Valerian: medicinal properties and contraindications

Valerian refers to medicinal herbs that are used to calm the nervous system. So, for this plant is characterized by sleeping pills and sedation. However, the benefits of this product are not limited to these properties. In addition, the plant leads to the normalization of blood pressure, the restoration of blood flow. Also, this herb is characterized by choleretic and weak antispasmodic effect. In official medicine, it is used for diseases of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and cardiovascular system.

Most of the medicinal components of this plant are concentrated in the roots and rhizome, as for the inflorescences and the stem, they do not possess such qualities.

The effect of valerian on the body has been studied and confirmed by many studies. Specialists were able to prove the effectiveness of the use of this plant in the complex treatment of a number of pathologies.

Chemical composition

Compared with other medicinal herbs, valerian does not have one main active ingredient. However, this herb can be distinguished thanks to the essential oil, which gives the plant a characteristic smell. Since it has a specific aroma, it is difficult to confuse it with any other kind. It should be noted that other plants growing next to valerian are able to absorb its aroma from the soil. Therefore, you must be careful when collecting medicinal raw materials. The composition of such a product contains more than a hundred biologically active elements, which together have a beneficial effect on the human body.

The healing properties of the plant are explained by the content of micro and macro elements, alkaloids, tannins, many vitamins, alcohols, saponins and ethers in them. Such medicinal plant materials contain up to 2% of essential oil. In addition, the composition of this product contains acids such as malic, acetic, stearic palmitic. Moreover, terpenoids, camphene, and pinen are found here.

How it looks and where it grows

Valerian officinalis belongs to perennial herbaceous plants of the Valerian family. The rhizome of this representative of the botanical world is vertical, in length from 2 to 10 cm, numerous light brown roots extend from it. The stem of the plant is covered with grooves, branched up. Basal leaves have long petioles. The flowers are small, their color varies from white to mauve. They are located on the tops of the stem, as well as on the side branches.

Valerian fruit is represented by achene 4–5 mm long. It is oblong, slightly flattened laterally, has an ovoid shape. The grass blooms from early to mid-summer, has a pungent, specific smell, spicy, bitter-sweet taste.

You can meet such a healing plant throughout the entire European part of the former Soviet Union, in the Caucasus. Valerian usually prefers green meadows, forest edges. Thickets do not form. Due to massive industrial blanks, its reserves were depleted.

Views

The most popular is Valerian officinalis. However, other species are known that are cultivated as ornamental plants. These include:

1. Altai. This species appeared in Siberia. Has a long rhizome, straight, almost bare shoots.The flowers are pale pink, the fruits have a purple color.
2. Loving stone. Also native to Siberia and northern Mongolia. The rhizome is shorter. The inflorescence has a racemose, capitate form, consists of pink flowers. During fruiting, inflorescences grow and become dense.
3. Lying down. It grows in the eastern regions of the alpine mountains. It is grown in rock gardens as a groundcover. Such a representative of the flora grows many underground stolons, which allows him to capture quite large areas.
4. Rock carvings. In the wild, it is found in the mountains of Turkey and the Caucasus at an altitude of 2–2.5 km above sea level. Such a perennial plant reaches a height of 15 cm in height, forming small bushes.

Some more varieties of valerian are cultivated, such as capitate, mountain and others, but they are not endowed with a spectacular appearance.

Collection and storage

During the collection of medicinal plant materials, several important points must be taken into account. First, you need to remember that the stem and root should be as thick as possible. The plant is endowed with healing properties only in the second year of life, therefore, useful qualities will depend on the thickness of the stem. Secondly, during the collection of valerian root, it is necessary to pay attention to other plants next to it. Since the root of the grass is often closely intertwined with other green neighbors, it is sometimes very difficult to distinguish them, since they have similar colors. As for the smell of valerian itself, it is so strong that it is almost impossible to feel any impurity of another plant. In order not to collect poisonous and dangerous plants, it is necessary to thoroughly wash the roots and select only those that have a stalk of valerian.

It is best to collect raw materials in the fall, when the flowers completely bloom, but the foliage is preserved. Roots and rhizomes should be thoroughly washed and dried in special devices at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees. You can also dry the raw materials in a well-ventilated area, protected from direct sunlight. The valuable properties of the product are preserved under the condition of proper storage and drying for two years.

The healing properties of valerian

Valerian has a long therapeutic effect, which allows it to be used by people suffering from hypertension, as well as women during menopause. Culture can relieve tension in the vessels. Thanks to this, hypertensive patients are protected from high blood pressure. In women, due to a decrease in the frequency of hot flashes, the climacteric period is easier.

