Valerian Root

Feature Summary

Before over-the-counter medications were available, valerian was used by herbalists to ease pain. The valpotriates in valerian act as muscle relaxants, making it useful for painful spasms and menstrual cramps. But researchers have discovered a number of other factors responsible for valerian's relaxing, sedative and analgesic effect: valeric acid, volatile oils, choline, flavonoids, sterols, and alkaloids.

"Valerian root has been used for centuries to calm upset nerves, treat mood problems, pain and headache. In medieval times, valerian was so popular it became known as "all-heal." It is currently one of the most popular orthodox antispasmodic medications in Russia and Germany."

Contraindications

• As valerian's mechanism of action involves the same sort of receptor sites as benzodiazepine drugs (Valium, Dalmane, Halcyon, and Restoril), it should not be used in combination with these drugs unless directed by a health care practitioner.

Ingredients

Each Capsule Contains:
Valerian 4:1 Extract (Valeriana officinalis) (root).........300 mg
(Standardized to 0.8% Valerenic acids)
(Equivalent to 1200 mg dried root)

Non-medicinal Ingredients

Rice starch, gelatin capsule (gelatin, purified water), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant), silica.

Recommended Adult Dose

1–2 capsules daily, taken a half an hour to 1 hour before bedtime, or as directed by a health care practitioner.