Description

Valerian is a medicinal plant of the species Valeriana officinalis, also known as valeriana-das-boticas or wild valerian, rich in valerenic and isovaleric acids with calming, sedative and relaxing properties, being widely used to help treat various health problems, especially insomnia, anxiety and stress.

As a traditional herbal substance, valerian is used to alleviate states of restlessness and to help with nervous sleep disorders and is one of the oldest medicinal plants used. Valerian roots, rich in essential oils, have been brewed into tea or consumed for relaxation purposes for over 2,000 years.

The main benefits of valerian are related to its calming effects, which can help alleviate anxiety or sleep problems (insomnia).

The active substances in valerian interact with special calming messenger substances in the brain(1) and thus facilitate falling asleep, for example. Valerian also appears to have a positive effect on the ability to sleep through the night.

Scientific studies have investigated the effect of valerian on sleep quality, showing an improvement in sleep quality in menopausal women suffering from insomnia (2). Furthermore, another scientific study found that valerian had a calming and antispasmodic effect in women with dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)(3).

Another added benefit of valerian is that it helps to relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, therefore making it useful for treating irritable bowel syndrome and diverticulosis, conditions that often cause painful intestinal spasms.

Suitable for vegans.

1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602406/
2https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21775910/
3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21959068/