Benefit of Valerian Root

Valerian is a hardy perennial flowering plant with sweet-smelling pink or white flowers. Preparation Methods: The volatile oils in valerian are extremely pungent, somewhat like aged cheese or milk.
Pharmacology and Mechanisms of Action:
Valerian has an affinity for GABAA receptors, likely due to the relatively high GABA content in valerian itself. The amount of GABA present in valerian extract is sufficient to induce release of GABA in synaptosomes and may also inhibit GABA reuptake.
Other believed mechanisms of action in valerian include inhibition of the catabolism of GABA by valerenolic acid and acetylvalerenolic acid and affinity for the 5-HTA receptor by another constituent of valerian, called hydroxypinoresinal.
Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia. Valerian's popularity waned with the introduction of prescription sleep medication.
There is no consensus on what the active constituents of valerian are.
Why Do People Use Valerian?
• Insomnia
The use of valerian is supported by some evidence from clinical studies. Valerian appears to be less effective than prescription sleep medication.
• Anxiety
Valerian is also used for anxiety, although there's insufficient evidence that it's effective.
Pregnant or nursing women and children should not use valerian.
People taking medications for insomnia or anxiety, such as benzodiazepines, should not combine these medications with valerian.
Side effects of valerian may include headache, dizziness, itchiness, upset stomach, drowsiness during the daytime, dry mouth and vivid.dreams.
Rarely, liver damage has been associated with the use of valerian. Valerian is broken down in the liver.
allergy medications like Allegra (fexofenadine)
Valerian root (valeriana officinalis) is derived from a plant native to Europe and Asia. On the whole, research suggests that valerian root has mild sedative and tranquilizing properties - less than prescription sleep medication.
How to Take Valerian Root:
Valerian root is available as a capsule, tea, tablet or liquid extract.
Dosage Guidelines for Valerian Root:
Who Shouldn’t Take Valerian Root:
Medication Interactions With Valerian Root:
The supplement may also interfere with the effectiveness of medications broken down in the liver, such as allergy medications, cholesterol medications, antifungal medications and cancer medications.
Side Effects of Valerian Root:
Side effects of valerian root are rare but may include headache, upset stomach, daytime drowsiness, and dizziness.
Risks Associated with Valerian Root:
Unlike prescription sleep medications, valerian root is not believed to carry a risk of dependency.