May 2015 - Valerian / Valeriana officinalisStarted this from seed last year. Was kind of hoping
May 2015 - Valerian / Valeriana officinalisStarted this from seed last year. Was kind of hoping it might be tinged pink, but oh well. The roots of this can be prepared with hot-but-not-boiling water to create a soothing (but smelly) tea. In order to increase the useful oils in the roots, it’s better to stress this plant with dry and unfertile conditions (which it doesn’t mind, it has naturalized in some parts of North America as a wildflower growing along roads). Sedative and anxiolytic, it is thought to work on GABA pathways. Due to this mode of action, it’s better to take this on an as-needed basis for stress or insomnia rather than with daily use.Things to consider: Some rare individuals may be allergic which is of concern when you’re drinking it. You can always try a skin test before ingesting - rub it on your skin, with 15 minutes, see if anything happens. In any case, the first time you try this, try a small dose and with the awareness that you might need immediate medical attention.Some individuals also use it to relieve muscle, joint, and menstrual pain however there isn’t a lot of research to back it up for these uses yet. More is not necessarily better - there is evidence that taking too much can cause a rebound effect (makes things worse). So start slow and low.Some individuals have taken this with scullcap and ended up with liver problems. So don’t take this with scullcap, and consider taking it with milk thistle. Valerian is commonly combined with Lemon Balm / Melissa officinalis, which is actually a good combo.This is a CNS depressant or “downer”, and should not be combined with alcohol, antihistamines, bennies, barbs, opiates, etc.If you are getting this from your garden, you have NO way of regulating the dose or having an idea of how much you’re taking. You can purchase it where they will tell you what amount of valeric / valerenic acid (the good stuff) it contains.Avoid if pregnant. Like most herbals, this plant needs more research.It may attract cats and rats. We haven’t had any problems with this other than the fact that Bigness loves to lounge next to them. -- source link
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