What is Valerianae Radix?
Listen to pronunciation. (vuh-LEER-ee-un-i RAY-dix) A plant whose roots are used as a sedative and to treat certain medical conditions. It is being studied as a way to improve sleep in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
What is the valerian root used for?
Medicine is made from the root. Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). Valerian is also used orally for anxiety and psychological stress, but there is limited scientific research to support these uses.
Does valerian root make you smell?
Unlike its delicately scented flowers, valerian root has a very strong, earthy odor due to the volatile oils and other compounds responsible for its sedative effects.
Does valerian make you poop?
Valerian root may cause mild to moderate mouth and digestive effects. Some people report an increase in bowel activity after using it. Fittingly, valerian has been used for centuries in Europe to treat digestive problems like constipation ( 9 ).
Is valerian root similar to Xanax?
Valerenic acid has been found to inhibit the breakdown of GABA in the brain, resulting in feelings of calmness and tranquility. This is the same way anti-anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax work ( 4 , 5 , 6 ).
Does valerian root smell like feet?
The value of valerian root comes from oil within the root. The oil is known for its pungent scent which smells much worse than the flower itself — some have compared the odor to stinky cheese, and others to dirty feet.
Are there any side effects to radix valerianae?
Minor side-effects have been associated with chronic use of Radix Valerianae and include headaches, excitability, uneasiness, and insomnia. Very large doses may cause bradycardia and arrhythmias, and decrease intestinal motility (38). The recommended first aid is gastric lavage, charcoal powder, and sodium sulfate (38).
What are the different names for Valerian plants?
Valerian ( Valeriana officinalis ), a member of the Valerianaceae family, is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America [ 1 ]. It has a distinctive odor that many find unpleasant [ 2, 3 ]. Other names include setwall (English), Valerianae radix (Latin), Baldrianwurzel (German),…
How does valerian root work as a medicine?
DER or drug extract ratio is the ratio between the amount of herbal substance used and the quantity of extract obtained. How does valerian root work as a medicine? The way valerian root medicines work is not fully known, but from some experiments it is thought that effects on the brain leading to relaxation and sleepiness might play a role.
How many species of Valeriana are there in the world?
1 Approximately 200 Valeriana species are available, but only a few are or were used medicinally, such as V. fauriei Briquet (Japanese Valerian) ( 7 ), V. wallichii DC (Indian Valerian) and V. edulis Nutt ex. Torr. & Gray ( 8 ). In commerce, V. edulis Nutt. ex Torr. & Gray is known as “Valeriana mexicana”.