11 Best Benefits Of Valeriana Officinalis
Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its medicinal and sedative properties.
The bioactive compounds present in Valeriana officinalis, including valerenic acid, valeranone, and isovaleric acid, contribute to its benefits.
This plant is particularly effective in relieving stress and reducing anxiety by promoting relaxation, making it a popular natural remedy for individuals seeking a calming effect.
By inducing a state of relaxation, Valeriana officinalis helps to alleviate symptoms of insomnia and restlessness, promoting a good night's sleep.
Featured Study
According to Frontiers in pharmacology, Valeriana officinalis has been found to possess several health benefits, including sedative, hypnotic, antispasmodic, analgesic, antidepressant, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, antiepileptic, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, cytotoxic, and antitumor effects, as well as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular system improvements.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Valeriana officinalis.
Table of Contents
1. Relieves stress
Valeriana officinalis relieves stress by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, resulting in a sense of calmness and tranquility.
This benefit is crucial as excessive stress can lead to various health issues, such as insomnia, digestive problems, and mood disorders, and can also impair cognitive function, as seen in individuals with anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The plant's anxiolytic properties are attributed to bioactive constituents like valepotriates, valerenic acid, and isovaltrate, which interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to regulate mood and reduce stress.
To harness the stress-relieving benefits of Valeriana officinalis, it is best to use herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as excessive consumption can have adverse effects.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tea
- Valerian oil
- Valerian extract capsules
- Valerian root tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves stress.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Anxiety, insomnia, restlessness |
| Valeranone | Stress, tension, fibromyalgia |
| Valerenal | Nervousness, mood swings, hyperactivity |
2. Reduces anxiety
Valeriana officinalis reduces anxiety, which is a state of intense fear or worry that interferes with a person's ability to function and live a normal life.
This benefit is crucial because anxiety can have severe consequences, such as hindering daily activities, affecting relationships, and even exacerbating physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and gastrointestinal disorders.
The plant's anxiety-reducing properties can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, valeranone, and valepotriates, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
To harness the anxiety-reducing benefits of Valeriana officinalis, it is best to consume the plant in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or capsules, or as a sleep-promoting supplement, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tincture
- Tea
- Valerian root capsules
- Oil
- Valerian extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Generalized anxiety disorder, sleep disturbances, restlessness |
| Isovaleric acid | Anxiety attacks, insomnia, panic disorder |
| Valerenol | Social anxiety, anxiety-related insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder |
3. Promotes relaxation
Valeriana officinalis promotes relaxation, which is the state of being free from anxiety, stress, and tension, allowing the body and mind to unwind and feel calm.
This benefit is important as it can help alleviate symptoms of insomnia, anxiety disorders, and restlessness, enabling individuals to better cope with the demands of daily life and improve overall well-being.
The valerian root's ability to promote relaxation is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including isovaleric acid, valerenic acid, and isovaleran, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
To harness the relaxing properties of Valeriana officinalis, it is best used in herbal preparations such as tea, tinctures, or capsules, which can be consumed before bedtime to promote a restful night's sleep and reduce stress levels.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tea
- Valerian root capsules
- Valerian root tincture
- Valerian relaxation drops
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Promotes relaxation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome |
| Valeranone | Stress, migraines, hypertension |
| Isovaleric acid amide | Nervousness, muscle cramps, dysmenorrhea |
4. Improves sleep
Valeriana officinalis improves sleep by enhancing the quality of rest and relaxation, characterized by reduced sleep latency and increased sleep duration.
This benefit is particularly important for individuals experiencing insomnia, restless leg syndrome, or other sleep disorders, as it can improve overall physical and mental well-being, enhance cognitive function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The valeriana officinalis plant achieves this benefit through its rich content of bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, isovaltrate, and valepotriates, which interact with the body's GABA receptors to promote a state of calmness and relaxation.
To harness this benefit, valeriana officinalis can be consumed in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or capsules, typically taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime to promote a restful night's sleep.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tincture
- Valerian oil
- Valerian tea
- Valerian extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves sleep.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep anxiety |
| Valeranone | Sleep deprivation, narcolepsy, anxiety-induced insomnia |
| Valerenal | Migraine-induced insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder due to medication |
| Isovaleric acid | Restless sleep, sleepwalking, sleep talking |
| Acid valerenic | Insomnia due to stress, anxiety-induced sleep disorder, sleep disorder due to menopause |
5. Reduces insomnia
Valeriana officinalis reduces insomnia by promoting a state of relaxation and improving the quality of sleep.
This benefit is crucial as insomnia can lead to fatigue, decreased productivity, and negative impacts on mental and physical health, such as anxiety, depression, and an increased risk of chronic diseases.
The plant's ability to reduce insomnia is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, valeranone, and isovaleric acid, which have been shown to interact with GABA receptors in the brain, leading to a calming effect.
To harness the sleep-promoting properties of Valeriana officinalis, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, typically taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before bedtime.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Valerian root tea
- Extract capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces insomnia.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Insomnia, restless leg syndrome, frequent awakenings |
| Valeranone | Nervousness, anxiety, tension |
| Valerenal | Sleep disorders, mood swings, irritability |
| Valeranone | Difficulty falling asleep, nightmares, sleep fragmentation |
| Isovalerenic acid | Sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency |
6. Relaxes muscles
Valeriana officinalis relaxes muscles by inducing a state of deep relaxation and reducing muscle tension, which is defined as the reduction of muscle spasms and rigidity.
