Description

There are many species in the Valeriana genus. The conical rootstock or erect rhizome will often develop for several years before the plant sends up a flowering stem. The stem has slender horizontal branches with terminal buds that have aerial shoots or stolons which can produce (asexually) new plant roots (like spider plants or strawberries). The main stems attains a height of 1.0 -1.5 m, is round, hollow, grooved and hairy, especially at the base. The inflorescences are terminal with two or more pairs of flowing stems, each pair placed at right angles to those above and below them in cymes. The flowers are pink-blue appearing from June to September. The leaves are arranged in pairs, united at the base, with a series of lance-shaped pinnate segments 0.5 - 1.0 cm long. The margins have a few coarsely cut teeth.

Part Used

Root.

Constituents

The chief chemicals are alkaloids, valerianine and chatarine. Others include a group of iridoid compounds called valepoluates (valtrate, valtrate, isovaleroxyhydrin, acevaltrate, valechlorine and more), valeric acids, didrovaltrates, valerosedatrum and volatile oils (bornyl acetate, isovalerate), camphene, pinene, caffeic acid, beta-sitosterol, tannin and gum.(1-3)

Mode of Action

This plant is well known as a CNS-depressant. The active ingredient is a matter of some debate. This group of chemicals is not usually present in significant amounts in the crude herb or tincture, which clinically also shows a sedative effect. It might be the volatile oils and valeric acid that have the sedating effect, depressant effect on the autonomic system. It can be said that this herb is antispasmodic and equalizing (sedative in state of agitation and stimulant in fatigue). Valerian is also hypotensive, antibacterial, especially Gram positive bacteria (due to its alkaloids), antidiuretic, and hepatic (protecting the liver from necrosis). The iridoid compound is very attractive to cats. They obtain a euphoric ``high`` from it.

Therapeutic Action

Antispasmodic, stimulant, tonic, nervine, carminative.

Energetics

Ayurvedic

(related species V. jatamansi) Rasa - tikta (bitter), katu (pungent), madhur, kasaya (astringent); Guna - laghu (light), snigdha (pacifies vata), sar; Veerya - ushna (hot); Vipak - katu (pungent). Action: Tridosha har, bran ropan, mastiskya blaya, dipan, shul prasaman, sarak, hiridyotegek, swashar, vajikaran, pitta samak, jawarghana, chachyusya.(4)

Other

Holmes lists valerian as a bit sweet, bitter and pungent, warm with some cooling potential, dry properties. The secondary qualities are restoring, stimulating, relaxing and decongesting. The meridians entered are Heart, Pericardium, Lung, and Spleen, influencing the heart, arterial circulation, nerves, brain, spine, lungs, uterus, kidney, bladder, stomach and pancreas. The organism is air and fluid.(5) Tierra describes valerian as spicy, bitter and warm, influencing the Liver and Heart.(6)

Folklore

Valerian can be found in Western herbology since prehistoric times. Some early herbals such as Moore (1564) and Gerard (1597), make clear note of it. It also appears in Willis (1681), Lewis (1769), Motherby (1785), Bigelow (1822), Griffith (1847) and had a prominent place in the practices of the Eclectics at the turn of the century.(7) Valerian has a marked influence on the cerebrospinal system and is employed as a sedative of the higher nerve centre for afflictions such as St. Vitus`s Dance, nervous unrest, neuralgic pain, epileptic fits, hysteria (especially female), restlessness, and wakefulness. Though small ordinary doses of valerian root are good, large doses taken over a period of time cause headache, heaviness and stupour.

It is recommended in cases of heart palpitation because it slows down the heart rate while increasing the strength of the beats. It also is used for circulatory problems as well as to stimulate the stomach and intestinal motility. Valerian is often used for hypochondria. It has an unpleasant odor which is often masked by essence of aniseed.(8-10) Over half a dozen Valeriana species are known to have been used by the Native peoples of North America. The plant was used to treat colds, cuts, inflammation, headaches and constipation.(11)

Dosage(12)

Decoction - 3 oz.
Tincture - ½ - 1 tsp.
Fluid Extract - ½ tsp.
Oil - 5 drops
Powder - 10 - 15 grains

Toxicity and Contraindications

This herb is regarded as safe by all scientific studies except one, which found carcinogenic effects of the valepatriates in a test tube. In vivo studies dispute this initial finding. The scale of use of this plant throughout recorded history also suggests that any toxic effect is fairly remote.

Official Recognition and Medical References

GRAS 172.510

References

1. Duke, J.A., Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1985, p. 503-504.
2. Leung, A.Y., Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, drugs, and cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New York, 1980, p. 318.
3. Weiss, R.F., Herbal Medicine (6th Germ. ed, trans.), Beaconsfield Publ. Ltd., Beaconsfield, U.K., 1988, p. 281-284.
4. Kapoor, L.D., CRC Handbook of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1990, p. 330.
5. Holmes, P., The Energetics of Western Herbs (2 vols.), Artemis Press, Boulder CO, 1989, p. 265-269.
6. Tierra, M., Planetary Herbology, Lotus Press, Santa Fe, NM, 1988, p. 353.
7. Crellin, J.K. and Philpott, J., Herbal Medicine: Past and Present (Vol. II), Duke University Press, London, 1990, p. 434-435.
8. Duke, J.A., Ibid.
9. Leung, A.Y., Ibid.
10. Grieve, M., A Modern Herbal, Jonathan Cape, London, 1931, p. 824-829.
11. Moerman, D.E., Medicinal Plants of Native America, University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology, Technical Reports, Number 19, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1986, Vol.1, p. 501
12. Santillo, H., Natural Healing with Herbs, Hohm Press, Prescott Valley, AZ, 1984, p. 186.