Many people know that cats love the smell of valerian, smelling it, even being at a considerable distance from it. This is explained by the fact that the plant affects the nervous system, causing the animal to a condition similar to intoxication. Valerian root can also affect the human brain, but certainly not in this way. It is actively used for the manufacture of painkillers and sedatives.
Valerian has been known since ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, extracts of this plant were added to the bathtubs and included in the composition of perfume compositions. Even then, it began to be used as a remedy for many diseases.
In this article we will try to figure out what is the root of valerian, medicinal properties and contraindications of this plant.
Description of Valerian
This plant has a straight and ribbed stem, the upper part of which is branched. In the first year, only rosette leaves begin to grow in it, and already in the next year it begins to show off with leaves that have denticles on the edges. The flowers are collected in panicle inflorescences and have a fragrant aroma. The plant blooms from June to August. In July-August, the fruits begin to ripen, which are oblong achenes with a cirrus tufted. The plant propagates by seeds.
Valerian roots, characterized by a specific smell and a slightly bitter taste, have healing properties. The structure of the plant includes: borneol, essential oil, saponins, sugars, valenotriates, baldrinal, macro and microelements, glycosides, alkaloids, malic and formic acid, valerianoborneol ether, microelements, tannic and resinous substances, mertinol, stearic and palmitic acid, vitamin.
Harvesting Valerian
At the very beginning of autumn, the roots of Valerian officinalis begin to be dug up, then they are treated from dirt and washed in cold water. After that, they are left for some time in the fresh air, and then moved to the attic for drying. During this period, the roots acquire a rather specific aroma. This is due to the bornyl isovaleric acid contained in the chemical composition of the plant.
To prepare a medicine, roots that have reached the age of two are used. This is explained by the fact that at this time the plant accumulates the largest number of useful ingredients that have unique healing properties.
Beneficial features
Translated from Latin, valerian means "to be healthy." It gives the body the miraculous root of valerian. The properties of this plant are truly unique. It is able to have a painkiller, sedative, sedative effect, well rescues from insomnia. Valerian is a wonderful antidepressant.
The plant includes organic acids such as formic, malic, palmitic, acetic and stearic. In addition, valerian contains a large number of vitamins macro and trace elements.
The use of Valerian root for medicinal purposes
This medicinal plant was used in ancient Greece. The philosopher physician Dioscorides claimed that it was able to control a person’s thoughts, and according to Pliny the Elder, this herb (valerian root) clarifies the mind. They used this plant to get rid of stress and nervous tension and with the help of it they treated epilepsy.
The healing root must be taken for a long time in order to achieve a positive result. The fact is that useful substances accumulate gradually, saturating all organs and tissues with vitamins and elements. So for what medicinal purposes is this plant used?
First of all, valerian roots are used as a sedative. This plant normalizes the activity of the cardiovascular system, reduces nervous excitability. It is used for tachycardia and hysterical conditions.
Valerian officinalis is a wonderful remedy for insomnia. It can be taken not only inside, but also breathing in a healing aroma. Moreover, the latter option is considered more effective. In the same way, the plant is used as a sedative. You should breathe over tincture or chopped fresh roots. It is necessary to inhale 2-3 times each nostril deeply enough. If you overdo it, then after waking up, a headache often occurs, so the number and depth of breaths should be reduced.
But not only this is characterized by valerian root. The healing properties of this plant are also used to improve digestion. It normalizes the activity of the pancreas and stomach, and also helps with liver diseases.
Valerian root is capable of exerting an antispasmodic effect, relaxing smooth muscles and relieving pain. It relieves migraines well.
This plant most favorably affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is used for cramping of the uterus and for violations during menopause, with pneumonia and asthma.
Harm
Everything needs a measure. This rule also applies to valerian roots. The negative consequences of their use are usually associated with an overdose or too long use. In these cases, the following side effects may occur: stomach cramps, apathy, depression, lethargy, headaches, heart failure.
Drivers, industrial workers, and people whose business involves sophisticated equipment should consider that a plant can cause dizziness, as well as nausea and vomiting. Many do not tolerate its specific smell.
An overdose can have the exact opposite effect - it causes a feeling of anxiety, worsens sleep and contributes to the occurrence of stomach pains. Sometimes an allergic reaction can occur, which is manifested by a rash on the skin, its redness and shortness of breath. Side effects can also occur when using valerian with other sedatives.
Valerian roots: contraindications
This medicinal plant may not be suitable for everyone. It may have contraindications. These include:
- enterocolitis;
- old age due to the risk of stroke;
- hypertension;
- liver disease.
Children under three years of age are also not recommended to give valerian root. You can reassure the child with other means that the pediatrician will advise.
With extreme caution, valerian root should be used by pregnant and lactating women.
Valerian tincture
To independently prepare tincture of valerian, take 1 tbsp. l crushed roots, pour into a thermos and pour a glass of boiling water. Insist them should be about 12 hours. Take tincture is recommended for 1 tbsp. l 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed two months.
If during this time taking the drug did not bring tangible results, you can use alcohol-based tincture. In this case, the effect is achieved almost instantly.
Valerian roots: application in folk medicine
This medicine can be taken orally or used as an enema for dysentery, worms, vomiting and abdominal pain. Previously, the body is cleaned with chamomile broth, after which a valerian broth is introduced for 10 minutes.
Use this plant as a prophylactic against typhoid, scarlet fever, cholera. For this, 3 tbsp. l crushed root is poured into 2 liters of water and brought to a boil, after which it is boiled for about 1 minute and insisted for about an hour. It should be taken in a warm form.
With insomnia, heart palpitations or vegetoneurosis, a decoction is also prepared. Take the roots of valerian, chopped, 2 tsp. pour a glass of boiling water and boil for one minute. Insist 30 minutes and take 1 tbsp. l just before eating.
The following remedy also helps as a sedative. Take valerian roots and hop cones (1 part each), add mint and a three-leaf watch (2 parts each ) and mix. Then 1 tbsp. l fill the floor with a liter of boiling water, insist for half an hour and filter. Take half a glass in the morning and evening.
Valerian Inhalation
As practice shows, this plant is used not only inside. The therapeutic effect is achieved if you inhale its smell, and for this not only alcohol tincture is used, but also powder from valerian roots.
Doing this procedure is necessary before bedtime. First you should inhale one nostril three times, then another. At night, you can repeat this manipulation. In the morning, the head should not hurt. If, nevertheless, she gets sick, then you need to inhale not three times, but two.
Valerian inhalations improve sleep, normalize blood pressure, and eliminate heart pain. You can spend them about 4 months. But before that, you should still consult a doctor.
Combination with alcohol
Everyone knows that it is forbidden to combine the use of the drug and the use of alcohol. Valerian root is no exception. It is known that this plant has a calming effect, but if used simultaneously with alcohol, the nervous system may become dull and depression develop. Valerian lowers blood pressure and boosts alcohol. Therefore, their combination leads to pressure surges.
In the best case, taking valerian and alcohol leads to a weakening effect of the drug, and in the worst case, the functioning of many systems may be disrupted, gastric mucus begins to be produced intensively, and the toxicity of the alcoholic beverage increases several times.
Conclusion
Thus, we have learned what valerian root is. The healing properties and contraindications of this unique plant have also been considered. But still, you should not engage in self-medication, but it is better to consult a doctor, since many people have individual intolerance to this herb.