Have you been feeling a bit restless, stressed, and worn down lately? Valerian root might be just the pick-me-up you need. The benefits of valerian root have been praised in centuries past to promote sleep, boost feelings of relaxation, and reduce anxiety – it does pretty much everything to improve your mood.
Valerian root helps boost feelings of relaxation and reduces stress by normalizing your GABA levels. You’ll feel calmer, and more focused, but that’s not all Valerian is good for! It also has powerful antioxidant properties that help protect your cells from damage due to free radicals.
In this blog, we will discuss some of the lesser-known benefits of Valerian root, as well as additional uses. We also discuss how Valerian root works and whether or not it works immediately.
How Does Valerian Root Work?
Historically, Valerian was also used for non-medical purposes – it was commonly worn as a perfume, to more obscure practices like sewing it into garments to ward off jealous elves…
Today, we appreciate that the root’s healing properties come from the oils within. It contains specific acids called valerenic acid (hence the name). This translates to GABA. Now, you may have heard about the benefits of GABA, but how does it actually work? Gamma-aminobutyric acid by its proper name is a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system that directly impacts the brain’s neurons.
Essentially, it is a calming neurotransmitter that regulates your body’s response to stress. Valerian root contains several types of GABA including valerenic acids and glycosides, which have been shown to have sedative and anti-anxiety effects in animal studies.
Valerian Root’s Health Benefits
Many people know valerian root as a sleep aid, but there are countless other benefits not just mentally, but physically as well. Let’s take a look;
Valerian Root for Anxiety
From simply feeling anxious to being panic-stricken about your work, life or relationships; it’s inevitable that we feel nervous and jittery every now and then. For those who have been through difficult times, anxiety is very real and can be crippling to our mental health.
If you’re looking for a way to combat these pre-occupying thoughts and anxiety issues, then Valerian might just be the natural remedy you have been looking for. As we’ve seen, it is high in sedative compounds that relax the mind and calm overactive nerves.
It works by increasing neurotransmitter production which calms the body and relieves stress. Because of its adaptogenic properties, Valerian root helps to restore the balance between emotional states by normalizing various functions like sleep cycle and energy levels.
The dosage you take will depend on the severity of your condition and how long you want to use it. However, generally speaking, taking valerian root in capsule or tincture form can be quite effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Valerian Root for Insomnia
If you think about it, insomnia and anxiety go hand in hand. If you are anxious and restless, it is close to impossible to get some quality shut-eye, and if you don’t feel rested, you are more prone to anxiety. It is a vicious, self-repeating cycle.
Blame it on the demands of modern life, but insomnia is still a huge problem that millions of people face on a daily basis. If you are one of them, then you know very well how challenging it can be to fall asleep and stay asleep at night. Valerian root is available in many forms, so you can choose what works best for you – tablets, capsules, tinctures, or a tea blend.
As we have touched on, the active ingredients work by acting as an anxiolytic or anxiety-relieving and sedative agent to relieve stress and tension while also improving memory and concentration. Taking Valerian before bedtime can help you fall asleep quickly and wake up feeling refreshed the next day.
Valerian Root for OCD
Here is a lesser known-benefit of Valerian – it helps to kick OCD to the curb so that you can focus on what is important.
Experts have found that taking valerian root regularly can help reduce obsessive and compulsive behaviors in people with OCD.
From making you feel like you’re stuck in a loop or experiencing repetitive thoughts, to make it hard to focus on important tasks, OCD can have a lingering effect that lasts for years. But with the right treatment, we can help.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder that’s characterized by senseless thoughts and compulsive behaviors. It can disrupt your daily life and make you feel sad, frustrated, or anxious. While there isn’t a cure for OCD yet, research shows that valerian root could be an effective supplement for it.
Valerian root is used as an alternative therapy for treating OCD by increasing serotonin levels in the brain and improving mood. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 31 individuals with OCD, participants who took valerian root on a regular basis showed a significant reduction in obsessive and compulsive behaviors.
Though treatments like these are helping us live more actively and happily, we still have more to offer. That’s why we’re committed to continuing our work toward finding new ways to treat anxiety disorders effectively so that people everywhere can feel confident about their future.
Valerian is a supporting herb that works by regulating your nervous system. It helps normalize brain function and balances your mood, which improves concentration and focus. Plus, it’s safe for long-term use without side effects or withdrawal effects.
Additional Benefits of Valerian Root
Sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, and getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your overall mental and physical health. But getting a good night’s sleep can be difficult, especially when you’re dealing with anxiety, stress, or depression. That’s where the valerian root comes in.
This herb has a variety of benefits that can improve sleep, mood, cognitive function, and more. For people who suffer from anxiety or stress symptoms, valerian root extract is a great way to manage symptoms. It’s also helpful for people who suffer from depression and chronic pain, as well as fatigue and poor concentration during the day.
Capsules are the most common form of intake for valerian root, but tinctures or alcohol extracts are also available. So whether you’re looking for a supplement to improve your sleep or manage your daily symptoms, valerian root is a great choice.
Valerian Root for Hot Flashes
Hot flashes can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience. Luckily, there are remedies available that can help reduce or prevent them altogether. Valerian root is one of these natural remedies – it is effective for treating hot flashes as well as other related symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
Buy valerian root online from a trusted source to get the best quality product for your money!
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a disorder that causes restless legs, which can be extremely annoying and even painful. However, there are many remedies available to help treat RLS – one of the most popular of which is valerian root.
This herb has been used for centuries to treat different conditions, including RLS. In fact, valerian root extract has been shown to be as effective as benzodiazepines in treating this condition.
Additionally, valerian root helps improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. You can also take it before bedtime to get the best results – just make sure you don’t exceed the recommended dosage!
Dosage
Various respected herbalists and researchers note the following as appropriate dosages:
- 250mg-450mg of valerian extract per day (in capsules form)
- •3-9g dried root/rhizome per day
- •2-6mL of 1:2 liquid extract per day
- •5-15mL of 1:5 tincture per day
Does Valerian Root Work Immediately?
Sleep is essential for our health and well-being. However, insomnia is a common problem that requires professional treatment. Luckily, valerian root has been used for centuries as a natural sleep aid.
This root extract can improve sleep patterns and reduce anxiety symptoms, among other benefits. You can take valerian root capsules or pills, or mix them into food or drinks to achieve the desired effects.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement – it’s always best to start slow and build up the dosage over time if you’re not sure about the ingredients. So, give valerian root a try and see for yourself how it can help improve your sleep quality and overall health!
Getting To the Root of It
Valerian root has been known to aid in sleep, anxiety relief, and stress relief. All of which are essential for overall health and well-being.
In addition to these well-known benefits, valerian root is also known to improve fertility, lower blood pressure, and improve nerve function.
So if you’re looking for a natural remedy to improve your quality of life, valerian root should definitely be at the top of your list. Thanks for reading!
Reinette Robbertze is a highly qualified professional in the health and nutrition industry, having completed both Journalism and Nutrition diplomas. With a remarkable portfolio of health blogs and magazine articles to her name, Reinette’s writing is fueled by her genuine passion for healthy living. Drawing on her academic background, Reinette delivers authentic and insightful information to her readers. Her engaging writing style, blended with personal anecdotes, creates an immersive experience that keeps readers engaged and informed. Keep following her work for the latest updates and informative articles on health and nutrition.
