Valerian: medicinal properties and contraindications

Valerian belongs to the medicinal herbs that are used to calm the nervous system. Thus, this plant is characterized by sleeping pills and sedative action. However, the benefits of this product are not limited to these properties. In addition, the plant leads to the normalization of blood pressure, the restoration of blood flow. Also this herb is characterized by choleretic and weak antispasmodic effects. In official medicine, it is used in diseases of the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system.

Most of the medicinal components of this plant are concentrated in the roots and rhizome, as for inflorescences and stems, they do not have such qualities.

The effect of valerian on the body has been studied and confirmed by many studies. Specialists have been able to prove the effectiveness of this plant in the complex treatment of a number of pathologies.

Chemical composition

Compared with other medicinal herbs, valerian does not have one main active component. However, you can distinguish this herb due to the essential oil, which endows the plant with a characteristic smell. Since it has a specific aroma, it is difficult to confuse it with any other species. It should be noted that other plants growing near valerian are capable of absorbing its aroma from the soil. Therefore, it is necessary to be careful when collecting medicinal raw materials. The composition of such a product concentrates more than a hundred biologically active elements, which in combination have a beneficial effect on the human body.

The medicinal properties of the plant are explained by the content of micro- and macroelements, alkaloids, tannins, many vitamins, alcohols, saponins and esters. Such medicinal plant raw materials contain up to 2% of essential oil. In addition, the composition of this product contains acids such as malic acid, acetic acid, stearic palmitic acid. Moreover, terpenoids, camphene, pinenes are found here.

What it looks like and where it grows

Valeriana medicinal refers to perennial herbaceous plants of the Valerian family. The rhizome of this representative of the botanical world is vertical, from 2 to 10 cm in length, numerous light brown roots depart from it. The stem of the plant is covered with grooves, branched upwards. Radical leaves have long petioles. The flowers are small and vary in color from white to pinkish-purple. They are placed on the tops of the stem as well as on the side branches.

The fruit of valerian is represented by a 4-5 mm long seed. It is oblong, slightly flattened on the sides, and has an ovoid shape. The herb blooms from early to mid-summer, has a pungent, specific smell, and a spicy, bittersweet taste.

You can find this medicinal plant throughout the European part of the former Soviet Union, in the Caucasus. Valeriana usually prefers green meadows and edges of forests. It does not form thickets. Due to massive industrial harvesting its stocks are depleted.

Types

The most popular is the medicinal valerian. However, other species that are cultivated as ornamental plants are also known. These include:

1. Altai. This species appeared in Siberia. It has a long rhizome, straight, almost bare shoots. The flowers are pale pink in color, the fruits have a purple color.
2. Stone-loving. Also native to Siberia and northern Mongolia. The rhizome is more shortened. The inflorescence has a tassel-shaped, head-shaped form and consists of pink-colored flowers. During fruiting, the inflorescences proliferate and become not dense.
3. Lying. Grows in the eastern regions of the alpine mountains. Cultivated in alpinaries as a groundcover plant. This representative of the flora grows a lot of underground stolons, which allows it to cover quite large areas.
4. Rockweed. In wild conditions it is found in the mountains of Turkey and the Caucasus at an altitude of up to 2-2.5 km above sea level. This perennial plant reaches a height of 15 cm, forming small bushes.

Cultivated some other varieties of valerian, such as head, mountain and others, but they are not endowed with a spectacular appearance.

Collection and storage

During the collection of medicinal plant raw materials, it is necessary to take into account several important points. First, you need to remember that the stem and root should be as thick as possible. The plant is endowed with medicinal properties only in its second year of life, so the thickness of the stem will depend on the useful qualities. Secondly, when collecting valerian root, you need to pay attention to other plants near it. Since the root of the herb is often closely intertwined with other green neighbors, it is sometimes very difficult to distinguish them, as they have similar colors. As for the smell of valerian itself, it is so strong that it is almost impossible to smell any admixture of another plant. In order not to collect poisonous and dangerous plants, you need to carefully wash the roots and select only those that have a stem of valerian.

Collect the raw material is best in the fall, when the flowers are completely faded, but the foliage remains. Roots and rhizomes should be thoroughly washed and dried in special devices at a temperature no higher than 40 degrees. You can also dry the raw material in a well-ventilated room, protected from direct sunlight. The valuable properties of the product are preserved if stored and dried properly for two years.

Therapeutic properties of valerian

Valerian has a long-lasting therapeutic effect, which allows its use by people suffering from hypertension, as well as women during menopause. The culture is able to relieve tension in the blood vessels. Thanks to this, hypertensive people are protected from an increase in blood pressure. In women, because of the reduced frequency of hot flashes, the menopausal period is easier.

