Valerian Root Extract
by Pendracon
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Since the time of Dioscorides, 'valerian' has been prescribed for a variety if ills including edema (as a diuretic), poisoning, congestion, epilepsy, indigestion, INSOMNIA and a few others. Many Greek/Roman herbalists called it "Fu" which, in not so good Latin, means "el stinko!" Micheal Moore is quoted as describing it as having "the smell of dirty socks." P-U! In spite of its "filthy" odor, it has been attributed to many a tale. In one such tale, German folklore gives credit to the Pied Piper of Hamelin using valerian, along with his flute playing, to hypnotize and charm away first the rats and later the children. Valerian has an effect on cats (and rats?) similar to catnip.
Modern herbalists *usually* only recommend valerian as a sedative. Some
research has compared valerian's tranquilizing effect to that of Valium.
Valerian has not been shown to be addictive, though prolonged use may
result in psychological dependancy, does not produce any toxic reactions
when taken in recommended doses (overdoses may result in headache, blurred
vision or nausea), is not linked to birth defects (it is safe for children
over the age of 2 in medicinal amounts), and is only contraindicated when
taking other tranquilizers or sedatives. Some other possibilities for
valerian are hypertension (consult your physician), tumor reduction and
prevention, and convulsions.
Recommended doses are:
As a tea, 2 teaspoons powdered root steeped 10-15 minutes (be sure
to add LOTS of honey or sugar, and some lemon... otherwise, yuck!)
As a tincture (pinch your nose), 1/2 - 1 teaspoon (approx. 10
drops if added to liquid)
In capsules, 1(!) up to 3 times daily
NOTE: For children, start with low doses and increase if necessary
Check with either Specialty Foods (Bijou & Tejon: commercial preparations) or Mountain Mama's (Uintah & 17th: commercial or raw root). The FDA lists valerian as being safe so you shouldn't have any trouble finding it.
If the thought of sticking a "dirty sock" in your mouth isn't too pleasing then you might also try any of the following:
Lemon Balm tea - as with valerian<br>
Peppermint tea - try Herbal Seasons or similar<br>
Siberian ginseng - strongly recommended by the Chinese for
insomnia, also an excellent immunostimulant and all-round healer<br>
Skullcap - good for insomnia and stress<br>
Gotu Kola - dubbed the "un-Kola", it may help with insomnia
You might also try eating a light meal high in carbohydrates a half hour
before bedtime. Carbohydrates produce tryptophan, and consequently
serotonin, in the brain.
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