Vivacious in appearance, valerian is native to Europe and some areas of Asia and although there are various debates about its meaning, the most shared comes from the Latin that refers to "Good Health" .
The first references to this plant are found in texts from 460 BC, in which its unpleasant smell is mentioned, but that it drove cats crazy, very similar to if they were in heat.
During the time of Hippocrates, it was believed that the plant served to relieve a wide variety of ailments, which is why it was used as a frequent remedy in most of its medical prescriptions, thanks to its calming effects. The Anglo-Saxons called it Amantilla and it was used to calm aggressive men, giving them instant peace.
Currently, the most recognized use of valerian is as a natural sedative , being recommended especially for those people who suffer from stress and anxiety caused by the hectic lifestyle that manifests itself today, although it also has other benefits for your health.
Helps reconcile and repair your sleep
Insomnia is a very common sleep disorder among adults and it is described as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Both symptoms can even occur at the same time, causing the person not to feel that they have rested and therefore their performance deteriorates. Health.
Lack of sleep can be caused by multiple factors: daily stress, traumatic events and family problems are the most common. Normally, insomnia lasts about a month, but it is considered a chronic problem when it exceeds 6 months, so it is considered a secondary effect of other problems.
To treat this situation, doctors recommend natural options that help regulate rest. Valerian is a natural alternative that induces sleep without altering its structure, that is, it increases quality by improving its duration in the slow wave phase, known as the restorative phase where the mind rests.
It is considered a very effective natural nootropic . Nootropics are supplements that improve cognitive performance and optimize mental abilities. Among its benefits to combat insomnia are its sedative effects, provided by the different acids and antioxidants found in its root.
One of the most effective components is valerenic acid, which increases the production of GABA in the brain , which is the main neurotransmitter that inhibits nervous activity in the brain, causing a state of calm and relaxation. Likewise, it has some antioxidants such as linarin and hesperidin that also provide a greater state of relaxation and well-being.
Reduces depressive states
Depression is a syndrome that arises at any age, but often develops between the ages of 15 and 45. Its origin may be due to various factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, stress, traumatic events...even aspects of personality and the social context influence the appearance of a depressive state.
Most of the symptoms are affective such as sadness, apathy, hopelessness, irritability, decay, a feeling of malaise and helplessness to face the problems that arise in life and these lead to other symptoms that begin to deteriorate health both physically and mentally. According to the WHO, depression affects about 121 million people in the world.
Or what is the same: 1 in 5 people are likely to develop depressive states at some point in their lives.
People suffering from depression need the help of a professional to find out what the triggers are that produced their recent state. A number of therapies and drugs are usually recommended to help improve mood. Among the medications that are prescribed is valerian because it contains tyrosine, an amino acid with antidepressant properties that regulates mood swings , among other things.
Similarly, valerian also contains isovaleric acid, caffeic acid, cineole which, along with tyrosine and other compounds, help control symptoms such as anxiety, moodiness, palpitations and stomach pain caused by nerves.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic
Although at first glance they seem the same, pain relievers and anti-inflammatories have different functions in the body, but they also share some characteristics. Anti-inflammatories are responsible for reducing inflammation in a specific part of our body, while reducing pain. It is used to treat ailments such as muscle injury and inflammation in the throat.
In the case of analgesics, they are responsible for relieving or reducing headache, joint pain, muscle pain, among others. Depending on the symptoms, one of the two will be recommended, so it will act more effectively in your body.
Valerian contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that will relieve your ailments naturally. If you have an external inflammation in any part of your body, it is recommended to make infusions and place cloths in the mixture and then place them in the affected areas. In the case of having headaches and internal muscle tension, it is better to consume it as an infusion to obtain better results.
Balance high blood pressure
High blood pressure is a common disease characterized by the force that blood exerts on the walls of the arteries and over time can lead to other complications such as heart attack or stroke.
Scientific studies have confirmed that the valerenic acid found in valerian enhances the production of GABA which, in addition to controlling the nervous system of the brain, also helps regulate high blood pressure. To reduce this condition, the best way to consume it is through infusions, since it increases urine production, which allows you to control blood volume.
Regulates digestive disorders
One of the lesser-known uses of valerian is as a regulator of digestive disorders such as intestinal cramps, colic and constipation, as it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
How to consume Valerian
There are various presentations to consume valerian safely, but we recommend the following.
Infusion: It is the most natural option and is achieved through the root of valerian. To prepare the infusion, you need 10 g of valerian root and 500 cc of boiled water. Place the valerian root in the previously boiled water and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Strain and consume. 2 cups per day are recommended to promote sleep, it should be taken about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Capsules: A simple and practical option to obtain a regulated intake is through capsules, although they must be recommended by a health specialist to ingest the most appropriate dose.
Oil: It is a very popular option because it adapts to different uses. You can consume it in an infusion, dilute it in water to treat inflammation or external wounds, or place a few drops of oil directly on the skin to relieve various pains. Likewise, it can be placed in an aromatic diffuser to take several breaths a day or at bedtime.
Valerian is a powerful sedative that, although it is recommended to treat problems, especially related to the nervous system, it is not recommended to ingest when operating heavy machinery, or driving because it causes drowsiness, which makes it difficult to stay in an active state. At Clínica Virtual we recommend that you consult your doctor before consuming it, so that he or she will recommend the most appropriate form of consumption and will explain the risks of an intake that is disproportionate to your needs.