Often the use of this medicinal product is combined with other drugs that have a sedative effect. In this case, both drugs increase the effect of each other and accelerate the healing process in neuroses and increased nervous excitability. Disorders of the digestive tract can also be corrected with valerian. Such a herbal component is characterized by a mild choleretic action, and is also able to influence the smooth muscles of the intestines.

Valerian can be used to treat children suffering from flatulence. In such a case, it is very important to consult a pediatrician, since the drugs of this group are not prescribed to children under 3 years of age. If there is a need to use valerian for children under three years of age, the dosage, frequency and duration of treatment are calculated only by a specialist. As an alternative, you can choose special intestinal herbal gatherings, in which valerian is only one of the components.

Representatives of the weaker sex, who want to lose weight without harming their health, can take advantage of this medicinal plant. Valerian will be a real godsend for them. So, if you drink a glass of water with a few drops of medicinal infusion before or instead of a meal, you can blunt the feeling of hunger, relieve the tension of having to constantly control your appetite. As a result, weight loss occurs, minimizing the likelihood of anorexia.

The use of this plant is possible not only internally. In folk medicine, such a component is widely used as an antiseptic. Infusion of this herb is diluted with water and used to wash the eyes in case of inflammation. Also, such a solution can be used to gargle the throat.

If you regularly wipe your skin with a towel or tissue soaked in valerian infusion, you can protect yourself from fungus for a long time.

In ancient Rome, it was popular to take baths with the addition of such a culture. This procedure has a soothing effect, can relieve headaches and solve some problems with the dermis.

The use of lotions and washes with the addition of valerian can protect the skin from redness, as well as from the appearance of acne. Instead of factory rinses for hair, you can use a diluted decoction of this herb. Such a remedy helps to improve hair color, restore its structure, as well as protect the skin from dryness and the appearance of dandruff.

You can use it to relieve stress, both muscular and mental. Moreover, the healing properties of valerian help to cope with migraines, insomnia, constipation, colic.

However, it should be noted that the effect of taking such a plant does not appear immediately. It is important to consider when calculating the dose of the remedy. If it did not feel better after 30 minutes, do not take the drug again. Overdosing is dangerous to health. In such a case, it is better to wait some more time. The action of such a drug, although not fast, but long-lasting.

For women

Valerian root preparations and healing compositions are indicated for women with anxiety, nervous agitation, stress, and sleep disorders. Instead of internal application of the drug, you can use a warm, relaxing bath with the inclusion of decoction of this plant. In this case, just 6-7 tbsp. of crushed rhizomes pour 1 liter of boiling water, infuse and add to the bath with water.

Valerian will help to establish sleep, strengthen the body, relieve irritability, which often occurs in the female body during hormonal restructuring, that is, during menopause.

You can use valerian-based medications also for irritability associated with PMS, while waiting for the baby, with nervous agitation, pronounced hysteria.

For men

Valerian useful properties are valued by the representatives of the stronger sex. Some believe that such a remedy contributes to a decrease in potency. This is not true, because potency depends only on the concentration of testosterone in the blood, and valerian has no effect on the production of this hormone.

Healing root helps to protect the male body from cardiovascular diseases, reduce the multiplicity of muscle cramps, as well as protect against nervous tension and increased excitability.

It should be noted that the plant can cause drowsiness and reduce nervous excitability, which can affect the sex drive to the opposite sex.

When pregnant

It is no secret that during the period of carrying a fetus, a woman should not overexert herself or worry, as this can harm not only her, but also the future baby. Valerian rhizomes during pregnancy can be used only in the form of tablets or decoction. The tincture contains a high concentration of alcohol. Such a medicinal herb helps to calm the nervous system, relieve irritability, which appears due to changes in the hormonal background.

It should be remembered that exceeding the dosage can cause nervousness and nightmares.

When breastfeeding

Preparations of herbal origin are allowed to take people of different categories. As for breastfeeding women, they should drink such preparations with caution. It should be borne in mind that the remedies are able to penetrate into the blood and plasma, hence also into the breast milk. Before use, it is necessary to consult with a specialist. The infant may have allergies, which are manifested by rashes, redness and itching. The baby may also become overexcited or have trouble sleeping, colic, constipation and other stomach problems.

If there is a negative reaction, you should stop taking this medicine. Nursing women are allowed to take 1 tablet twice a day. The course of treatment is not more than 10 days.

During lactation, it is necessary to follow the doctor's instructions regarding the intake of valerian, not to increase the dosage and duration of treatment. It is also important to monitor the reaction of the baby.

