Herb of the month: Valerian
Medical herbalist Luzia Barclay tells us why she loves valerian
The more I use valerian in my practice the more I like it. At this time of year it can be found flowering
in abundance in woodlands and along riverbanks where it grows wild. It was an Egyptian physician who mentioned valerian for the first time in the 9th century. Later on in the Middle Ages, when medicine and mystics were still closely intertwined, valerian was used to ward off evil spirits. Its other common name was ‘All Heal’, which suggests it was used for a wide range of conditions, from stomach aches and fever to coughs and palpitations.
Here in the UK two very different plants are called valerian. The red valerian Centranthus rubber, which is found growing in old walls, cliffs and on wastelands, has crimson flowers and fleshy leaves but none of the true valerian’s medicinal properties whose Latin name is Valeriana officinalis. This valerian has very small, pale pink flowers, feathery leaves and a rather long and fragile stem. The whole plant has a light and airy appearance. The scent of the root, however, is strong, especially when dried and it is the root that is used medicinally.
Healing powers
Valerian has a calming effect and is great for easing nervous tension without leading to addiction. I often use it for cases of insomnia and there is lots of science to back up its healing benefits. Several double blind studies show that valerian can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for people to fall asleep and it does not change the normal stages of sleep. Many people also notice that their sleep is deeper and less interrupted after taking valerian. Another plus point is there is no morning drowsiness after taking it, which can be the case with conventional sleeping pills. Nervous stomach or stomach cramps also respond well to valerian, as do menstrual cramps. It can also be used as a mild tranquillizer in cases of emotional stress, anxiety and exhaustion and as an aid while coming off antidepressants or benzodiazepines.
How does it work?
Over 100 natural chemical compounds have been discovered in valerian, which all work together in a synergistic way. There are no negative side effects with moderate use. Some people respond to very small amounts, i.e. 10 to 15 drops, while others need to take half to one teaspoonful.
You should not take valerian for longer than three months as a stretch and it should not be taken at the same time as conventional sleeping pills,
Luzia Barclay DBTh MIRCH, Registered Medical Herbalist, Tel 01258 456223 www.herbsforhealing.org.uk
Valerian can also be found in NiteHerb, Boots' Sleep Well & Valerina Night-time
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