent  illnesses. Consult your physician before implementing herbal extracts into your diet. Herbal compounds and extracts are very powerful and may interact with medication and may not be recommended if pre-existing conditions are present.