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| other words those studied experienced an easier and quicker descent into sleep. A combination of valerian and hops was given to people whose sleep was disturbed by heavy traffic noise. Giving the herbs well 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 of animals and decreases a number of measurable processes in the brain. |
| Italian researchers compared the relaxing properties of valerian and a number of other plants on the muscles of the digestive tract. Hawthorn and valerian were the most relaxing, followed by passionflower and chamomile. Especially interesting was the finding that combining all the herbs acted in a synergistic way, causing a relaxation response at low dosage levels. |
| Valerian is used world-wide as a relaxing remedy in hypertension and stress-related heart problems. There is an effect here beyond simple nerve relaxation, as valerian contains alkaloids that are mild hypotensives. Such use is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) which promotes the research and development of traditional medicine and recognizes the importance of using whole plants, |
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