Taking Valerian

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How to Use Valerian

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Alongside CBD, many people have turned to Valerian. The CBD industry has grown at a fast clip since the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. CBD’s popularity is projected to grow several billion dollars per year throughout the early 2020s. Along with the increasing interest in CBD, consumers are turning to many traditional herbal remedies to treat a variety of health issues. Valerian is a popular herbal supplement that has been used for centuries to treat a range of issues. But supplements are not the same as medications, and consumers need to be aware of the possible dangers and side effects of using a supplement like valerian.

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What is Valerian?

Valerian is an herb that is indigenous to both Asia and Europe. The name valerian derives from the Latin verb “valere,” meaning “strong,” or “healthy.” Today, the plant is grown commercially in the U.S., China, and several other countries. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are white and pink. For hundreds of years, the flowers from the plant were processed into perfumes. The root of the plant has been used in medicinal treatments for an estimated 2000 years.

The root doesn’t smell as sweet as the flowers. Instead, the root gives off a strong, earthy smell because it is full of volatile oils and other chemicals that are responsible for the herb’s sedative effects. Extracts of the root are made into a capsule or liquid supplements and can also be taken as a tea.

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When was Valerian First Used as a Treatment Method?

Valerian root has been called “nature’s Valium,” and it’s been used for hundreds of years to help people sleep and alleviate their anxiety. The earliest known recordings of valerian root as a treatment method date back more than 2000 years to ancient Roman times. The pungent valerian root contains a variety of chemical compounds that can help alleviate anxiety, improve sleep, and promote relaxation.

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The chemical compounds found in valerian root are several antioxidants, valerenic acid, and isovaleric acid. It is also thought that valerian may interact with the neurotransmitter GABA, which can help regulate the nerves in the brain and throughout the nervous system. Having low levels of GABA have been found to increase the harmful effects of acute and chronic stress, and is also linked to anxiety and poor-quality sleep. Valerian impacts GABA by preventing it from breaking down too quickly in the brain, which helps promote feelings of relaxation and calmness. Interestingly, this is the same mechanism that prescription antianxiety drugs work.

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Valerian root also contains antioxidants that are known to have soothing effects. These antioxidants, hesperidin, and linarin decrease excess activity in the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for feelings of fear and anxiety related to stress. A study on mice and valerian root found that it could decrease adverse reactions to stressful situations by preventing the brain from the reuptake of serotonin. Serotonin is thought to be responsible for mood regulation. Researchers have also found that the isovaleric acid in valerian root can prevent muscle spasms and contractions, and may be beneficial for reducing the symptoms of epilepsy.

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What do People Use Valerian Extract for Today?

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People mainly use the root supplements to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Other popular uses of the root are to decrease menopausal symptoms and muscle contractions in conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

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How Effective is Valerian for These Issues?

Studies have indicated that valerian can help decrease anxious feelings during times of acute stress. A study on rats found that rats given the plant  before going through a maze were less stressed than rats given nothing or rats given alcohol. In a study on valerian and adult subjects, people given the plant before completing a test had less anxiety. But at higher doses, the plant created more anxious feelings in adults. An 8-week study on valerian and adults with OCD found that the group who took valerian every day had fewer symptoms compared to controls.

The impact on sleep has also been studied. Adults with insomnia have gotten relief from a single dose of valerian, helping them fall asleep faster. Deep, restorative sleep was also found to improve by taking valerian extract. For people who have rebound insomnia, after taking benzodiazepines, valerian may help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, an eight-week study on participants with restless leg syndrome found that taking up to 800 milligrams of valerian improved symptoms and also prevented participants from experiencing daytime sleepiness.

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Are there any Adverse Effects or Long-Term Risk of Taking Valerian?

This plant is incredibly safe and well-tolerated by the majority of people who use it. The extract will not cause daytime sleepiness or impair a person’s ability to function the morning after taking it. Valerian is also non-habit forming. Even though the reported side effects of valerian are few and far between, nothing is 100% free of side effects. In some users, valerian can cause dizziness, headaches, and stomach pain. Also, pregnant women and children under three years old should refrain from using valerian root. It’s also not safe to start taking valerian without consulting a doctor first. Supplements like valerian are also not FDA-approved to treat anxiety and insomnia.

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Can CBD also Treat Sleep Issues and Anxiety?

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CBD is not a prescription medication. It is a supplement that has not been tested to the FDA’s standards yet as a replacement for conventional medicines for anxiety and insomnia. While it’s true that most people can tolerate CBD, it can cause a range of side effects, including dry mouth and drowsiness. CBD can also interact with certain medications. When it comes to using a supplement like CBD, consumers must talk to their physician before adding a CBD supplement to their diet.

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Has your doctor approved your use of CBD? Get started with a high-quality CBD product from Hugs CBD today. All of our products are tested through an independent lab, and you can see exactly what’s in our CBD gummies, tinctures, and drink mixes. Order from us online and have CBD delivered directly to your doorstep.

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Last updated September 23 2019

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