A fragrant perennial tall, flowering plant with sweetly scented light pink or white blooms, the Valerian herb, is a member herb of the Valerianaceae family and native to Europe and Asia.

Derived from the Latin word ‘Valere’, implying healthy or strong,’ this plant was discovered by Hippocrates, father of medicine, and a notable Greek physician around the 18th century. Having a long history of being a potent sedative, from beating blues to curing several ailments, truly a magical herb, many European herbalists used its rhizomes or tubular roots as a sleep inducer. It is also known by interesting names such as Blessed Herb, Capon's Tail, German Valeria, Wild Valerian, Heliotrope, Tagara, Vandalroot, and Vermont Valerian. During the medieval era, the herb was added as an essence to soups, stews, and drinks besides being consumed as tea. The root extracts of the herb are laden with an earthy aroma and thus become an ingredient of many aromatic oils, used for aromatherapy and fragrant perfumes. Not just a powerful mind-calming herb, it is also an effective herbal remedy for intestinal issues, menstrual pains, skin woes, and urinary problems. Valerian supplements are usually made from roots, but stems, leaves, and flowers are also generously used.

Also Read: Tagara: 5 Splendid Health Benefits Of This Ayurvedic Root

Why Valerian Aids Sound Sleep?

A cup of soothing valerian tea has intense benefits on an anxious mind thus beating its blues that could be due to anxiety or lack of sleep. The herb activates adenosine receptors and increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain which contributes to alleviating restlessness and aiding sound sleep. Besides combating sleep disorders, it also improves mental focus and boosts brain health.

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Known for its therapeutic purposes, here is a list of beneficial and active components this healing herb contains:

Valerenic Acids

Valerenic acid is a constituent found in the essential oil of the Valerian plant. Besides, it contains carboxylic acid which is a potent sedative. Both contribute towards calming the mind.

Iridoids

Iridoids are secondary metabolites present in herbs that play a crucial role in the treatment of chronic inflammation

Alkaloids

An alkaloid is a class of nitrogen-containing compounds with low molecular weight. Found in many plants, they have valuable medicinal qualities to treat many chronic diseases

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that acts as a chemical messenger of the brain. It blocks specific signals going to the central nervous system, producing a calming effect.

Sesquiterpenes

An essential component that helps modulate a healthy immune system, it promotes the formation of healthy cells. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial property helps the body fight unwanted microbes. 

Flavanones

Flavonoids are aromatic, colorless ketones and a class of polyphenolic compounds found in many plants including this one. They are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can also manage cholesterol levels.

Side Effects Of The Herb

Though the herb is potentially safe for consumption, yet in some people, the extracts of the herb can cause headaches, urinary incontinence, itchiness, sleep apnea, and temporomandibular joint disorder.

Also Read: Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Looking for more incentives? Foray into this infographic to know about umpteen wellness benefits this nerve-soothing herb provides to the entire bodily system.