Valerian Root:

About Valerian Root

For centuries, the perennial herb called valerian root has been used to treat insomnia. Even today, with multitudes of prescription and over the counter sleep medications easily available, valerian root continues to retain popularity.

Perhaps this is because valerian root has a number of important benefits over other popular sleep medications. It is mild, not addictive, and it's effective not only as an insomnia remedy but as a treatment for anxiety and stress as well.

Tell me about valerian root
The plant known as the valerian root grows wild in many places around the world, from North America to Asia to Europe. The underground stems and roots of the plant are dried and make up the herbal preparation known as valerian root.

Some controversy exists over just what makes valerian root so effective as a sedative, but there is little doubt as to its effectiveness. In addition to its sedative effects, valerian root has long enjoyed a reputation for reducing anxiety and for reducing tension by relaxing tight muscles. Valerian root may also play a role in relieving certain digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis.

Forms of valerian root
The dried herb is taken orally in the form of capsules or tablets, and it's also added to hot water to make a strong herbal tea or used as an essential oil. It's thought to have a calming effect in all of these preparations.

Valerian root has proven effective at treating anxiety and restlessness, and valerian root has even shown potential in treating panic attacks, though research is ongoing.

Valerian root may exhibit the same calming effects on the digestive system. Anecdotal evidence suggests that valerian root may be effective against common digestive problems brought on by stress.

Popular opinion holds the freeze dried extract of valerian root is the most effective form, and like all herbs how the valerian root is handled after harvest is very important. If the herb is mishandled, or the equipment used to process it is of substandard quality, much of the therapeutic value of the herb will be lost. So be sure to buy valerian root only from high quality, established companies to ensure the best and most effective supplement.

What you're looking for
Valerian root is sold both individually as an herbal supplement and as part of herbal preparations which combine many different herbs. When buying a combined preparation with several different herbs it is important to ensure that the preparation contains a high enough concentration of valerian root to be effective against insomnia and other conditions. If a high enough concentration is not available, purchase the herb separately.

Everyone needs to get a good night's sleep, and new scientific studies, combined with thousands of years of safe and effective use, suggest that valerian root may be one of the best ways to treat insomnia and similar conditions.