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Valerian |
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Supplement Articles |
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VALERIAN
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Valerian is used to calm
nerves, PMS, muscle spasms
and allows you to sleep
better ... |
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VALERIAN |
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Valerian can help
you get to sleep |
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Valerian has been used
traditionally for many years
as a sedative and alleviator
of anxiety. It has
many benefits over the use
of pharmaceutical sedatives
and sleep aids.
Valerian does not alter the
brain waves that occur as a
part of normal sleep
patterns. Therefore
the sleep that you get after
taking valerian is just as
restful as normal sleep. |
Additionally
valerian does not
give you a
“hangover” the
morning after you
use it.
Valerian’s chemical
components, the valepotriates,
valerianic acids and
pungent oils, relax
the central nervous
system by binding to
the same receptors
that are used by
sedative
medications. They
also relax the
gastrointestinal
tract and skeletal
muscles. Valerian
can be used for
restless leg
syndrome and muscle
spasms. It can also
be used for stress
and tension
associated with
PMS.
Dried valerian root
can be made into a
tea. Valerian can
also be purchased in
capsules or as a
tincture.
Water-soluble
extracts of valerian
contain more active
ingredients than
dried or
alcohol-based
formulas. Valerian
may be found in
formulas for
relaxing the mind
and body.
Due to valerian’s
sedating action it
may increase the
effect of some
anti-anxiety,
anti-depression,
anti-histamine,
sleep inducing
medications. Do not
use valerian when
performing
activities that
require alertness.
Children can be
harmed by some
components of
valerian including
the valepotriates
and baldrinal.
Never give valerian
to children under
the age of three. |
Valerian–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Root. |
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APPLICATIONS |
·
Nervousness,
insomnia,
PMS,
menopausal
tension,
muscle
spasms.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
200-800mg
daily or
200-400mg at
bedtime
(standardized
to 0.8-1.0%
valerianic
acids).
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Vitamin B
complex,
chamomile,
skullcap,
hops. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Do not use
valerian if
you are
performing
activities
that require
alertness.
·
Valerian may
increase the
effect of
sedating,
depression,
allergy or
anxiety
medications.
·
Do not give
valerian to
children
under the
age of
three. Use
caution when
administering
valerian to
any child. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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