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Page 52
| before retiring reduced the noise-induced disturbance of a number of sleep-stage patterns. |
| Much research has centered on valerian's effects upon smooth muscle, demonstrating that it is a powerful and safe muscle relaxant. It can be safely used in muscle cramping, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. Its sedative and antispasmodic action can be partially ascribed to the valepotriates and to a lesser extent to the sesquiterpene constituents of the volatile oils. Among other effects, valerian decreases both spontaneous and caffeine-stimulated muscular activity, significantly reduces aggressiveness in animals and decreases a number of measurable processes in the brain. |
| Italian researchers compared the relaxing properties of valerian with a number of other plants on the muscles of the digestive tract. Hawthorn and valerian were the most effective, followed by passionflower and chamomile. Especially interesting was the finding that combining all the herbs acted in a synergistic way, yielding relaxation at low dosage levels. |
| Valerian is used worldwide as a relaxing remedy in hypertension and stress-related heart problems. There is an effect here beyond simple nerve relaxation, as it contains alkaloids that are mild hypotensives. Such use is recognized by the World Health Organization, which promotes research and development of traditional medicine, understanding the importance of using whole plants and going beyond the test tube for meaningful results. In WHO-sponsored studies in Bulgaria, traditional herbs known for their healing effect in cardiovascular problems were studied and the results were impressive. Valerian is one such herb whose use was validated. Others were garlic, geranium, European Mistletoe, olive and hawthorn. |
| Dosage: To be effective valerian has to be used in sufficiently high dosage. The tincture is the most widely used preparation and is always useful, provided that the single dose is not counted in drops, but that 1/21 teaspoonful is |
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