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| Valeriana officinalis |
Latin name: Valeriana officinalis
Family: Valerianaceae (Valerian Family)
Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.
Medicinal use of Valeriana officinalis: Valerian is a well-known and frequently used medicinal herb that has a long and proven history of efficacy. It is noted especially for its effect as a tranquilliser and nervine, particularly for those people suffering from nervous overstrain. Valerian has been shown to encourage sleep, improve sleep quality and reduce blood pressure. It is also used internally in the treatment of painful menstruation, cramps, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome etc. It should not be prescribed for patients with liver problems. Externally, it is used to treat eczema, ulcers and minor injuries. The root is antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, hypnotic, powerfully nervine, sedative and stimulant. The active ingredients are called valepotriates, research has confirmed that these have a calming effect on agitated people, but are also a stimulant in cases of fatigue. The roots of 2 year old plants are harvested in the autumn once the leaves have died down and are used fresh or dried. The fresh root is about 3 times as effective as roots dried at 40°C, whilst temperatures above 82°C destroy the active principle in the root. Use with caution, see the notes above on toxicity.
Distribution : Native to UK, most of Europe, Kashmir to Japan
Phytochemistry & Pharmacology : Volatile oil– more than 100 components in Valerianaceae family 6-monoterpenes,(borneol) and sesquiterpenes (valerenic acid,valeranone, kessil glycol),ridoids
-valepotriates including dihydrovaltrates, valtrates and isovalerenic acid,Baldrinals (valepotriate degradation products),including homobaldrinal and valtroxal,Lignans,including 1-hydroxypinoresinol,Alkaloids,including actinidine,Amino acids ,including γ-aminobutyric acid) GABA), glutamine, tyrosine and arginine
Tags : Valeriana officinalis,Valerian officinalis, Valeriana officinalis seeds, Valeriana officinalis plant, Valeriana officinalis herb, Valerian plant, Valerian seed
Parts available: Seed, Whole herb, Root, Seedling
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