Valerian

Biological Name:
Valeriana officinalis L.

Family:
Valerianaceae

Other Names: 
Valerian, Garden heliotrope, Xie Cao, Jie Cao.

Parts Used:
Dried root-stock

Active Compounds: 
Essential oi (to 1%) comprising various components (which include monoterpene valepotriates) and which in combination are seditive and antispasmodic ⁽¹⁾. Bitter glycosides called verbenalin; mucilage; tannin ⁽⁴⁾.

History:
According to Stuart (1979) different species of Valeriana have been used in European medicine of which V. officianlis, V. celtica, V. dioica, and V. phu were the most important. The latter species was probably the herb known as Phu to the ancients while V. celtica was referred to as Nardus celticus.

Valeriana officinalis was particularly promoted by the Arab physicians and the name Valeriana first appears in the tenth century ⁽¹⁾.

Traditional Applications in Herbal Medicine:

Western Herbal Applications:

Actions:
Nervine tonic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, possible galactagogue, and hepatic ⁽⁴⁾.

Indications:
Preparations for use on the skin have been used to treat sores and acne, and valerian by mouth has been used for other conditions such as digestive problems, flatulence (gas), congestive heart failure, urinary tract disorders, and angina ⁽²⁾.

In addition, Stuart (1979) recommends the use of Valerian for: a wide range of nervous disorders such as insomnia, migraine, nervous exhaustion and anxiety. When combined with other herbs it is useful in treating hypertension ⁽¹⁾.

 

Chinese Herbal Applications:

Xie Cao (Valerian) or Jie cao is used similarly in Chinese medicine as in Western herbal medicine, however, unlike Western herbal medicine, TCM rarely uses single herbs to treat a condition.

The Ontario Herbalists Association attributes the following characteristics to Xie Cao (Valeriana officinalis):

Part Used: Root
Main function: Herb for Qi stagnation
Nature: Warm
Taste: Spicy, slightly sweet, slightly bitter
Meridians Entered: Ht, Lu, Sp
Functions:

• Regulates Qi Stagnation
• Calms Shen
• Tonifies Yin
• Relieves Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency
• Clears Yin Deficiency Heat

Other indications include:

Many of these indications are primarily applicable when combined with other herbs.

Scientific Research into the effectiveness of Valeriana officinalis

Results reported by Cass (2004) ⁽³⁾ provided the following findings:

Clinical research

An herbal preparation containing Valeriana officinalis as one of a mixture of herbs was compared with both a valerian-only extract (400 mg) and placebo in 166 subjects with a range of sleep quality. Each person received three of each pill, which were taken in random order on nonconsecutive nights. Both valerian preparations produced a significant decrease in the time needed to fall asleep (sleep latency) and improvement in sleep quality. Night awakenings and dream recall were not affected by valerian nor did valerian cause any morning-after drowsiness.

A recent open-label study of valerian and insomnia enrolled 23 male and female symptomatic Hispanic volunteers. Eleven of them were diagnosed with major depression, four with generalized anxiety, two with schizoaffective disorder, two with primary sleep disorder, and one with dysthymia.

The primary outcome was measured using a self-rated ordinal scale symptom questionnaire at baseline and at the end of weeks 1 and 2. They were given a bottle of a local brand of valerian capsules “Nature’s Way, 530 mg valerian root” and instructed to take one each night 30–60 minutes before retiring. They were allowed to increase to two after the third night and to three after the first week.

At the end of week 2, most patients described the medication as “extremely helpful.” No side effects were reported and most said they would purchase this product themselves if their insomnia continued or reoccurred. The distinctive odor of valerian may present difficulties in designing a plausible placebo for a controlled trial.

Double-blind trials have found that valerian is an effective treatment for people with mild to moderately severe insomnia. Generally, valerian makes sleep more restful as well as making the transition to sleep easier, but does not tend to increase total time slept, according to these studies. Two trials have also found that a combination with lemon balm is effective in improving quality of sleep and in treating insomnia (CS).

The University of Marylands Medical Center reports the following:

Insomnia: Valerian is a popular treatment alternative to benzodiazepines (such as diazepam and alprazolam) and other commonly prescribed medications for sleep problems because it is considered to be both safe and gentle. In studies of animals and people, valerian has demonstrated mild sedative and tranquilizing activity, as well as the ability to relieve anxiety. Generally, studies have shown that valerian reduces the time it takes to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep itself. Plus, unlike many prescription sleep aids, valerian may have fewer after effects the next day, such as morning drowsiness. In addition, although not studied scientifically, some experts use valerian for sleep disturbances related to feelings of depression ⁽³⁾.

Dosage:

Consult your primary health care professiona.

Safety:

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is considered to be a safe and effective herb.

References:

1. Stuart, Malcolm (1979). The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism. New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1979.
2. MedlinePlus (2007). Valeriana officinalis L. Accessed online: June, 2007
3. University of Marylands Medical Center (2006) Valerian. Accessed online: June, 2007
4. Hoffmann, David (1983). The Holistic Herbal: A herbal celebrating the wholeness of life. Findhorn Press, Scotland.
5. Cass, H. (2004) Herbs for the nervous system: Ginkgo, kava, valerian, passionflower. Seminars in Integrative Medicine Volume 2, Issue 2, June 2004, Pages 82-88.

The information provided here is not for the purpose of self diagnosis or self treatment. It is provided for the sole purpose of providing general information about herbs used in herbal medicine. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

© Wildcrafted Herbal Products, 2007