Description and Composition
Valerian is a perennial herb which grows upto 1 metre in height Its rootstock is thicker than the stem, producing suckers or shoots rising from the ground. The stems are furrowed, hairy below and smooth above, whereas its lower leaves are long compared to the smaller upper leaves. The plant has small, white flowers in small clusters and small and smooth fruit. The rhizomes and roots of the plant constitute the
drug.
According to some authorities, the name valerian is from the Latin word Valere meaning to be in health, while others believe that it takes its name from an ancient physician, Valerius, who first employed the herb in
medicine.
The herb contains valerianic, formic and acetic acids, in addition to an essential oil, resin, starch, a glucoside and two alkaloidsโchatrine and valerianine.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
The leaves should be collected in autumn and dried slowly. The antispasmodic and stimulant properties of this plant are well known in
indigenous
medicine and have been described in the books of
Ayurvedic medicine
Nervous Disorders
Valerian is a traditional remedy for functional disturbances of the nervous system. It was perhaps the earliest treatment of neurosis, accompanied by physical
diseases with mental symptoms or social maladjustment, especially in interpersonal relationships.
The herb is particularly useful in treating cases of hysteria, resdess and irritable conditions. The
drug exercises deppressant action on the overall central nervous system. It has gained importance in recent years owing to its beneficial effects in epilepsy. It is also considered useful in chorea, a condition marked by incessant involuntary jerks.
Insomnia
The herb is useful in treating
insomnia. It reduces
excitement, irritation and pain. The fresh juice of die plant can
be used as a narcotic to induce sleep.
Methods for Uses and Dosages: The juice of die fresh rhizomes and roots is considered more effective in die treatment of nervous disorders as its medicinal properties get reduced on drying. An infusion of valerian is prepared by infusing 30 grams of die herb in half a litre of boiling water. The latter should be taken in small quantities diree or four times daily.