For children

The smell of valerian has a particular effect on overexcited babies. If a child cannot fall asleep, it is recommended to hang a bag with dried plant material over his bed.

Relaxing and soothing bath with decoction of the plant. After such a procedure should not wipe the child with a towel dry. You just need to wrap it up or put on his pajamas and send it to bed.

Benefit such a medicinal herb and when administered internally, especially for those babies who have digestive disorders. An infusion of valerian prepared with water will have a positive effect on the gallbladder and its ducts.

In case of bloating and colic, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, purging enemas can be made.

Another feature of valerian is that it can rid the baby of tapeworms. To prepare a potion, you need 1 tbsp. of crushed valerian root mixed with 2 cups of boiling water and leave it overnight. In the morning, strain the solution and give your child 3 times a day for half an hour before meals 100 ml. As for the tincture, drops of valerian should be added according to their age: for example, in 3 years - 3 drops, in 4 years - 4. Thus, up to 14 years of age, the dose is increased by 1 drop per year of life. Children under 3 years of age are contraindicated to take the tincture.

Valerian in folk medicine

People have come up with many recipes that are based on the use of valerian. These uses of the medicinal plant are used to get rid of certain diseases. Standard methods are used, but the dosage and treatment method are determined individually for each pathology.

With diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a disease that is characterized by a partial or complete lack of insulin. As a result, the body disrupts carbohydrate and other types of metabolism, developing constant hyperglycemia. Often with this disease, the patient has insomnia, increased irritability and nervousness. In such a case, you can take valerianka as a safe medication to eliminate unpleasant symptoms.

Diabetics are advised to make decoctions and infusions themselves, since in pharmacy preparations there is sugar, which contributes to an increase in the already high blood glucose levels.

In pancreatitis.

With pancreatic inflammation, people often have anxiety and nervousness. It is possible to cope with such unpleasant feelings with the help of folk remedies with the addition of this medicinal plant. Moreover, the use of valerian in the presence of pancreatitis lies in its ability to relieve spasms and restore the activity of the digestive system. Prepared on the basis of this herb infusion helps to strengthen the production of enzymes, and also has a choleretic effect.

To prepare the infusion will need 2.5 tablespoons of dried valerian root and 1 cup boiling water. Pour the plant material in a glass or enamel bowl and pour hot water. Then cook the mass for a quarter of an hour in a steam bath. After this mixture to insist another 45 minutes. Strain the infusion to take 30 minutes before meals. The dose is 2 tablespoons.

With gastritis

An exacerbation of gastritis is manifested by severe discomfort, which affects the quality of sleep, as well as the emotional state of the patient. In this case, valerian will help, which, in addition to its calming effect, is also antispasmodic. A positive effect on the functioning of the stomach is also noted. The best effect is achieved when using a collection of medicinal herbs that can reinforce each other's action.

To prepare the medicinal composition you'll need 100 grams of valerian and veronicas, 40 grams of St. John's wort and rose hips, 20 grams of motherwort and thyme, as well as 250 ml of boiling water.

Mix all the ingredients and from the resulting collection to measure out 1 tbsp. spoon. Then pour hot water over the herbs and insist until the liquid cools completely. Take a solution of 100 ml for 15-20 minutes before a meal 3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 6 months, after which you must necessarily take a break.

With mastopathy

Mastopathy is a dense formations of different sizes and shapes, which appear under the influence of the hormone estrogen. Appear such masses usually on both sides of the breast, often accompanied by blunt pain sensations. Often also this pathology is painless, the pain occurs only if you press on the seal.

To get rid of such an ailment, it is recommended to prepare a decoction from a collection of herbs. To obtain such a composition will need 1 part each of tricolor violet, valerian medicinal, horsetail, as well as 2 parts each of succession triceps and nettle leaves. 1 tbsp. spoon of the mixture pour a glass of boiling water and place on low heat. When the mass comes to a boil, remove from the fire and cool. After that, strain the liquid and take 1/3 cup 2 times daily after a meal.

From coughs

Very often a person has an agonizing cough during illness, which prevents him from sleeping. Valerian will help soothe it. In this case it is enough to drop 20 drops of valerian tincture in 100 ml of water. After a while, the cough will subside and you can sleep peacefully.

When hypertension

With high blood pressure, an effective infusion is considered consisting of 1 tbsp. of valerian root, which should be poured over 2 cups of hot water and kept in a thermos for about 8 hours. Take the composition for 2 months 3 times a day. In this case, at first 2 weeks, the dose is about 50 ml, after which it is reduced to 30-35 ml, and then - a maximum of 20 ml.

