Many people know that cats are very fond of the smell of valerian, smelling it, even being at a considerable distance from it. This is explained by the fact that the plant affects the nervous system, causing the animal to have a state similar to intoxication. Valerian root can also affect the human brain, but certainly not in this way. It is actively used for the manufacture of painkillers and sedatives.
Valerian has been known since ancient times. In ancient Greece and Rome, extracts of this plant were added to baths and included in perfume compositions. Even then, it began to be used as a remedy for many diseases.
In this article we will try to figure out what the valerian root is, the medicinal properties and contraindications of this plant.
Description of valerian
This plant has a straight and ribbed stem, the upper part of which is branched. In the first year, he only begins to growrosette leaves, and in the next one it begins to show off with leaves that have denticles along the edges. The flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences and have a fragrant aroma. The plant blooms from June to August. In July-August, fruits begin to ripen, which are oblong achenes with a feathery crest. The plant propagates by seeds.
Valerian roots have healing properties, characterized by a specific smell and a bittersweet taste. The composition of the plant includes: borneol, essential oil, saponins, sugars, valenotriates, baldrinal, macro and microelements, glycosides, alkaloids, malic and formic acid, valerianoborneol ester, trace elements, tannins and resinous substances, mertinol, stearic and palmitic acid, vitamins.
Valerian preparation
At the very beginning of autumn, the roots of valerian officinalis begin to be dug up, then they are treated from dirt and washed in cold water. After that, they are left in the fresh air for a while, and then moved to the attic for drying. During this period, the roots acquire a rather specific aroma. This is due to bornyl-isovaleric acid contained in the chemical composition of the plant.
To prepare a medicine, roots that have reached the age of two are used. This is explained by the fact that at this time the plant accumulates the largest amount of useful ingredients with unique healing properties.
Usefulproperties
Valerian means "to be he althy" in Latin. It is the miraculous valerian root that gives strength to the body. The properties of this plant are truly unique. It is able to have an analgesic, sedative, sedative effect, well saves from insomnia. Valerian is a wonderful antidepressant.
The composition of the plant includes such organic acids as formic, malic, palmitic, acetic and stearic. In addition, valerian contains a large amount of vitamins macro and microelements.
Medicinal uses of valerian root
This medicinal plant has been used since ancient Greece. The philosopher Dioscorides claimed that it was able to control a person’s thoughts, and according to Pliny the Elder, this herb (valerian root) clarifies the mind. They used this plant to relieve stress and nervous tension and used it to treat epilepsy.
Medicinal root must be taken for a long time to achieve a positive result. The fact is that useful substances accumulate gradually, saturating all organs and tissues with vitamins and elements. So for what medicinal purposes is this plant used?
Valerian roots are primarily used as a sedative. This plant normalizes the activity of the cardiovascular system, reduces nervous excitability. It is used for tachycardia and hysterical conditions.
Valerian officinalis is a wonderful remedy for insomnia. It can be acceptednot only inside, but also inhaling the healing aroma. Moreover, the latter option is considered more effective. In the same way, the plant is also used as a sedative. You should breathe over a tincture or crushed fresh roots. It is necessary to inhale 2-3 times each nostril not deep enough. If you overdo it, then after waking up, a headache often occurs, so the number and depth of breaths should be reduced.
But not only valerian root is characterized by this. The medicinal properties of this plant are also used to improve digestion. It normalizes the activity of the pancreas and stomach, and also helps with liver diseases.
Valerian root is able to have an antispasmodic effect, relaxing smooth muscles and relieving pain. It relieves migraines well.
This plant has the most beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland. It is used for uterine spasms and menopausal disorders, pneumonia and asthma.
Harm
Everything needs a measure. This rule also applies to valerian roots. The negative effects of their use are usually associated with an overdose or too long use. In these cases, the following side effects may occur: stomach cramps, apathy, depression, lethargy, headaches, heart failure.
Drivers, factory workers and people who work with complex equipment should be aware that the plant can causedizziness, as well as nausea and vomiting. Many people cannot stand its peculiar smell.
Overdose can have the exact opposite effect - it causes anxiety, impairs sleep and contributes to stomach pain. Sometimes an allergic reaction can occur, which is manifested by a rash on the skin, its redness and difficulty breathing. Side effects can also occur when using valerian with other sedatives.
Valerian roots: contraindications
This medicinal plant may not suit everyone. It may also have contraindications. These include:
- enterocolitis;
- older age due to risk of stroke;
- hypertension;
- liver disease.
Children under three years of age are also not recommended to give valerian root. You can also calm the child by other means that the pediatrician will advise.
Valerian root should be used with extreme caution in pregnant and lactating women.
Valerian tincture
To make your own valerian tincture, take 1 tbsp. l. crushed roots, pour into a thermos and pour a glass of boiling water. They should be infused for about 12 hours. It is recommended to take tincture 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed two months.
If during this time the medication has not brought a tangible result, you can use an alcohol-based tincture. In this case, the effect is achieved almostinstantly.
Valerian roots: use in traditional medicine
This medicine can be taken by mouth or used as an enema for dysentery, worms, vomiting and abdominal pain. Previously, the body is cleansed with a decoction of chamomile, after which a decoction of valerian is injected for 10 minutes.
Use this plant as a prophylactic against typhus, scarlet fever, cholera. For this, 3 tbsp. l. crushed root pour 2 liters of water and bring to a boil, then boil for about 1 minute and leave for about an hour. It should be taken warm.
With insomnia, palpitations or vegetative neurosis, a decoction is also prepared. Valerian roots are taken, crushed, 2 tsp. pour a glass of boiling water and boil for one minute. Insist 30 minutes and take 1 tbsp. l. just before eating.
The following remedy works well as a sedative. They take valerian roots and hop cones (1 part each), add mint and three-leaf watch (2 parts each) and mix. Then 1 tbsp. l. raw materials are poured over the floor with a liter of boiling water, insisted for half an hour and filtered. Take half a glass in the morning and in the evening.
Valerian inhalations
As practice shows, this plant is used not only inside. The therapeutic effect is achieved if you inhale its smell, and for this they use not only alcohol tincture, but also powder from valerian roots.
Do this procedure before going to bed. First you should inhale one nostril three times, then the other. Can repeat at nightthis manipulation. In the morning, the head should not hurt. If, nevertheless, she got sick, then you need to inhale not three times, but two.
Valerian inhalations improve sleep, normalize blood pressure, eliminate pain in the heart. They can be carried out for about 4 months. But before that, you should still consult a doctor.
Combination with alcohol
Everyone knows that it is forbidden to combine taking a drug and drinking alcohol. Valerian root is also no exception. It is known that this plant has a calming effect, but if used simultaneously with alcohol, the work of the nervous system can be dulled and depression may develop. Valerian lowers blood pressure, and alcoholic beverages increase it. Therefore, their combination leads to pressure surges.
At best, taking valerian and alcohol leads to a weakening of the effect of the drug, and at worst, the work of many systems may be disrupted, gastric mucus begins to be produced intensively, and the toxicity of the alcoholic drink increases several times.
Conclusion
Thus, we learned what valerian root is. The medicinal properties and contraindications of this unique plant were also considered. But still, you should not self-medicate, but it is better to consult a doctor, since many people develop individual intolerance to this herb.
