Wholesale Valerian Root (Organic)

Bulk Herbs: Valerian Root (Organic) Valeriana officinalis Format: Roots Size: 1 oz package Also known as: Valeriana officinalis. Common Valerian, European Valerian, Valeriana, Amantilla, Bloody Butcher, Capon's Trailer, Cat's Valerian, Fragrant Valerian, Garden Heliotrope, Phu, Red Valerian, St. George's Herb, Sete wale, Set well, Vandal root, and Allheal. Farming Type: Organic Origin: Poland Contrary to popular myth, the modern drug Valium is not derived from valerian, and there is no relationship at all between them. Valerian root does, however, have a long history of use as a sedative in Western Europe, dating back to the time of Hippocrates (ca. 460-377 B.C). Originally native to Europe and parts of Asia, but now common throughout North America, in the U.S., valerian root is widely used in sleep aids and sedatives in various forms, including teas, tablets, and capsules. Often, valerian is combined with other herbs traditionally known to promote sleep, including hops, passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender. The root must be dried at temperatures below 105 degrees F (40 degrees C) for its medicinally active compounds to form. Anyone who has experienced the unpleasant “dirty socks” odor of the roots would be surprised to learn that the pink or white flowers of this long-stemmed perennial are actually quite fragrant, and were used as a perfume in the 16th century. Ancient medical texts acknowledge the odor of the root by referring to the plant as phu. In teas, valerian tastes sweet, spicy, and somewhat bitter. Valerian is a calmative and tranquilizer. Its properties have been known at least since the time of Hippocrates, and it was prescribed by the ancient Greek physician Galen for the treatment of headaches, insomnia, nervousness, restlessness, menstrual problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and hysteria. Clinical trials have confirmed the use of valerian for treating insomnia, especially the insomnia that accompanies menopause. The advantage of valerian over tranquilizers such as Valium and Xanax is that it reduces sleep latency —the time required to fall asleep —without a period of bedtime drowsiness and without creating a "hangover" or grogginess the next morning. Valerian has the most significant effect on chronic insomnia rather than short-term sleeplessness. It also soothes the digestive system and may help prevent cramping associated with irritable bowel syndrome. Note: If you use valerian for several months and suddenly stop using it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache, insomnia, racing heart, and general grouchiness, although rare.