Valeriane, a valuable herb for insomnia
- Author:
Huyen Tich Hoang
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Valeriane;
Insomnia
- MeSH:
Valeriane;
Insomnia
- From:Journal of Medical Research
2008;56(4):135-141
- CountryViet Nam
- Language:Vietnamese
-
Abstract:
Valeriane (Valeriana officinalis L.; Valerianaceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant common in Europe, North America and North Asia. The medicinal properties of the valeriane have been recognized as far back as the early Greeks and Romans, and in medieval time it was used to treat a variety of ailments. Valerian has a direct sedative effect and interacts with neurotransmitters such as GABA. Now a day it is considered as a safe herbal choice for mild insomnia and has good tolerability. One of the potential advantages of valeriane over benzodiazepines (BZDs) is the lack of daylight sleepiness when used at recommended dosages (300 to 600mg in capsule form, taken 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime). It also may be helpful in weaning patients with insomnia due to BZDs.