From insomnia

If there are problems with sleep, again the healing properties of valerian with the addition of mint will help. Such a combination will help to strengthen sleep and make it full. For this you need only two cloth bags in which to put medicinal raw materials and put them at the head of the bed.

When neurosis

To cure neurosis, you can use several options for preparing a therapeutic tincture. The first way is that several large roots of valerian need to be crushed and pour a glass of boiling water. The resulting mass should be simmered over low heat for about 30 minutes. After that, insist the liquid for another couple of hours. Filtered solution to take 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. If the symptoms of the disease are pronounced, the frequency of intake is increased to 5 times.

There is another way. In this case, cut a few valerian roots and pour 1.5 cups of boiling water. Then place the mixture in a water bath for 20 minutes, then cool and filter. The resulting composition to take 100 ml three times a day.

You can also simply dry the roots of the plants, grind them to powder and take 2 g three times a day.

During menopause

The menopausal period in a woman is characterized by a restructuring of the body. Very often this period is accompanied by insomnia, a sense of fatigue, irritability and nervousness. Various decoctions and infusions made from valerian will help to improve sleep, relieve women from irritability and markedly improve her overall health.

When tachycardia

When the heart rate is high, it is recommended to prepare an infusion. In this case, 1 tbsp of raw materials should be placed in a thermos and pour it with 200 ml of hot water. Insist the mass for 8 hours. Drink the prepared solution by 3 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. Gradually reduce the dose to 1 tbsp. spoon at 1 reception. In this case, during the first 2 weeks, use 3 tbsp. The dose is reduced to 2 tablespoons in the next 14 days, and then for a month should be drunk on 1 tablespoon. As a result, it turns out that the course of treatment lasts two months. After that, you need to take a break for 30 days and then repeat the course again.

When epilepsy

If a person is diagnosed with epilepsy, then he occasionally has seizures and impaired consciousness. Often this disease is accompanied by headaches, nervousness, general malaise. It has been found that valerian is an effective remedy in the treatment of epilepsy, and is also a prevention of this pathology. To prepare a useful composition, you will need only valerian medicinal and a small amount of vodka. In this case, a glass container by 1/5 should be filled with crushed rhizomes, and then fill the container to the brim with vodka and hide in a dark place for 10 days.

At the end of this period, strain the liquid through gauze and take 30 drops for half an hour before a meal three times a day.

With a hangover

Depending on the individual characteristics of the human body, age and duration of alcohol intoxication, a remedy based on valerian is prescribed in different doses. With a hangover syndrome, you should use a complex of folk remedies with medications that will help to get rid of unpleasant symptoms. As for valerian, it can be taken by first diluting 25-30 drops of tincture in a glass of water and consuming several times a day.

Valerian extract can be dripped on a piece of refined sugar cubes and taken. Such a drug will begin to work in 4 hours, depending on individual characteristics. To achieve the desired result, a course of treatment is required. In no case you should not take Valerian-based medications with alcoholic beverages, as this can cause severe intoxication.

When you are stressed.

The fragrant plant contains in its composition components that can gently reduce the increased activity of the nervous system, get rid of spasms and have a calming effect, reducing the reaction to various external stimuli. Valerian for nerves is useful because it helps to reduce the processes of excitation in the cerebral cortex. If there is frequent stress, anxiety and insomnia, you should take therapeutic baths. Add 5 handfuls of crushed roots of the herb to 1 liter of water and boil them for 15 minutes, then strain and add to the warm bath. Continue the procedure for 10 minutes.

For depression

Valerian medicinal is one of the medicinal herbs that are widely used in the preparation of preparations designed to treat depression. This is because the plant is characterized by antidepressant action, which allows you to restore sleep and normalize the activity of the CNS.

To prepare a valerian tincture, take 1 tbsp. of crushed raw material, pour it into a thermos and pour a mug of boiling water. After that, insist the mass for 12 hours. Take the resulting composition of 1 tbsp. spoon 3 times a day. If the disease is more pronounced, it is necessary to drink 1/3 cup three times a day. The course of treatment with such a drug is usually not more than 2 months. For a more rapid effect, you can use valerian tincture on an alcohol base.

For allergies

Get rid of allergies will help the complex of hawthorn and valerian. In this case, it is necessary to prepare tinctures of these herbs and take them in a ratio of 1:1. Drugs in an amount of 30 drops drop in a glass of water and take before bedtime.

