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Valerian Research Paper

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Valerian is a flower found in many parts of the world. The part used for medicinal purposes is mainly the root. “The root of valerian, a perennial herb native to North America, Asia, and Europe”(Hadley & Petry, 2003, p. 7). Valerian can come in a variety of colors and ranges from dark blues and purples to light pinks and whites. Although Valerian is very pretty, it often has an unpleasant odor. Valerian can come in a variety of forms including pills, tinctures, extracts, teas and oils. Valerian can also be combined with other herbal preparations including lemon, jasmine, lavender, kava kava and many others.
Valerian is most commonly used to combat insomnia and sleeplessness. “Valerian increases the availability of the inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), explaining its use as an antispasmodic agent, a hypnotic agent for sleep, and a sedative for restlessness” (Howland, 2005). With the population becoming more and more sleep deprived there are many people looking to a more natural way to help them sleep. …show more content…

“Typical dosage ranges from 300 mg to 900 mg per day, taken at bedtime for sleep “. This is a common dosage but there is not an exact dosage that is recommended. “Because dosages varied in studies involving valerian and some studies weren't rigorous, it's not clear what dose is most effective or for how long you should take a particular dose” This being said there is conflicting ideas saying there is not enough research to support the use of Valerian for sleep. “Over-the-counter antihistamine or antihistamine/analgesic type drugs (OTC “sleep aids”) as well as herbal and nutritional substances (e.g., valerian and melatonin) are not recommended in the treatment of chronic insomnia due to the relative lack of efficacy and safety data” (Rodin, Broch, Buysse, Dorsey, & Sateia, 2008, p.

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