This benefit is important as it can help alleviate conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, and chronic pain, which can be debilitating and impact daily life, as seen in individuals with fibromyalgia or those who experience muscle cramps during pregnancy.
The plant's ability to relax muscles is attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, valeranone, and valepotriates, which interact with the nervous system to produce a calming effect.
To utilize Valeriana officinalis for muscle relaxation, it is best consumed in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, typically in dosages of 400-1000 mg per day, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root extract
- Valerian oil
- Valerian tea
- Valerian tincture
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relaxes muscles.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Muscle spasms, tension headaches, insomnia |
| Isovaleric acid | Anxiety, restless leg syndrome, muscle cramps |
| Valerenol | Muscle strain, tendinitis, fibromyalgia |
| Valeranone | Muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, spinal cord injuries |
7. Reduces inflammation
Valeriana officinalis reduces inflammation, which is a natural response of the body's immune system to injury or damage, characterized by the production of chemical signals that promote the healing process, but can sometimes cause pain, swelling, and redness.
This benefit is important because chronic inflammation is linked to various health conditions, such as arthritis, gout, and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to serious complications and decreased quality of life.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Valeriana officinalis can be attributed to its bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, valerenol, and valepotriates, which have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
To harness the anti-inflammatory benefits of Valeriana officinalis, it is best used in herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules, which can be consumed under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective dosing.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tincture
- Valerian root tea
- Valerian oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Arthritis, gout, muscle pain |
| Isovaleric acid | Inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis |
| Valeranone | Edema, lupus, psoriasis |
| Valerenol | Fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, tendinitis |
8. Improves mood
Valeriana officinalis improves mood by enhancing the body's emotional balance and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
This benefit is particularly important as it can help individuals cope with the effects of stress, such as insomnia, and improve their overall quality of life, allowing them to participate fully in daily activities and maintain relationships.
The plant's mood-enhancing properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including valepotriates, isovalerenic acid, and valerenic acid, which interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
To harness the mood-enhancing benefits of Valeriana officinalis, it is best to consume herbal preparations such as teas, tinctures, or capsules, which can be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure safe and effective use.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Valerian root tea
- Extract capsules
- Valerian root oil
- Infused oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves mood.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Anxiety, depression, insomnia |
| Valerenol | Mood swings, panic attacks, restlessness |
| Isovaleramide | Euphoria, hyperactivity, nervousness |
| Valeranone | Sleep disorders, tension, upliftment |
| Valerenal | Anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, restless leg syndrome |
9. Reduces symptoms of adhd
Valeriana officinalis reduces symptoms of ADHD, a benefit that refers to the plant's ability to alleviate the core symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
This benefit is important because it can improve the quality of life for individuals with ADHD, allowing them to focus, learn, and interact more effectively in daily life, and reducing the risk of comorbid conditions such as anxiety and depression.
The plant's bioactive constituents, including valepotriates, valerenic acid, and isovaleric acid, are thought to be responsible for its ability to reduce ADHD symptoms, as they interact with the brain's GABA receptors to promote relaxation and calmness.
To take advantage of this benefit, valeriana officinalis can be consumed as a herbal tea, tincture, or capsule, with recommended dosages ranging from 500-1000 mg per day, and best used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Valerian root tea
- Capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces symptoms of adhd.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention deficit disorder |
| Valerenol | Restlessness, agitation, sleep disturbances |
| Valeranone | Irritability, anxiety, mood swings |
| Valerenal | Distractibility, impulsivity, emotional regulation |
10. Treats irritable bowel syndrome
Valeriana officinalis treats irritable bowel syndrome, a condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, significantly impacting a person's quality of life.
This benefit is particularly important as it can lead to missed work or school days, strained relationships, and decreased overall well-being, as seen in individuals who experience chronic constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping.
The plant's efficacy in treating IBS is attributed to its bioactive constituents, including valerenic acid, isovalerenic acid, and valerenol, which possess anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help soothe the gastrointestinal tract and regulate bowel function.
To harness the therapeutic potential of Valeriana officinalis for IBS relief, it is best used in the form of herbal teas, tinctures, or capsules, allowing for the standardized extraction and bioavailability of its active compounds.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tea
- Valerian root capsules
- Valerian root tincture
- Valerian root extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Treats irritable bowel syndrome.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Constipation, abdominal pain, bloating |
| Valerenol | Irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease |
| Isovaleric acid | Abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting |
11. Relieves symptoms of menopause
Valeriana officinalis relieves symptoms of menopause by alleviating the discomforts associated with this natural life phase, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, which can significantly impact a woman's quality of life and overall well-being.
This benefit is particularly important for women who experience severe menopausal symptoms, which can interfere with their daily activities, relationships, and work performance.
Valeriana officinalis has been found to possess this benefit due to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including valepotriates, valerenic acid, and isovaleric acid, which have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
To take advantage of this benefit, Valeriana officinalis can be used in various herbal preparations, such as teas, tinctures, capsules, and extracts, which can be consumed in moderation under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Top Preparations:
- Valerian root tea
- Valerian root capsules
- Valerian root tincture
- Valerian root extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Valeriana officinalis and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves symptoms of menopause.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Valerenic acid | Hot flashes, sleep disturbances, anxiety |
| Valeranone | Night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness |
| Valerenal | Fatigue, headaches, insomnia |