How to Take Valerian Root for Health
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia that also has been introduced to North America. It is also known as garden valerian and all-heal. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.
1
Read about the history of valerian as a medicine. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a sedative and was described by Galen and Hippocrates. It also has been used as an anti-convulsant and pain reliever.
2
Examine valerian's use as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia and a muscle relaxant. It is sold as a dietary supplement and not subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.
3
Look at the scientific studies that have been conducted on valerian. The results strongly support valerian's effect as a sedative (most often through the reduction of sleep latency), although the mechanism of action is not understood and the FDA does not classify it as a medication.
4
Study the side effects of valerian root. Valerian is considered safe and side effects are rare. Valerian should not be taken in combination with other sedatives. Valerian can be considered a good herbal choice for treating mild insomnia.
5
Take no more than the recommended dosage of valerian. The most common dosages range from 300 to 600 mg to be taken within two hours of bedtime. A tea can also be made with 2 to 3 grams of dried valerian root.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068092_take-valerian-root-health.html
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia that also has been introduced to North America. It is also known as garden valerian and all-heal. The following steps will help you decide whether or not to take this herbal supplement.
1
Read about the history of valerian as a medicine. It was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans as a sedative and was described by Galen and Hippocrates. It also has been used as an anti-convulsant and pain reliever.
2
Examine valerian's use as a treatment for anxiety, insomnia and a muscle relaxant. It is sold as a dietary supplement and not subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.
3
Look at the scientific studies that have been conducted on valerian. The results strongly support valerian's effect as a sedative (most often through the reduction of sleep latency), although the mechanism of action is not understood and the FDA does not classify it as a medication.
4
Study the side effects of valerian root. Valerian is considered safe and side effects are rare. Valerian should not be taken in combination with other sedatives. Valerian can be considered a good herbal choice for treating mild insomnia.
5
Take no more than the recommended dosage of valerian. The most common dosages range from 300 to 600 mg to be taken within two hours of bedtime. A tea can also be made with 2 to 3 grams of dried valerian root.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2068092_take-valerian-root-health.html