Often, the use of this medicinal product is combined with other drugs that have a sedative effect. In this case, both drugs enhance the effect of each other and accelerate the healing process with neurosis and increased nervous excitability. Disturbances in the digestive tract can also be adjusted using valerian. Such a plant component is characterized by a mild choleretic effect, and is also able to affect the smooth muscles of the intestine.

Valerian can be used to treat children suffering from flatulence. In this case, it is very important to consult a pediatrician, since drugs in this group are not prescribed for babies under 3 years old. If there is a need for the use of valerian for children under three years of age, the dosage, frequency and duration of treatment are calculated only by a specialist. As an alternative, you can choose special intestinal collections of herbs, in which valerian is only one of the components.

Representatives of the weaker sex who want to lose weight without harm to health can use this medicinal plant. Valerian for them will be a real find. So, if you drink before a meal or instead of eating a glass of water with the addition of a few drops of a healing infusion, you can dull the feeling of hunger, relieve tension due to the need to constantly control your appetite.As a result of this, weight loss occurs, the likelihood of developing anorexia is minimized.

The use of this plant is possible not only inside. In folk medicine, such a component is widely used as an antiseptic. The infusion of this herb is diluted with water and is used to wash the eyes with inflammation. Also, such a solution can be used to gargle.

If you regularly wipe your skin with a towel or napkin dipped in infusion of valerian, you can protect yourself from fungus for a long time.

In ancient Rome, it was popular to take baths with the addition of such a culture. This procedure has a calming effect, can relieve headaches and solve some problems with dermis.

The use of lotions and washing with the addition of valerian can protect the skin from redness, as well as from the appearance of acne. Instead of factory hair conditioners, you can use a diluted decoction of this herb. This tool helps to improve hair color, restore their structure, as well as protect the skin from dryness and dandruff.

You can use the tool to relieve tension, both muscle and mental. Moreover, the healing properties of valerian help to cope with migraines, insomnia, constipation, and colic.

However, it should be noted that the effect of taking such a plant does not appear immediately. It is important to consider when calculating the dose of the drug. If you do not feel better after 30 minutes, you do not need to take the drug again. Overdosing is dangerous to health. In this case, it’s better to wait some more time. The effect of such a drug, although not fast, but long.

For women

Drugs and medicinal formulations based on valerian root are indicated for women with anxiety, nervous agitation, stress and sleep disturbances. Instead of internal use of the drug, you can use a warm, relaxing bath with the inclusion of a decoction of this plant. In this case, 6-7 tablespoons is enough. chopped rhizomes pour 1 liter of boiling water, insist and add to the bath with water.

Valerian will help to establish a dream, strengthen the body, relieve irritability, which often occurs in the female body during hormonal changes, that is, during menopause.

You can use drugs based on valerian also with irritability associated with PMS, while waiting for the baby, with nervous excitations, severe hysteria.

For men

The beneficial properties of valerian and representatives of the stronger sex are appreciated. Some believe that such a tool helps to reduce potency. This is not so, since potency depends only on the concentration of testosterone in the blood, and valerian does not affect the production of this hormone.

The healing root helps protect the male body from cardiovascular diseases, reduce the frequency of muscle cramps, and also protect against nervous tension and increased excitability.

It should be noted that the plant can cause drowsiness and reduce nervous excitability, which can affect sexual desire for the opposite sex.

During pregnancy

It is no secret that during the period of gestation, a woman should not overstrain or worry, as this can harm not only her, but also the unborn baby. Valerian rhizomes during pregnancy can be used only in the form of tablets or decoction. The tincture contains a high concentration of alcohol. Such a medicinal herb helps to calm the nervous system, relieve irritability, which appears due to changes in the hormonal background.

It must be remembered that exceeding the dosage can cause nervousness and nightmares.

When breastfeeding

Herbal preparations are allowed to be taken by people of various categories. As for nursing women, they should drink such drugs with caution. It should be borne in mind that the funds are able to penetrate into the blood and plasma, therefore, into breast milk.Before use, it is imperative to consult with a specialist. Infants may experience allergies, which are manifested by rashes, redness, and itching. Also, the baby may have overexcitation or sleep disturbances, colic, constipation and other stomach problems.

If there is a negative reaction, it is necessary to stop taking such a medicine. Lactating women are allowed to take 1 tablet twice a day. In this case, the course of treatment is no more than 10 days.

During lactation, you must follow the doctor’s instructions regarding taking valerian, do not increase the dosage and duration of treatment. It is also important to monitor the reaction of the baby.

