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VALERIAN
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| Botanical Name: |
Valeriana officinalis |
| Part Used: |
The roots and rhizomes. |
| Actions: |
Anxiolytic,
Anti-diarrhoeal,
Hypnotic,
Hypotensive,
Mild Sedative,
Spasmolytic. |
| Uses: |
Nervous System :
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms,
Anxiety,
Depression,
Insomnia,
Irritability,
Restlessness.
Cardiovascular System :
Hypertension,
Palpitations.
Digestive System :
Nervous dyspepsia,
Intestinal colic,
Rotaviral enteritis.
Musculo-skeletal System :
Sore muscles,
Muscle spasm. |
| Mode of Action: |
Anxiolytic and Sedative Action :
Both whole valerian extract and isolated constituents including valerenic acid, the valepotriates and their derivatives have shown sedative activity comparable to popular sedatives in numerous scientific studies.
Hypnotic Action :
In humans, valerian has been used to improve sleep quality, reduce periods of wakefulness and increase slow-wave sleep. These changes were not associated with drowsiness the following morning as can occur with some conventional sleeping pills.
Hypotensive and Spasmolytic Actions :
Traditionally used for hypertension. It is thought to do so through vasodilation, although effect on the nervous system is not known, it could be either as peripheral or central vasodilator or through a central calming activity.
Valerianic and isovalerianic acids found in valerian have both sedative and anti-spasmodic actions.
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| Dosage: |
An effective dose for horses of a 1:2 extract is 10-30 ml per dose depending on size and temperament. |
| Side effects: |
Valerian has been shown to aggravate sensations of drowsiness or tiredness, particularly at high doses in humans.
It is believed this is more a case of increased awareness of the bodies needs than a depressant effect.
Some find valerian stimulating.
Valerian overdose of 20 times the recommended dose induced the following sensations in humans: blurred vision, change in heartbeat, excitability, headache, nausea, restlessness and uneasiness.
All of these symptoms disappeared within 24 hours. |
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