Dried valerian root, also known as garden heliotrope and vandal root, is an herbal preparation commonly used for its mild sedative properties. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" reports that valerian root may alter brain chemistry by increasing the...
Valerian is an herb whose root is commonly used as a remedy or medication. Valerian root, unlike some drugs, is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and directly interact with the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. By affecting the brain,...
Inadequate sleep can result in excessive daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating and many other health problems. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications to help improve sleep. Some people choose herbs such as...
Valerian root is used as an herbal remedy to combat insomnia and anxiety, among a few other conditions. It has a long history of use, going back to the ancient Greeks, and is considered relatively safe with short-term use. Side effects from...
Valerian is a slender, flowering herb grown in temperate areas, particularly in Europe and North America. Ancient Roman physicians recommended valerian for congestion and water retention, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing...
Valerian is a perennial plant native to parts of Europe and Asia. The root may have medicinal qualities, and users claim many potential health benefits from using valerian root supplements. This supplement may help insomnia, anxiety and...
Valerian root is a natural remedy derived from the valerian plant. It has been used for centuries to alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, headaches, insomnia and epilepsy. Valerian is currently marketed predominantly as a sleeping aid and calming...
Valerian is an herb commonly used in the United States as a natural alternative to prescription tranquilizers and sleep aids. The roots of this herb contain chemicals called valepotriates, which may produce sedative effects, according to Michael...
Valerian root is an herbal supplement that is commonly used to treat insomnia or help you sleep better. Other uses of the herbal supplement include treating anxiety, stress-induced asthma, and headaches, according to MedlinePlus. Valerian root has...
Signs of having an allergic reaction to valerian root are similar to the signs of most allergic reactions. Drugs.com reports that an allergy to valerian root is uncommon, but there have been reports of valerian causing allergic reactions....
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine describes valerian as a plant whose roots have been used for thousands of years as a treatment for insomnia. Today, valerian-containing supplements are used for insomnia, anxiety,...
Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, is a plant commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia and nervous restlessness. Many people use valerian as an alternative to prescription sleep aids. Herbal practitioners also use valerian root for...
Valerian root is a natural way to combat anxiety, stress and nervousness. Generally, people who take this herb report mild beneficial effects. A person seeking a stronger relaxant may find this mild effect insufficient. Others may find it just...
Whenever you notice that your heart rate is irregular, it's a concerning symptom. Irregular heart rates may feel like your chest is pounding or a faint pulse. Valerian root is generally considered safe, according to the University of Maryland...
Menstruation occurs when a woman's uterine lining is shed each month. There are many potential problems that can occur during this time, such as heavy bleeding, menstrual cramps, PMS and endometriosis. While scientific evidence is lacking, the...
Anxiety is a state of excessive, irrational fear and nervousness. It can manifest in many different forms, such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), social anxiety, phobias and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). While there are medications...
Valerian root is an herb from the plant Valeriana officinalis, which is found growing in Europe, Asia and North America. The root of the plant is pressed into fresh juice or freeze-dried to form powder and used as an herbal remedy, according to...
Restless legs syndrome causes symptoms including cramps, jumpiness, leg thrashing, crawling sensations and pins-and-needles sensations. Approximately 5 percent of the population suffers from the condition, and that number jumps to 10 percent for...
Valerian is a flowering perennial. The plant's dried roots are used in traditional medicine to counter insomnia, anxiety and stress-related disorders. While considered a pharmaceutical drug in Europe, valerian is classified as a dietary supplement...
New Mexico State University reports that herbs used to treat insomnia are effective due to their depressive effect on the central nervous system. Common herbs used to help sleep are lavender, chamomile and valerian. The university strongly advises...
Approximately 10 percent of the American population suffers from restless legs syndrome, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Classified as a movement disorder, restless legs syndrome, or RLS, is often a...
The herbal remedy valerian root is primarily used for improving sleep and treating insomnia. People also take it for relieving anxiety and stress. Rare instances of liver dysfunction have been connected to valerian use, although in some cases the...
Pain is the uncomfortable sensation that occurs in response to real or perceived stimuli, such as physical injury. While a variety of medications exist for treating pain, many can cause dangerous side effects, such as gastrointestinal bleeding,...
Most everyone broils in the sun, but some sweat in the moonlight -- a condition called night sweats that often causes people to wake up in the midst of slumber with body and bed clothes drenched in perspiration. Causes of night sweats range from...
Valerian root is a medicinal plant native to Asia and Europe, but is now grown in the United States. The roots of the plant are harvested, dried and used to make extracts and tinctures as well as capsules and tablets. Originally used in early...
The root of the valerian plant is used to help promote sleep, ease anxiety and stress and treat headaches and upset stomach. Valerian root can be made into a tea, powder, extract or compress, and it is either ingested or added to bath water. As...
You may have seen the herbal supplement called valerian in health food stores. In the wild, valerian grows as a tall, grassland plant. The ingredients found in valerian supplements come from the plant's roots. Health claims related to valerian...
For people reluctant to take prescription medication for anxiety or insomnia, relaxing herbs may come to the rescue. It might require patience to determine which calming herbs or herbal blends work best for your specific needs. Always consult your...
Valerian root is an herbal remedy with sedating properties. It is primarily used for sleep disorders, but one of its purported benefits is for calming mild tremors. Research is lacking to confirm this benefit, notes the website MedlinePlus, a...