Valerian herb or valerian (Valeriana officinalis), people use it as a sleep aid, but does it have other benefits? What is the way to use Valerian plant? We will learn all the answers in the following article.

What is valerian?

It is a herb that has its origins in Europe and Asia, but it is found in other countries as well, and the use of this plant dates back to a long time ago, dating back to the civilization of Rome in order to benefit from it as a treatment, and today the stems and roots of this herb are used to make various supplements and products from it.

Benefits of valerian for sleep

Mostly this herb and its supplements are used to solve the problem of sleep disorders that many people face, including insomnia, and some may resort to using it because they believe that it can help treat anxiety and stress, along with some other conditions that need more research to confirm.

The effectiveness of this herb is almost due to some of the compounds present in it, including valerenic acid and valerenol, and these compounds act on receptors known as GABA, and these receptors work to regulate nerve impulses, and these receptors have a role in regulating sleep, and the compounds in the valerian plant may help increase them, which Helps calm and relax the body to aid a restful sleep.

There are many studies on the potential benefit of the valerian plant for sleep, including studies on some postmenopausal women, people on dialysis, and others who suffer from sleep disorders in general, and the results show a potential effectiveness of the herb with regard to sleep.

However, it is worth noting that there are some studies that do not show this! Therefore, there is still a need for more research to ensure the effectiveness of the herb and its supplements for sleep, and it is taken for treatment by consulting a doctor.

Other potential valerian benefits

The herb may have other potential benefits, but there are not enough studies to confirm them. These benefits are:

• Reducing hot flashes that occur to postmenopausal women.
• The herb may help relieve symptoms that many women experience due to premenstrual syndrome.
• Using the herb can help improve symptoms of restless legs syndrome.
• The herb can help reduce anxiety in some people, which occurs when they are exposed to some stressful situations, but more research is needed to be sure.

Is Valerian useful for sex?

There is not enough information about the benefits of the herb for sexual health, but if you are taking medications to treat erectile dysfunction, you must tell your doctor first before taking any medicinal form of the herb.

How to use valerian herb

First, we stress the importance of consulting a doctor first before using the herb or its supplements as a treatment for any health problem that you suffer from, and he will determine the appropriate doses as well. In general, the appropriate dose for adults to treat a sleep problem is about 300 to 600 mg, but we repeat the need to consult a doctor first.

In the event that you are going to use the herb as a tea, soak about 2 to 3 grams of dried roots in a cup of hot water, then wait about 10 minutes to a quarter of an hour, then eat it, preferably before going to sleep at night.

Valerian damage

The use of this herb and its supplements may result in some harm to some, which may include:

• Feeling weak and headache.
• Feeling dizzy.
• Suffering from stomach problems and disorders such as pain.
• Diarrhea.
• Feeling a metallic taste in the mouth.

However, we would like to stress the need to consult a doctor before taking the herb to treat any problem, especially for those suffering from any different diseases. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor first before using the herb and its various forms of medicine. Caution should also be taken not to give the herb to children or adolescents without medical advice. .

And do not forget the importance of telling the doctor about the medications you take in general before taking any supplements, and he should also be consulted about the reason for the inability to sleep in order to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.