In the kingdom Plantae we find a great variety of species. So many, that we may not have the ability to list all the ones we have seen during our lives. Not to mention the ones we don’t know about.
In fact, not even scientists have been able to claim to know all the plant species that exist in the entire world. When we talk about the whole world, we are not only referring to the plants that grow on the surface of the soil, but also those found on the seabed. So, the number of unknown plants becomes much greater.
What we can be sure of is that each of them has been designed by the intelligent creator, not only to bring beauty and variety to life, but also to benefit the health and aesthetics of human beings.
It is not a secret that there are plants such as Aloe Vera, oregano and ginseng are some of the plants that possess great healing properties. Hence, its demand, in the commercial world, is very large.
In fact, some of them, in some parts of the world, are very expensive or difficult to obtain. And those who have access to them are considered privileged.
However, it is also important that we deepen our knowledge about other plants. One of them is Valerian. Have you ever wondered what you can use it for?… It is true that many people use it to relax and sleep. But is that its only use? What else can you use it for?
Today we will be talking about this versatile plant. So, when you finish reading this short article, you can be sure that you will take advantage of it in the best way. Therefore, do not stop reading a line.
Instructions
This plant has received countless names over time. Some of them are: Alfeñique, cat grass and common valerian. But why its current name?
The most accepted theory is the one that states that its origin comes from a Latin word: “Valere”, which in turn means “To be healthy or strong”. Throughout this article you will realize how appropriate this name is for this plant.
Valerian is a plant that is known for its great sedative properties and its ability to relax the central nervous system and so-called smooth muscles. Its use dates back many years, in fact, it is considered ancestral, and is related to relaxation when there is difficulty sleeping, especially caused by some exaltation or nervousness.
However, this is not its only use. Valerian has been found to be helpful for anxiety, confusion, depression, delayed and meager menstruation, dysmenorrhea, migraine, lack of concentration, stress, disturbance of sleep patterns, PMS, cramps, insomnia, etc.
Amazing, right?… How a simple plant can help so much! But not only that. Valerian can also be used for those suffering from arrhythmias.
It helps reduce blood pressure and normalize blood flow to the heart. In this way, it is responsible for regulating, at least partially, the rhythm of cardiac contractions, causing a feeling of well-being and improvement.
You can also use it as an antispasmodic. It has been proven that Valerian is responsible for distending the cells that make up the smooth muscle that is present in our long journey of the digestive system.
Its function is to act as a relaxant of this, without having to intervene with the work of the central nervous system of our body.
Moreover, it can also be useful for those people suffering from arthritis. This does not mean that Valerian serves to eliminate the disease. Rather, thanks to its sedative effects, it helps to treat the pain caused by this disease.
As you may have noticed, we cannot limit the use we give to Valerian simply to relax and sleep. We need to broaden the spectrum, what do you need to know to do that? We will be talking about it in the next subtitle. Continue reading.
What You Need
While it is true that by itself this plant has many properties, in combination with others, you can get to enhance its benefits.
As a sleep aid, you can combine it with herbs such as hops and lemon balm. Other herbs, with calming effects, that you can combine with it are passionflower, common skullcap and blue.
But in case insomnia is related to depressive crises, you can combine Valerian with St. John’s wort. If you have palpitations and high blood pressure, product of the same depression, you can combine it with hawthorn.
For cramps caused by menstruation and spasms of the digestive system, you can combine Valerian with Chamomile and Lavender. For muscle spasms or cramps, you can use it with the cramp cortex.
Now, how much Valerian can we take?… The common dose of Valerian capsule for insomnia is 300 to 600mg of the extract. Which is equivalent to 2 or 3 grams of the dried root that we use to make an infusion.
But if you’re going to use it for other uses, you can take it in a divided dose during the course of the day or in a single dose at night.
What do you need to make your Valerian tea? See:
- Purified water. If you don’t have access to it, you can use tap water.
- Between 15 and 20 grams of Valerian root.
- Your favorite flavoring: Cinnamon, cloves, honey, etc.
As for the preparation, this is very simple. It consists of a few steps:
- Bring the water to a boil either in a teapot, in a pot or wherever you see fit.
- When you see that the water is about to boil, add the flavoring you chose to use.
- Then, you should incorporate the Valerian and let it boil for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Turn off the stove and let the tea sit for a few minutes.
- Finally, enjoy your Valerian tea.
Now, what tips should you take into account related to its use?
Councils
If you are already being treated with a sedative or medically similar to Valerian, the recommendation is that you do not use it for the time being.
Nor should you combine it with alcohol or drink it if you have previously ingested any type of alcoholic beverage. On the other hand, you should not risk taking it if you are pregnant or suspect that you are.
You must be clear that its use is not for children under 6 years of age. In case the child passes this age, you should consult with an expert doctor before administering this root.
If you are about to enter the operating room, you should stop using Valerian a few days before and then, you can take it again, a few days after surgery.
It has been said that this plant can be combined with others to enhance its properties or benefits. However, you should be clear that it is not about making a cocktail. You should not abuse the herbs that you integrate into the original tea.
If you take these recommendations into account, you can enjoy the benefits of drinking Valerian tea and save a lot of money on medications with similar effects.