10 Health Benefits Of Valeriana Officinalis (Valerian)

Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, has health benefits such as promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving sleep quality.

The medicinal properties of valerian root, which contains valerenic acid and valepotriates, contribute to these benefits. For example, people with insomnia can benefit from valerian root supplements or teas to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, leading to improved mood and cognitive function.

Regular use can also alleviate symptoms of restlessness, nervousness, and digestive issues.

This article explains in details the 10 best health benefits of Valeriana officinalis.

1. Improves sleep quality

Valeriana officinalis improves sleep quality because of its unique ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

The herb's active compounds, such as valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to increase GABA production, leading to a calming effect that helps individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

As a result, valerian root extract has become a popular natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders.

2. Reduces sleep latency

Valeriana officinalis reduces sleep latency because it has a sedative effect on the nervous system.

The root of the plant contains compounds like valeric acid and isovaleric acid, which are responsible for its calming properties. These compounds work to slow down nerve activity in the brain, making it easier to fall asleep.

As a result, individuals who consume valerian supplements or tea before bed may experience reduced sleep latency, allowing them to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly throughout the night.

3. Alleviates anxiety

Valeriana officinalis alleviates anxiety because of its unique ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress hormones.

The root extract of this herb contains valerenic acid, which binds to GABA receptors in the brain, enhancing their activity and promoting a sense of calmness.

This calming effect can help individuals manage anxiety symptoms by slowing down racing thoughts, reducing muscle tension, and promoting a restful sleep.

4. Soothes restlessness

Valeriana officinalis soothes restlessness because of its unique ability to interact with the brain's neurotransmitters and promote relaxation.

The plant contains a group of compounds called valepotriates, which have been shown to increase the production of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps regulate sleep and calmness.

By increasing GABA levels, valerian root calms an overactive mind, reducing feelings of restlessness and anxiety, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

5. Eases nervous tension

Valeriana officinalis eases nervous tension because of its unique ability to calm the mind and body.

The plant's active compounds, such as valerenic acid, interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

This results in a calming effect that alleviates symptoms of insomnia, stress, and restlessness, allowing individuals to fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, leading to improved overall well-being.

6. Helps treat depression

Valeriana officinalis helps treat depression because it possesses a unique blend of neurotransmitter-modulating compounds, including flavonoids, volatile oils, and sesquiterpenes.

These compounds interact with GABA receptors in the brain, increasing feelings of calmness and relaxation, while also reducing anxiety and stress levels.

By promoting a sense of tranquility, valerian can help alleviate symptoms of depression, making it a natural adjunct to traditional treatment approaches.

7. Relieves menstrual cramps

Valeriana officinalis relieves menstrual cramps because of its unique ability to relax the uterine muscles and reduce inflammation.

The plant's active compounds, such as valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, have a sedative effect on the body, which helps to alleviate spasms and ease discomfort.

This natural analgesic properties help to minimize menstrual cramp severity, allowing women to manage their symptoms more effectively and enjoy a more comfortable period.

8. Reduces headache frequency

Valeriana officinalis reduces headache frequency because of its unique ability to interact with the body's nervous system.

The plant's active compounds, particularly valerenic acid and isovaleric acid, have been shown to exert a calming effect on the brain and central nervous system, thereby decreasing the frequency and severity of headaches.

This calming effect may also contribute to improved sleep quality, which is often linked to reduced headache episodes.

9. Lowers blood pressure

Valeriana officinalis lowers blood pressure because of its unique combination of bioactive compounds.

The root extract contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and sesquiterpenes that have been shown to relax vascular smooth muscle, thereby reducing peripheral resistance.

This results in a decrease in systemic blood pressure, which can help alleviate symptoms of hypertension and related cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and stroke.

10. Improves stomach discomfort

Valeriana officinalis improves stomach discomfort because of its unique ability to relax the smooth muscle in the digestive tract.

This relaxation helps to reduce spasms and cramps that can cause stomach pain and discomfort.

Additionally, valerian has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to soothe irritated mucous membranes in the stomach, further reducing inflammation and discomfort.