Valerian Root (0.8% Valerenic Acid)

History:

Valerian is a hardy, herbaceous perennial, native to Europe and northern Asia, that reaches a height of two to five feet and produces blooms of pink or white flowers. Used as a medicinal herb since pre-Christian times, its name is derived from the Latin, valere, which means "to be strong" or "to be in good health." In the fourth century B.C., Hippocrates recommended its sedative qualities, and Galen, the Greek physician gave the plant its original name, Valerian phu, which could be the origin of our expression for an undesirable scent, because Valerian Root has a strong odor that has been compared with dirty socks, rotten cheese and stale perspiration when dried and old leather when fresh. The odor of this plant comes from isovaleric acid, the main active constituent in its roots. Valerian Root was cited in virtually every pharmacopœia in the world. As a traditional therapy, the root was used by Nordic, Persian, Chinese and Indian herbalists, and it became very popular in the tenth century, when it was recommended by Arab physicians. It appeared in Anglo Saxon Herbals for plague and spasms. Canadian Indian warriors carried the root in their medicine bags for wounds, and it is even claimed that cats instinctively eat the plant when injured. It is further claimed that rats, earthworms and vermin are attracted to its odor, and that the Pied Piper of Hamelin carried Valerian Root to lure rats - his music merely being a decoy. In Europe, Valerian has also been used as a condiment and an addition to soups and stews and still remains a very popular non-prescription herbal. The primary chemicals in Valerian, valepotriates, support a healthy nervous system, and they actually develop within Valerian extracts after processing begins. Other constituents include volatile oils: monoterpenes (borneol) and sesquiterpenes (b-bisabolene), beta-carotene, tannin, choline, vitamin C, B-vitamins, alkaloids (pyridine type, actinidine, chatinine, skyanthine, valerianine, valerine), iridoids (valepotriates, valtrate, didrovaltrate), quercetin, choline, essential fatty acids, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc and a high proportion of calcium (which is needed by the body for healthy nerves).

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Valerian Herbal Supplement is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those who suffer from low blood pressure or hypoglycemia. This product should not be combined with alcohol or with other sleep-inducing medications. Because it is a sedative, one should never drive or operate machinery when using Valerian. It is advisable to stop taking Valerian Root after two or three weeks and then restart; uninterrupted usage is not recommended. Avoid large doses (many times the recommended amount), and if headaches or heart palpitations occur, its use should be discontinued. The herb is not recommended for those taking prescription medications, particularly liver medications, unless a physician is first consulted. Valerian should be stopped about one week before surgery because it may interact with anesthesia.

Capsule Information:
Our Valerian Root (0.8% Valerenic Acid) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.