Herbs: Valerian root - powder

 

Common Names: Valerian, setwell, capon’s tail
Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis

Excerpts from The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook

Above ground, this plant is attractive physically and aromatically, with fern-like leaves and fragrant pinkish or white flowers. But below the surface, where the medicine lies, are roots with an earthy, disagreeable smell and taste. The Greeks, beginning with Hippocrates, used valerian roots to help them fall asleep, an application that still holds up under scientific scrutiny.

We know conclusively that valerian sedates, quiets the central nervous system, and minimizes muscle spasms- just like pharmaceutical tranquilizers. After a few thousand years of use and study, though, we still don't know exactly why. At first, researchers attributed the medicinal effects to just two phytochemical classes, called the valepotriates and the bornyl esters. Now we know that there are several more, including valeranone and the kessyl esters. This is another example of the whole herb being better than the sum of its parts.

Excerpts from The How to Herb Book

Valerian root is a powerful, effective antispasmodic. It quiets, calms, and has a healing effect on the nervous system. Valerian root is a marvelous weapon against stress and nerves.

  • Promotes sleep if taken at night. Has no narcotic effect.
  • Relieves pain.
  • Good to normalize heart palpitations, slows action of heart while strengthening it. Good for circulatory system.
  • Stimulates secretion and peristaltic action of stomach and intestines.
  • Anti-flatulent (gas) for adults and infants.
  • Used for children with measles and scarlet fever for restlessness and pain.

Has been used in the following:

  • Childbirth afterpains
  • Alcoholism
  • Antispasmodic
  • Arthritis pain
  • Bladder
  • Colic
  • Colds
  • Contagious diseases
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Headaches
  • Heart palpitations
  • Insomnia-sleep
  • Muscle spasms, pain
  • Nervine
  • Nervous debility
  • Pain
  • Restlessness

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    I live on a Greek island and there is such an abundance of herbs growing wild! However,I don't really know what they all do and how to best use them. Thanks for this fantastic site which I discovered through NGJ! I would like
    to give all mamas a healthy alternative to baby lotion.

    Heat 2 cups of good quality olive oil with a handful of chamomile flowers (dried) and pour in a jar and allow to cool. Store in glass for future use. I use it on the children after their bath by massaging and they warm up in seconds! It also seems to help in healing cuts and abrasions.

    Did you know that chamomile actually means apple of the ground in Greek (because of its apple-like smell)?

    Thanks once again! ~Arlene

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