Even Hippocrates knew: Valerian has soothing effects and promotes sleep

Botanical: Valeriana officinalis
Sanskrit: Tagara
Chinese: Xie cao
English: valerian

The sleep promoting and calming effects of valerian are commonly known for already several centuries. At the end of the 18th century, medical practitioners became aware of the plant’s property to promote sleep. Prior in ancient Greece, valerian was regarded as a universal remedy and in the mediaeval times, it was used against eye conditions.

How does valerian work?

Valerian root extracts are rich in essential oils, which consists of valuable ingredients such as monoterpenes and sequiterpenes. These constituents inhibit messengers in the central nervous system and they therefore promote falling asleep and sleeping through the night. Furthermore, valerian shows a positive effect during great mental tension and a restless feeling.

A study about valerian and its effect on sleep

A placebo controlled Norwegian study examined valerian over a period of two weeks. 405 persons, who complained about general sleep problems, participated. The primary goal of the study was to provide information on an improved sleep quality attributable to valerian intake.

The study came to the result that the sleep quality improved by 29%. Similar results could be documented regarding the frequency of waking up and the sleep duration. No serious events occurred during the study under the influence of valerian.

The authors concluded that the consumption of valerian is safe. In addition to that, there are indications of a positive effect of valerian on the sleep quality.
(Source: PLoS One, 2007, A televised, web-based randomised trial of an herbal remedy (valerian) for insomnia.)

Why you should choose the valerian extract capsules by Fairvital