Valeriana sitchensis

Valeriana sitchensis
Family:Valeriana sitchensis; Antispasmodic; Carminative; Diuretic; Hypnotic; Nervine; Sedative; Stimulant.
Common name:American valerian
Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilliser and nervine particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain. Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation cramps hypertension irritable bowel syndrome etc. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems. Externally it is used to treat eczema ulcers and minor injuries. The root is antispasmodic carminative diuretic hypnotic powerfully nervine sedative and stimulant. The active ingredients are called valepotriates research has confirmed that these have a calming effect on agitated people but are also a stimulant in cases of fatigue. The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried. The fresh root is about 3 times as effective as roots dried at 40? (the report does not specify if this is centigrade or fahrenheit) whilst temperatures above 82? destroy the active principle in the root. Use with caution see the notes above on toxicity.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 06:42 []