Stop Snoring Cures



Valerian is a well known insomnia and relaxation remedy. In 2000 Pharmacopsychiatry published the findings of a clinical study in which the benefits obtained from the use of valerian was reported. After 14 days use, valerian improved the sleep patterns and perception of sleep quality in patients with mild insomnia.

The aromatic roots of valeriana officinalis is used medicinally. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried carefully. This preserves the active ingredients which contain volatile oils and valepotriates. These substances have a sedative effect on the nervous system and are used for treating stress, insomnia and anxiety.

Valerian grows up to 2 meters tall and produces clusters of tiny white or pink flowers. The strongly scented flowers mature in the summer. Give consideration to this plant in your garden design as it could be used in your garden for its flowers or scent.

Other benefits of using this herb:

• Mild Sedative: its sedative properties have been confirmed in a number of clinical trials.
• Digestive System: the herb relaxes the digestive tract helping to relieve gas, bloating and abdominal pain.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: due to its digestive benefits and stress reducing qualities, valerian is an ideal remedy for IBS when there is a marked stress or nervous connection.
• Premenstrual Syndrome: The stress of PMS is greatly reduced when using this herb. Pain period and associated muscle tension can also be soothed by valerian.

Historically the herb has also been used in ancient Greece and Rome to relieve a number of disorders like insomnia, respiratory congestion, wounds and pain. It was also used as a protection against the plague.

Side Effects and Concerns

Valerian should not be used in conjunction with other medications for insomnia or anxiety. Taking it with other drugs that affects alertness could result in excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. It may also be the case if taken with other sedative herbs like hops, catnip and kava.

Valerian is broken down in the liver and it could potentially interfere with the effectiveness of other medications that are broken down by the same liver enzymes. For your own safety you must consult your medical practitioner before using this herb in any form. The use of this herb should also be avoided if you have any liver condition or disease.
Documented side effects of valerian use include headache, dizziness, itchiness, diarrea, drowsiness, dry mouth and vivid dreams.

Other alternative medicines can also be used to treat insomnia and stress related disorders, more can be found at Traveling Nurse Blog. Read more about healthcare and related home remedies and careers at Traveling Nurse Guide.

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