For children

The smell of valerian especially affects overexcited children. If the child cannot fall asleep, it is recommended to hang a bag with dried plant material over his bed.

Relaxes and soothes the bath with a decoction of the plant. After this procedure, do not wipe the baby dry with a towel. You just need to wrap it up or put on your pajamas and send it to bed.

Such a medicinal herb will also benefit with internal administration, especially for those babies who have digestive disorders. Infusion of valerian prepared on water will have a positive effect on the gallbladder and its ducts.

With bloating and colic, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, cleansing enemas can be done.

Another feature of valerian is that it is able to rid the baby of tape worms. To prepare the potion, you need 1 tbsp. mix a spoonful of shredded valerian root with 2 cups boiling water and leave overnight. In the morning, strain the solution and give the child 3 times a day for half an hour before eating 100 ml. As for tincture, drops of valerian need to be added in accordance with their age: for example, at 3 years - 3 drops, at 4 years - 4. Thus, up to 14 years the dose is increased by 1 drop per year of life. Children under 3 years of age should not take tincture.

Valerian in folk medicine

People have come up with many recipes that are based on the use of valerian. Such methods of using a medicinal plant are used in order to get rid of certain diseases. In this case, standard methods are used, however, the dosages and method of treatment are determined individually for each pathology.

With diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that is characterized by partial or complete insulin deficiency. As a result of this, carbohydrate and other types of metabolism are disturbed in the body, and constant hyperglycemia develops. Often with such a disease, the patient develops insomnia, and the level of irritability and nervousness rises. In this case, you can take valerian as a safe medicine to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

Diabetics are advised to make decoctions and infusions on their own, as pharmaceutical preparations contain sugar, which helps to increase the already high level of glucose in the blood.

With pancreatitis

With inflammation of the pancreas, people often experience anxiety and nervousness. You can cope with such discomfort with the help of folk remedies with the addition of this medicinal plant. Moreover, the use of valerian in the presence of pancreatitis consists in its ability to relieve spasms and restore the digestive system. The infusion prepared on the basis of this herb enhances the production of enzymes, and also has a choleretic effect.

To prepare the infusion, you need 2.5 tbsp. tablespoons of dried valerian root and 1 cup boiling water. Pour the plant material into a glass or enamel dish and pour hot water. Next, cook the mass for a quarter of an hour in a steam bath. After this, the mixture is infused for another 45 minutes. The filtered infusion should be taken 30 minutes before the main meals. The dose is 2 tbsp. spoons.

With gastritis

Exacerbation of gastritis is manifested by severe discomfort, which affects the quality of sleep, as well as the emotional state of the patient. In this case, valerian will help, which, in addition to a calming effect, also has an antispasmodic. A positive effect on the functioning of the stomach is also noted. The best effect is achieved by using a collection of medicinal herbs that can enhance each other's action.

To prepare the healing composition, you will need 100 g of valerian and veronica, 40 g of St. John's wort and wild rose, 20 g of motherwort and thyme, and 250 ml of boiling water.

Mix all components and measure 1 tbsp from the collection. a spoon. Next, fill the herbs with hot water and insist until the liquid has completely cooled. Take a solution of 100 ml 15-20 minutes before a meal 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 6 months, after which it is imperative to take a break.

With mastopathy

Mastopathy is a dense formation of different sizes and shapes that occur under the influence of a hormone such as estrogen. Such seals appear usually on both sides of the mammary gland, often accompanied by dull pain. Often also this pathology is painless, pain appears only if you click on the seal.

To get rid of such an ailment, it is recommended to prepare a decoction from a collection of herbs. To obtain such a composition, you will need 1 part tricolor violet, medicinal valerian, field horsetail, as well as 2 parts of a series of tripartite and dioecious nettle leaves. 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of the mixture into a glass of boiling water and put on low heat. When the mass boils, remove from heat and cool. After this, filter the liquid and take 1/3 cup 2 times a day after meals.

Against cough

Very often during a disease a person develops a painful cough that interferes with sleep. Valerian will help calm him. In this case, it is enough to drip in 20 ml of valerian tincture in 100 ml of water. After some time, the cough will subside and you can safely fall asleep.

With hypertension

With high blood pressure, an infusion consisting of 1 tbsp is considered effective. tablespoons of valerian root, which must be filled with 2 cups of hot water and kept in a thermos for about 8 hours. Take the composition for 2 months 3 times a day. In this case, at first 2 weeks the dose is about 50 ml, after which it drops to 30–35 ml, and then - a maximum of 20 ml.

