The root of a plant that fights insomnia and lowers anxiety

there’s a medicinal plant with properties calming, sedative and relaxingwidely used to treat health problems, in particular insomnia, anxiety and stress. But it also reaches other ailments, but they recommend being careful with theirs Side effects.

The most used part is the rootwhich can be used in the form of tea or capsulesand can be found in herbal or dietetic shops, natural product stores, pharmacies and supermarkets.

Valerian, a traditional medicinal plant

Valerian is a graceful herbaceous plant that can reach a height of up to 1.5 meters. Its compound leaves, with up to 12 narrow and toothed leaflets, are accompanied in summer and spring by some small pink or white flowersdescribes a site document Minsale.

Originally from Europe and Western Asia, it grows in humid mountain environmentsnear streams, in valleys and on the edges of deciduous forests.

The medicinal potential of the plant is mainly concentrated in its hidden parts: in the underground stem and in its rootswhich are collected already entered the autumn.

Once harvested, they are carefully washed with water and vigorously shaken to free them from impurities. Then they are left to dry in the shade, in a slightly ventilated place and avoiding accumulation.

Its properties are extensive, as indicated by the site Your health.

Valerian fights insomnia

Specialists point out that valerian has sesquiterpene compoundssuch as valerenic and isovaleric acids, which have calming and sedative propertiesuseful for fighting insomnia and improving sleep quality.

Some studies also show that taking Valerian tea in combination with lemon balm It can help relieve restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Reduces anxiety and stress

The acids present in valerian increase the activity of neurotransmitters in the brainsuch as GABA, which works by increasing the body’s feeling of relaxation.

This generates a decrease in symptoms of anxiety and stress such as agitation, nervousnessmental tiredness or difficulty concentrating.

In turn, by reducing anxiety, it could help treat illnesses such as generalized anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

In children it helps control attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reducing the symptoms of this condition, such as impulsivity, agitation and aggression, and helping to improve attention, concentration and completing tasks.​

Relieves PMS symptoms

The composition of valerian, they note, helps relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)also due to the growth of GABA neurotransmitter activity in the brain.

Reduces menopausal symptoms

Valerian can also be applied to symptoms of menopause such as irritability or nervousness, since it has in its composition flavonoids such as hesperidin and linarin, which help fight hot flashes and excessive sweating, common in menopause, expands the portal of health.

How to prepare a herbal tea with valerian

To make valerian tea, they advise only the use of dried rootssince it is the part of the plant that contains all the beneficial properties for health:

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of dried valerian root

• 300 ml of boiling water

mode of preparation

• Boil the water

• Add dried valerian root

• Cover the pot or container and let sit for 10-15 minutes.

• Strain and drink 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime.

Contraindications and possible side effects

Valerian is a safe plant for most adults, as long as it is consumed in the recommended doses and for a short period of time, clarifies Mayo Clinic.

It is that when consumed in excessive quantities, it can cause some side effects which include headache, stomach ache, irritability and restlessness.

During treatment with valerian, it is advisable avoiding activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery for its sedative effects.

Not to be used in children under 3 years old, pregnant women or while breastfeeding.

Furthermore, they indicate sbe used at least two weeks before any surgeryas it has a sedative effect on the brain and can interfere with the action of anesthetics.

It should also not be used in people who use medications for anxiety or depression or who take painkillers such as codeine, morphine or tramadol. added to the list muscle relaxants, such as cyclobenzaprine, or anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital or pentobarbital.