This medication is indicated for allergies associated with nervous tension. Nerve allergy manifests itself in the form of skin rashes. These can be small spots that merge into a single whole. They appear on the face, the inside of the arms and thighs, the abdomen, mucous membranes. Sometimes a nervous allergy manifests itself in the form of choking and nausea, increased sweating, palpitations and tremors of the extremities.

Patients suffering from nervous allergies are often anxious and irritable, their psyche is weakened, the work of the gastrointestinal tract is disturbed, there are spikes in blood pressure.

From toothache

Valerian will also help to cope with a toothache. In this case, you just need to soak a absorbent cotton in the herb tincture and apply it to the painful tooth. In 10-15 minutes the pain will subside.

Types of medicinal compositions

On the basis of such medicinal herbs you can prepare many healing remedies, which will help to cope with various diseases. However, in order to get an effective remedy, it is necessary to follow the instructions of the recipe, not to exceed the allowable doses and be sure to take breaks in treatment. It should be remembered that the treatment of diseases with folk remedies should take place only after consultation with a specialist, in order to exclude the appearance of side effects.

Infusion

Water-based infusion of valerian is shown to those who have an overexcited nervous system. In this case, the remedy has a calming, antispasmodic effect. In addition, it can stimulate digestive processes, dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure and stimulate bile secretion.

To prepare an aqueous infusion, you need to finely chop the root of the plant, measure 10 grams and mix it with 200 ml of boiling water. Then heat the mixture in a water bath for half an hour, and then insist under a lid for another 2 hours. The resulting composition should be taken 3-4 times a day by 1 tbsp. spoon.

Tincture .

To prepare a tincture of valerian, the root should be poured over vodka or alcohol with a concentration of 70% in a ratio of 1:5. Keep the mass for a week in a dark and warm place. After the specified time, strain the liquid and take 15 drops three times a day.

Store the alcoholic tincture in an airtight container. When storing the remedy in the refrigerator, the useful properties in it are preserved for up to 5 years.

Decoction

To obtain a decoction of the plant, you should take 10 g of crushed rhizomes, add 300 ml of water and boil on a steam bath for a quarter of an hour. After that, cool the liquid. The resulting amount of the solution should be divided into 4 intakes and drunk during the day. Such a decoction is useful for disorders of the intestinal tract and stomach, liver and kidney pathologies.

Tea

Tea can be prepared from both dried and fresh roots. 1 tbsp. vegetable raw material should be placed in a container and pour boiling water. The mixture should infuse for some time. The solution should be drunk warm during the day. If desired, melissa can be added to such a drink, which will increase the range of therapeutic action. The complex of herbs will help in a short time to restore strength, get rid of nervous agitation and establish sleep.

Cosmetic applications

Valerian is used not only in medicine, but also in cosmetology. However, in this case the above-ground part of the herb is used, that is, the flowers and leaves. Such raw materials are used in the production of cosmetics due to antibacterial and soothing properties.

The juice of the leaves of the plant can be used in frozen and fresh form. Frozen product is used in the presence of skin irritation and redness. It helps to tone and nourish the skin, prevent premature aging, and maintain muscle tone. Moreover, such a remedy helps with skin chilblains and sunburns. As for fresh valerian juice, it is characterized by the same properties, but the effect and its impact is slightly weaker.

Valerian root oil is used for face and hand skin care. Such a substance helps to get rid of various rashes, as well as effective for hypersensitive skin. On the basis of such oil are made ointments that smooth out wrinkles.

Infusion of valerian root is used for hair loss, to eliminate dandruff, restore the structure of the hair follicle, prevent premature graying.

Valerian is used in cooking.

In European countries, valerian is a spice. For culinary purposes, the leaves of the herb are used, as their smell is not as pungent. Valerian leaves are added to salads, marinades, side dishes.

For example, the leaves of this plant can be used to make a salad. For this you will need 50 g valerian leaves, 30 g pine nuts, 200 g cherry tomatoes, 150 g of hard cheese, salt and olive oil to taste.

First wash and dry the leaves. Cut the tomatoes in two pieces, cut the cheese into thin slices. On a plate put a small amount of valerian leaves, tomatoes and cheese. Then sprinkle everything with pine nuts, salt to taste and dress with olive oil.

Contraindications for use

The main contraindication to the use of valerian is enterocolitis. Sometimes there may be an intolerance to preparations based on such a medicinal plant.

Overdose of valerian drugs is dangerous with a decrease in performance, the development of constipation, dizziness, headache, drowsiness, heart dysfunction.

Allergy sufferers may have a negative reaction to such a component. Pregnant and lactating women should only be treated with valerian-based medications by a doctor.

Photo of valerian