Valerian For Anxiety -- Does It Help?
http://www.careerfeed.net/articles/12093/1/Valerian-For-Anxiety----Does-It-Help/Page1.html
Robbie Bainer
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Published on 03/21/2010
Is valerian (valerian root or valeriana officinalis) effective in treating anxiety disorders and helping promote overall better health? This herb has been used for more than a thousand years to help people with arthritis, headaches, digestive problems, sleep problems and nervous system disorders. Many believe that Valerian impacts the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain as well to help relaxation.
Is valerian (also called valerian root or valeriana officinalis) effective in treating anxiety disorders and helping promote overall better health? This herb has been used for more than a thousand years to help people with arthritis, headaches, digestive problems, sleep problems and nervous system disorders. Many believe that the herb impacts the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain as well to help relaxation. In this way, valerian can be an herbal anxiety remedy.
Though it has been used for centuries, there has been very little scientific research done to support the claimed effectiveness of this herb. Many of the people that have stated the herb has helped are those that have taken the herb and noticed an improvement in their condition. Without scientific research to support its use, many conventional medical professionals feel that the improvement is more psychological than biochemical.
The research that has been done has been done on very small groups and the studies were not as well done as many drug companies can afford. What we do know for sure is that valerian has tranquilizing properties and a mild sedative effect. It may not be as effective as prescription sleep medications. Then again, it also doesn't have the side effects or risks of prescription medications, and addiction appears to be much less of a concern for herbs like valerian.
How to Take The Herb
Like many herbs, you can take it in four different ways. It is available as a tea, a tablet, a capsule or a liquid extract. The most fast acting; forms will be either the tea or the liquid extract and this has more to do with the way the body metabolizes then the strength of the dose. It is recommended that you take the valerian 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
Dosage
Doctors in Germany often prescribe valerian instead of addictive drugs like benzodiazepines to help patients with anxiety. They recommend that you take two teaspoons of tincture twice a day. If you are trying to get off of a prescription medication this is an ideal dose as well.
However, it is crucial that you work with your prescribing physician to taper any drugs you are taking slowly and safely. Suddenly stopping many anxiety drugs can cause serious withdrawal symptoms and even seizures.
Others recommend that for valerian herbal anxiety relief, you take less than the 300 to 600 mg suggested for those that are taking it for insomnia. It is advisable that you talk to your medical professional or a naturopathic professional.
Can Everyone Take It?
Valerian is not for women who are nursing or are pregnant. It is also advisable that people who have liver disease or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a certain type of antidepressant drug) avoid taking valerian. If you are taking any regular medications it is important that you talk with a medical professional about possible interactions this herb or others may have with your medications.
Valerian and Other Herbs
When used for treating mild anxiety, valerian is often combined with herbs likes St. John's wort or lemon balm to help increase its effectiveness. Overall, valerian for anxiety is a natural anxiety relief strategy that could help. Talk over your options for using it as an herbal remedy for anxiety with your primary care provider.
Though it has been used for centuries, there has been very little scientific research done to support the claimed effectiveness of this herb. Many of the people that have stated the herb has helped are those that have taken the herb and noticed an improvement in their condition. Without scientific research to support its use, many conventional medical professionals feel that the improvement is more psychological than biochemical.
The research that has been done has been done on very small groups and the studies were not as well done as many drug companies can afford. What we do know for sure is that valerian has tranquilizing properties and a mild sedative effect. It may not be as effective as prescription sleep medications. Then again, it also doesn't have the side effects or risks of prescription medications, and addiction appears to be much less of a concern for herbs like valerian.
How to Take The Herb
Like many herbs, you can take it in four different ways. It is available as a tea, a tablet, a capsule or a liquid extract. The most fast acting; forms will be either the tea or the liquid extract and this has more to do with the way the body metabolizes then the strength of the dose. It is recommended that you take the valerian 30 minutes prior to bedtime.
Dosage
Doctors in Germany often prescribe valerian instead of addictive drugs like benzodiazepines to help patients with anxiety. They recommend that you take two teaspoons of tincture twice a day. If you are trying to get off of a prescription medication this is an ideal dose as well.
However, it is crucial that you work with your prescribing physician to taper any drugs you are taking slowly and safely. Suddenly stopping many anxiety drugs can cause serious withdrawal symptoms and even seizures.
Others recommend that for valerian herbal anxiety relief, you take less than the 300 to 600 mg suggested for those that are taking it for insomnia. It is advisable that you talk to your medical professional or a naturopathic professional.
Can Everyone Take It?
Valerian is not for women who are nursing or are pregnant. It is also advisable that people who have liver disease or are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a certain type of antidepressant drug) avoid taking valerian. If you are taking any regular medications it is important that you talk with a medical professional about possible interactions this herb or others may have with your medications.
Valerian and Other Herbs
When used for treating mild anxiety, valerian is often combined with herbs likes St. John's wort or lemon balm to help increase its effectiveness. Overall, valerian for anxiety is a natural anxiety relief strategy that could help. Talk over your options for using it as an herbal remedy for anxiety with your primary care provider.