For insomnia

If you have trouble sleeping, the healing properties of valerian with the addition of mint will help again. This combination will help strengthen sleep and make it full. To do this, you need only two fabric bags, in which you need to put the medicinal raw materials and put them at the head of the bed.

With neurosis

To cure a neurosis, you can use several options for preparing a therapeutic tincture. The first way is that several large valerian roots need to be chopped and pour a glass of boiling water. Stew the resulting mass over low heat for about 30 minutes. After this, the liquid is infused for a couple of hours. The filtered solution to take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. If the symptoms of the disease are pronounced, the frequency of administration is increased up to 5 times.

There is another way. In this case, cut several valerian roots and pour 1.5 cups of boiling water. After that, place the mixture in a water bath for 20 minutes, then cool and filter. The resulting composition is taken 100 ml 3 times a day.

You can also simply dry the roots of the plants, grind them to a powdery state and take 2 g three times a day.

With menopause

The climacteric period in a woman is characterized by a restructuring of the body. Very often this period is accompanied by insomnia, a feeling of fatigue, irritability and nervousness.Various decoctions and infusions prepared from Valerian officinalis will help to establish a dream, relieve a woman of irritability and significantly improve her general health.

With tachycardia

With an increased heart rate, it is recommended to prepare an infusion. In this case, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials must be placed in a thermos and fill it with 200 ml of hot water. Mass insist for 8 hours. Ready solution to drink 3 tbsp. tablespoons 3 times a day. Gradually reduce the dose to 1 tbsp. spoons for 1 reception. In the first 2 weeks, 3 tbsp. spoon three times, in the next 14 days, the dose is reduced to 2 tbsp. tablespoons, and then for a month should drink 1 tbsp. spoon. As a result, it turns out that the course of treatment lasts 2 months. After this, you need to take a break for 30 days, and then repeat the course again.

With epilepsy

If a person has epilepsy, then he occasionally has bouts of seizures and impaired consciousness. Often this disease is accompanied by headaches, nervousness, general malaise. Valerian has been found to be an effective tool in the treatment of epilepsy, and is also a prophylaxis of this pathology. To prepare a useful composition you will need only Valerian officinalis and a small amount of vodka. In this case, the 1/5 glass container must be filled with crushed rhizomes, and then pour the container to the edges with vodka and hide in a dark place for 10 days.

After the specified period, the liquid must be filtered through cheesecloth and taken 30 drops half an hour before a meal three times a day.

With a hangover

Depending on the individual characteristics of the human body, age and duration of intoxication, a valerian-based agent is prescribed in different doses. With a hangover syndrome, you should use a complex of folk remedies with medications that will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms. As for valerian, it can be taken by diluting 25-30 drops of tincture in a glass of water and drinking it several times a day.

Valerian extract can be dripped onto a piece of refined sugar and taken. Such a drug will begin to act after 4 hours, depending on individual characteristics. To achieve the desired result, a course of treatment is required. In no case should you drink alcohol-based drugs based on valerian, as this can cause severe intoxication.

Under stress

The fragrant plant contains components that can gently reduce the increased activity of the nervous system, relieve spasms and have a calming effect, reducing the reaction to various external stimuli. Valerian is useful for nerves in that it helps to reduce the processes of excitation in the cerebral cortex. If frequent stresses, anxiety and insomnia are observed, therapeutic baths should be taken. Add 1 handful of chopped grass roots to 1 liter of water and boil them for 15 minutes, then strain and add to a warm bath. Continue the procedure for 10 minutes.

With depression

Valerian officinalis is one of the medicinal herbs that are widely used for the preparation of drugs intended for the treatment of depression. This is because the plant is characterized by an antidepressant effect, which allows you to restore sleep and normalize the central nervous system.

To prepare tincture of valerian should take 1 tbsp. pour a spoonful of crushed raw materials into a thermos and pour a cup of boiling water. After that, infuse the mass for 12 hours. Take the composition of 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. If the disease is more pronounced, it is necessary to drink 1/3 cup three times a day.The course of treatment with such a drug is usually no more than 2 months. To get a faster effect, you can use alcohol-based tincture of valerian.

From allergies

The complex of hawthorn and valerian will help get rid of allergies. In this case, it is necessary to prepare tinctures of these herbs and take them in a ratio of 1: 1. Medicines in the amount of 30 drops are instilled in a glass of water and taken before bedtime.

