Valeriana Officinalis: Complete Medicinal Profile

Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, recognized by its sweetly scented flowers and heart-shaped leaves.

Valerian root has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its medicinal properties, which include sedative and anti-anxiety effects.

The health benefits of valerian root include improved sleep quality, reduced stress levels, and alleviation of symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Valerian root can be prepared in various herbal forms, including teas, tinctures, capsules, and dried root infusions, which can be consumed to promote relaxation and well-being.

This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Valeriana officinalis.

Uses and Benefits

Valeriana officinalis is used to treat a variety of health issues due to its numerous benefits.

This plant has been found to be effective in reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving sleep quality.

The health benefits of Valeriana officinalis also include its ability to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, as well as its potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Additionally, Valeriana officinalis has been used to treat digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, and even to alleviate symptoms of ADHD and restlessness.

The health benefits of Valeriana officinalis are listed below.

• Anxiolytic properties: Valeriana officinalis has been traditionally used to treat anxiety and promote relaxation due to its sedative and calming effects.
• Pain relief: The plant has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for relieving pain and inflammation.
• Improved sleep: Valeriana officinalis has been used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders due to its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Antispasmodic effects: The plant's antispasmodic properties help to relieve muscle spasms and cramps, making it useful for treating conditions such as menstrual cramps.
• Antibacterial and antifungal properties: Valeriana officinalis has been shown to exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful for treating infections.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: The plant's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and swelling, making it useful for treating conditions such as arthritis.
• Natural sedative: Valeriana officinalis has been used as a natural sedative to help individuals relax and fall asleep, reducing the need for pharmaceutical sedatives.

Here are the best health benefits of Valeriana officinalis.

Actions

Valeriana officinalis has been found to exhibit a multitude of therapeutic actions, including adaptogenic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiviral, cardioprotective, diuretic, hypotensive, nervine, sedative, and vasodilatory properties.

These actions primarily affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and endocrine system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety while also supporting heart health, muscle relaxation, and fluid balance.

Additionally, Valeriana officinalis demonstrates antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, further contributing to its therapeutic potential.

Its sedative and antispasmodic actions help regulate the autonomic nervous system, while its adaptogenic properties enhance overall resilience and well-being.

The therapeutic actions of Valeriana officinalis are listed below.

• Anxiolytic: Valeriana officinalis is known to have anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce anxiety and stress.
• Nervine: It has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing restlessness.
• Sedative: Valeriana officinalis is commonly used as a sedative to help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep.
• Muscle relaxant: It has a relaxing effect on muscles, reducing muscle spasms and cramps.
• Antispasmodic: Valeriana officinalis helps to relieve spasms and cramps in the digestive tract and other areas of the body.
• Hypnotic: It is used to induce a state of deep relaxation, which can be helpful for individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
• Calming: Valeriana officinalis has a calming effect on the mind and body, promoting feelings of peace and tranquility.

Constituents

Valeriana officinalis has been found to contain a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, isovaltrate, valepotriates, valeranone, and sesquiterpenes like valerenol and valerenal.

These constituents possess a range of healing properties, with valerenic acid exhibiting anxiolytic and sedative effects due to its action on the GABA receptor, while isovaltrate and valepotriates show antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, flavonoids like diosmin and rutin, as well as phenolic acids like ferulic and caffeic acid, contribute to the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Furthermore, the sesquiterpenes present in Valeriana officinalis, such as valerenol and valerenal, have been found to possess anti-anxiety and anticonvulsant properties.

The bioactive constituents of Valeriana officinalis are listed below.

• Valerenic acid: A sesquiterpene responsible for the sedative and relaxing properties of valeriana officinalis.
• Isovaleric acid: A short-chain fatty acid contributing to the plant's sedative and muscle relaxant effects.
• Valeranone: A sesquiterpene with sedative and anxiolytic properties.
• Valerenal: A sesquiterpene with sedative and muscle relaxant properties.
• Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds with antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Tannins: A type of polyphenol contributing to the plant's astringent and antimicrobial properties.
• Amino acids: A class of organic compounds involved in various physiological processes, including neurotransmission and muscle relaxation.

Parts

The most commonly used parts of Valeriana officinalis are the roots, leaves, flowers, and essential oil.

The roots of Valeriana officinalis are typically used for their sedative and antispasmodic properties, and are often employed in the treatment of anxiety disorders, insomnia, and muscle spasms.

The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to make teas, infusions, and tinctures, which are used to alleviate symptoms of restlessness, digestive issues, and menopausal symptoms, while the essential oil is used to soothe skin irritations, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation.

Additionally, the roots and leaves of Valeriana officinalis are also used in traditional medicine to treat headaches, fever, and menstrual cramps, and are sometimes used as a natural remedy for ADHD and other neurological disorders.

The following table displays the most used parts of of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure.

Preparations

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, most common herbal preparations are infusions, tinctures, capsules, and essential oils, which are used to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and reduce anxiety.

Infusions, also known as valerian tea, are often consumed before bedtime to help individuals fall asleep and stay asleep, while tinctures are commonly used to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, restlessness, and stress.

Capsules containing valerian root extract are also popular for their ability to reduce inflammation, improve mood, and promote a sense of calm, and essential oils can be inhaled to calm the mind and body, or added to bath water for a relaxing soak.

Furthermore, valerian preparations are also used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings, and to alleviate digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux.

The herbal preparations of Valeriana officinalis are listed below.

• Valerian root infusion: A calming tea made by steeping dried valerian root in hot water, often consumed before bed to promote relaxation.
• Valerian root tincture: A concentrated liquid extract of valerian root, often used sublingually to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Valerian root capsules: Dried valerian root encapsulated in a convenient pill form, often used to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
• Valerian root oil: A fragrant oil extracted from the valerian root, often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Valerian root cream: A topical cream made with valerian root extract, often used to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
• Valerian root extract powder: A powdered extract of valerian root, often used in cooking and baking to add a calming and relaxing effect.
• Valerian root decoction: A strong liquid extract of valerian root, often used as a base for other herbal remedies and tonics.

Side Effects

Valeriana officinalis side effects are typically experienced by individuals who consume excessive amounts, such as those taking high doses or combining it with other medications, including antidepressants, sedatives, and certain antibiotics.

Potential side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and allergic reactions, as well as interactions with certain medications that may increase the risk of bleeding or worsen respiratory conditions like asthma.

Older adults, pregnant women, and people with liver or kidney disease may be more susceptible to these side effects, which can also include changes in appetite, mood swings, and increased heart rate or blood pressure.

Precautions should be taken to avoid consuming Valeriana officinalis if you are sensitive to its active compounds, have a history of addiction, or are taking medications that may interact with its sedative effects.

The possible side effects of Valeriana officinalis are listed below.

• Abdominal cramps: Valeriana officinalis may cause stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea in some individuals.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to valerian, including hives, itching, or difficulty breathing.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness: Valerian can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly.
• Headaches: Valerian may cause headaches, possibly due to its sedative effects.
• Increased sedation: Using valerian with other sedatives or medications can increase the risk of excessive sedation or coma.
• Interactions with medications: Valerian may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and sedatives.
• Stomach upset: Valerian can cause stomach upset, heartburn, or acid reflux in some individuals.