A nervine is a plant remedy that has a beneficial effect upon the nervous
system. They are a large group with several sub-classifications: tonics,
relaxants, stimulants, hypnotics, anti-spasmodics, and anti-depressants.
When herbalists think of a good effective relaxant that has anti-spasmodic
qualities for the central nervous system, they think of Valerian
(valeriana officinalis).
Nervine relaxants are very important in our stressful times, because they
alleviate many accompanying symptoms. They should always be used in a
broad holistic way, not simply to tranquilize. Too much tranquilizing,
even if achieved through herbal medication, can deplete and weigh heavily
on the whole nervous system in time.
Valerian affects the peripheral nerves and muscle tissue, which has an
indirect relaxing effect on the whole system. When the physical body is at
ease, relaxation is promoted in the psyche. It is in this relaxed, restful
state that the body heals and regains its equilibrium (homeostasis).
There are over 200 species in the genus valeriana worldwide. Valeriana
officinalis is most commonly cultivated for use in herbal medicine. It was
brought to North America from Europe by early settlers to be grown in herb
gardens. It is a perennial that grows up to 6 feet tall. The leaves are
opposite and sparsely placed on the stem. Each leaf is divided into many
deeply dissected segments. The flowers blossom between June and August and
are white with a slight rose blush. They appear in clusters at the top of
the plant and are very fragrant.
The roots are the main medicinal portion of the plant; they are fibrous,
stringy, brown, and pungent. Some would say that they are beyond pungent
and well into smelly. They seem to smell more and more like dirty socks
the more they are dried. This is one of the few plants that you will never
forget and always be able to identify by its strong odour.
Several species of Valerian are found wild in Canada, growing in moist
meadows across the boreal forest. There is a danger of these plants being
threatened by commercial harvesters who are digging the root for sale on
the international market. Valeriana officinalis is such an easy plant to
cultivate that one wonders why it is necessary to endanger the wild stock
at all.
For over 1,000 years the rhizomes and roots of this plant have been used
for a variety of nervous conditions. The name Valerian, or valeriana,
first appeared in historical records between the 9th and 10th centuries
although its origin is uncertain. Some say that the name was derived from
the Latin valere (to be in health) or valeo (to be strong), referring to
either the plant's powerful healing properties or strong odour,
respectively. Some claim it was derived from Valerius, who may have first
used it as a medicine.
Valerian has even been called the "Valium of the 20th century" though,
contrary to popular belief, there is no chemical similarity between the
two substances. There is also no risk of overdose, habituation, or
addiction with Valerian. Dr. Daniel B. Mowrey, author of The Scientific
Validation of Herbal Medicine, says that "what is disturbing is that
Valium (no relationship to Valerian) continues to be the #1 most
prescribed drug in the United States today, when a perfectly safe and
effective natural product like Valerian is readily available."
Aside from centuries of anecdotal observation of the effect of Valerian on
humans, it has been one of the most studied medicinal plants. The herb has
been investigated in animals and humans alike by hundreds of
investigations in several countries, particularly Germany and Russia. The
results are always the same: Valerian root and/or its major constituents
have marked sedative, anti-convulsive, hypotensive, tranquilizing,
neurotropic, and anti-aggressive properties. These effects result from
action on higher brain centres that can be shown on an EEG
(electroencephalograph), which monitors brain waves. The herb's main
function is to suppress and regulate the autonomic nervous system. As a
result, it has been found effective in treating psychosomatic diseases
that involve the nervous system.
The German Commission E has approved Valerian as a calmative and
sleep-promoting agent useful in treating states of unrest and
anxiety-produced sleep disturbances. Valerian preparations have also been
used for the last 12 years in Germany to treat hyperactive children. It
has no side effects even at high doses. In fact, in these children, the
preparation enhanced motor coordination and maintained reaction time,
while calming anxiety and fear, curing restlessness, and curbing
aggression.
A double-blind experiment showed the effect of Valerian on a variety of
sleep parameters. This study indicated that Valerian decreased sleep
latency (the time needed to fall asleep), increased sleep quality, and did
not affect normal levels of nocturnal movement.
Clearly, Valerian's major use is as a sedative, especially as a potential
substitute for synthetic sedatives that can cause severe dependence, a
"drugged" feeling, reduced coordination, and a potentially dangerous
synergism with alcohol. In European countries, many doctors already
prescribe Valerian preparations that can be found in health food stores.
Valerian root is most effective in a concentrated extract form, which
should be standardized to ensure potency. It is available in plain capsule
form and in combinations like Herbal Nerve and Herbal Insomnia.
By Kahlee Keane, Herbalist
Relax with Valerian
