This is an evergreen plant with a simple and short, brownish-grey, rhizome; which has numerous long roots of the same colour.

The stem is sturdy and the flowers are either white or pink in colour.

It is generally found in damp, shaded places.

In Spain, it grows in meadows and forests, mainly in the North and North-East of the mainland.

COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION

The root is collected in the autumn; avoiding rainy weather, when its essential oil content is at its highest. It must be preserved in a cool place that is protected from the light. The fresh root has no smell but, once dried, it has a penetrating and characteristic odour, a bit like fermented cheese and camphor. It tastes a little sweet at first and then changes to a spicy and slightly bitter unpleasant flavour.

PART USED

The underground organs, including the rhizome, root and stolons, are carefully dried at a temperature of less than 40º C.  

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

The plant mainly contains essential oil; which in itself contains bornyl acetate, however its composition varies a lot depending on its origin. The valerian root is also rich in acids (valerenic) and in esters called valepotriates (valtrate and isovaltrate).

PROPERTIES AND INSTRUCTIONS

Valerian has proven to have anxiolitic and hypotensive properties, and sleep inducing agents. It is also extremely antispasomodic. It is believed that valerian's properties are due to several of its components acting together, known as a synergy or synergic effect in pharmacology.

According to ESCOP, it is suitable for cases of nervousness, anxiety and irritability; with trouble getting to sleep.

According to the European Commission, it is suitable for anxiety and nervous sleep disorders.

Various clinical tests exist, which have been made using different types of valerian root extracts. In the majority of these tests, the results coincide in that it reduces the amount of time required to get to sleep.

However, the effects are not immediate and require a treatment of between 2-4 weeks in order to achieve a major improvement. No risk of addiction or side effects exist, clearly indicating the difference between how valerian and how synthetic hypnotic drugs and benzodiazepines work. The patient should be informed of this, especially at the beginning, so they do not prematurely interrupt the treatement.

It is not recommended during pregnancy. Due to its diuretic effect, valerian should not be taken for insomnia by people who need to urinate often at night.

It can strengthen the effects of sleep enhancing medicines and, consequently, should be avoided if this type of medication is being used.

COMBINATIONS

It is often combined with other sedative and spasmolytic plants, such as hawthorn, lemon balm or common camomile.

PRESENTATION

It generally comes in the form of capsules, tablets and pills. These pharmaceutical shapes mean that the person taking them avoids their unpleasant odour and bitter flavour. Valerian is less often found as a ground drug for herbal teas on the market and as an integral fresh plant suspension.

DID YOU KNOW ?

The valerian root has an unpleasant smell that strongly attracts cats and that is why it was given the name "hierba de los gatos" (literally meaning "cat's grass").

When it is taken as a sleep enhancer, immediately before going to bed, it produces a sort of anxiety feeling at first or restless sleep. Therefore, to avoid these unpleasant side effects, it is recommended that it should be taken at least 1 or 2 hours before going to bed.

150 different species of valerian exist.