Such a drug is indicated for allergies associated with nervous strain. Nervous allergy is manifested in the form of skin rashes. These can be spots of small sizes that merge into a single whole. They appear on the face, inside of the hands and hips, stomach, mucous membranes. Sometimes a nervous system allergy manifests itself in the form of suffocation and nausea, increased sweating, palpitations and tremors of the limbs.

Patients suffering from a nervous allergy are often anxious and irritable, their psyche is weakened, the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed, and blood pressure jumps are observed.

Toothache

Valerian will also help to cope with toothache. In this case, it is enough just to soak the cotton wool in the tincture of the grass and attach it to the diseased tooth. After 10-15 minutes, the pain will subside.

Types of healing compounds

Based on such medicinal plant materials, you can prepare many medicinal products that will help cope with various diseases. However, in order to get an effective remedy, you must follow the instructions of the prescription, do not exceed the permissible doses and be sure to take breaks in treatment. It should be remembered that the treatment of diseases with folk remedies should occur only after consulting a specialist in order to exclude the appearance of side effects.

Infusion

A water-based infusion of valerian is indicated for those who have an overexcitation of the nervous system. In this case, the drug has a calming, antispasmodic effect. In addition, it is able to stimulate digestive processes, dilate blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and stimulating bile secretion.

To prepare the water infusion, it is necessary to finely chop the root of the plant, measure 10 g and mix it with 200 ml of boiling water. Next, warm the mixture in a water bath for half an hour, and then insist under the lid for another 2 hours. The resulting composition should be taken 3-4 times a day for 1 tbsp. spoon.

Tincture

To prepare tincture of valerian, the root must be poured with vodka or alcohol with a concentration of 70% in a ratio of 1: 5. A week to store the mass in a dark and warm place. After the specified time, strain the liquid and take it three times a day for 15 drops.

Store alcohol tincture in an airtight container. When storing the product in the refrigerator, its beneficial properties are stored for up to 5 years.

Decoction

To get a decoction of the plant, you should take 10 g of chopped rhizomes, add 300 ml of water and boil in a steam bath for a quarter of an hour. After that, cool the liquid. The resulting amount of solution is divided into 4 doses and drunk throughout the day. Such a decoction is useful for violations of the intestinal tract and stomach, liver and kidney pathologies.

Tea

Tea can be prepared from both dry and fresh roots. 1 tbsp. a spoonful of plant material must be placed in a container and pour boiling water. The mixture should be infused for a while. The solution is to drink in a warm form throughout the day. If desired, melissa can be added to such a drink, which will increase the spectrum of therapeutic action. Herbal complex will help in a short time to restore strength, get rid of nervous excitement and establish sleep.

Application in cosmetology

Valerian is used not only in medicine, but also in the cosmetic field.However, in this case, the aboveground part of the grass, that is, flowers and leaves, is used. Such raw materials are used in the manufacture of cosmetics due to antibacterial and soothing properties.

The juice from the leaves of the plant can be used frozen and fresh. Frozen product is used in case of irritation and redness of the skin. This allows you to tone and nourish the skin, prevent premature aging, as well as maintain muscle tone. Moreover, this tool helps with the weathering of the skin and sunburn. As for the fresh valerian juice, it has the same properties, but the effect and its effect are slightly weaker.

Valerian root oil is used to care for the face and skin of the hands. Such a substance helps to get rid of various rashes, and also effectively with increased sensitivity of the skin. Based on this oil, ointments are made that smooth wrinkles.

Infusion of valerian root is used for hair loss, to eliminate dandruff, restore the structure of the hair follicle, and prevent premature gray hair.

The use of valerian in cooking

In European countries, valerian is a spice. For culinary purposes, grass leaves are used, since their smell is not so harsh. Valerian leaves are added to salads, marinades, side dishes.

For example, from the leaves of this plant you can make a salad. To do this, you will need 50 g of valerian leaves, 30 g of pine nuts, 200 g of cherry tomatoes, 150 g of hard cheese, salt and olive oil to taste.

Rinse and dry the leaves first. Tomatoes cut into two parts, cheese - thin plates. Put a small amount of leaves of valerian, tomato and cheese on a plate. Then sprinkle with pine nuts, salt to taste and season with olive oil.

Contraindications

The main contraindication to the use of valerian is enterocolitis. Sometimes intolerance to drugs based on such a medicinal plant may be observed.

An overdose of valerian drugs is dangerous for lowering working capacity, developing constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, impaired heart function.

Allergy sufferers may show a negative reaction to such a component. For pregnant and lactating women, treatment with valerian-based drugs is prescribed only by a doctor.

Photo Valerian