Valerian

what is valerian herbs?

valerian has been used as herbs during ancient greek and rome.the name of this herbs is derived from latin word velere(healthy)

The part of valerian that has medicinal properties is it roots and rhizome.to use it the d rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis L. (Fam. Valerianaceae) must be dried first. 

dried rhizome of valerian

This valerian herb contain from 0.3-0.7% of an unpleasant smelling volatile containing monoterpenes (mainly bornyl acetate and bornyl isovalerate) and the sesquiterpene derivatives valerenal, valeranone, valerenic acid, and acetoxyvalerenic acid. The other compaud present is 0.5 – 2% of a mixture of lipophilic iridoid principles known as valepotriates. In addition, various sugar, amino acids, free fatty acids and aromatic acids have been isolated from this herb.

benefits of this herbs(valerian)

Valerian is stated to possess sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, calmative and antihypotensive. Traditionally, it has been used for hysterical states, insomnia, migraine, cramp, intestinal colic and rheumatic pain.

how valerian work? 

valerian have the same effect as benzodiazepine

One mechanism of action is likely to involve increased concentrations of GABA in the brain.when concentration of GABA increased the CNS activity will decrease and this cause may be involve in the reported sedative activity. A number of clinical investigation have demonstrated the sedative effect of valerian and its effectiveness as an anxiolytic and mild hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia.

so if you have isomnia..perhaps this herbs good for you..