Garden valerian

Garden Valerian (also known as Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It is widely used in traditional medicine for its sedative and anxiolytic effects.

Description

Garden Valerian is a hardy perennial that can grow up to 1.5 meters high. It has heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are frequently visited by many fly species, especially hoverflies of the genus Eristalis. The roots are used medicinally.

Uses

Garden Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Its therapeutic uses were described by Hippocrates, and in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century, it was used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations.

In modern herbal medicine, Garden Valerian is used as a sedative for the relief of insomnia, stress, and anxiety. It is also used as a digestive aid and to treat menstrual cramps. However, the evidence for these uses is not strong and more research is needed.

Side Effects

Side effects of Garden Valerian may include headache, excitability, uneasiness, and even insomnia in some people. Some people may have an allergic reaction to Garden Valerian. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Garden Valerian, especially for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or for children.

See Also

• Herbal Medicine
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Menstrual Cramps

References

Garden valerian Resources
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