Guest guest Posted March 10, 2001 Report Share Posted March 10, 2001 Gretchen, Valerian is a plant of Europe and Asia with small sweet-smelling white or pinkish flowers and a root that is used medicinally. Genus Valeriana It is sometimes called " Nature's Valium " . It's primary use is to calm and reduce anxiety but it does help aid in sleep. I use a preparation of Valerian, skullcap, hops, and kava for rest and to relieve my PLMS. (These compounds are available with and without Kava). I know of no drug contraindications for valerian. With any herbal product the potency of different brands and even within one brand differs greatly. Plants grown in one climate or soil differ from plants grown somewhere else. Even the portion of the root etc., used will make a difference as will processing methods. Therefore for regular use it is best to use a product that is standardized rather than the ground root. These can be found at any herbal store. Valerian may make you sleepy but it more tends to relax a person so they can sleep. I have never had a problem using it and driving, however any drug or herb that relaxes or aids in sleep has the potential of making driving a hazard and may for some people. ----- Original Message ----- From: liliwigg@... Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 01:38 PM Subject: [] Valerian/Alluna Is anyone with CMT using either Alluna for sleep OR Valerian the herb for sleep? I need some background on valerian. Is it a weed, a flower, a root, bark, or what? Also if you do use or have used Valerian, can you tell me which brands, is it in capsule form, how long did it take to work and how you felt the next day. Also, is anyone using Valerian or any valerian mixes or compounds on a regular basis? If so how does it help you? If you take prescription medications, what is the interraction? Does Valerian just make you sleepy or relaxed or both? Can you drive when taking Valerian? Has Valerian altered your lifestyle by making you more relaxed? Has it improved your mood, balance, or walking if you are so relaxed? ~ G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 10, 2001 Report Share Posted March 10, 2001 In a message dated 3/10/01 10:39:07 AM, liliwigg@... writes: << Valerian >> http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/DSH/hm.html Adverse Reactions: Valerian taken orally can cause headache, excitability, uneasiness, cardiac disturbances, and insomnia (6,12,3484). Occasionally, valerian causes morning drowsiness (2074). Although most reports describe a lack of residual morning effects on alertness and concentration, a few reports suggest that impaired alertness and information processing does occur (12,2074). Impairment is dose-dependent and peaks within the first few hours after an oral valerian dose (304,2074). Patients should be warned against driving or operating dangerous machinery after taking valerian (304). Signs of valerian toxicity include trouble walking, hypothermia, and increased muscle relaxation (6). Side effects are rare in products without valepotriate constituents (7). In one individual, 20 times the normal dose caused fatigue, tight chest, abdominal cramping, and tremor of the hand and foot (659). Extended use can cause benzodiazepine-like withdrawal symptoms when treatment is discontinued (304,3487). Patients should taper doses slowly after extended use. There have been several case reports of hepatotoxicity associated with use of multi-ingredient preparations containing valerian. In these cases, it is thought that the preparations may have been adulterated with hepatotoxic agents (304). Four other cases of hepatotoxicity involving long-term use of single-ingredient valerian preparations have also been reported (304,3484). Because a variety of doses were used in the cases reported and many people have used higher doses safely, some suggest these hepatotoxic reactions might have been idiosyncratic (304). http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/mlm.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 11, 2001 Report Share Posted March 11, 2001 Thank you so much Kat, lol I never thought to check out quackwatch. This is the exact kind of info. I was looking for. ~ G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 13, 2001 Report Share Posted March 13, 2001 Hey Gretchen, I just got back from a road trip so I am sure you have gotten a few responses on this already. My experience with valerian root is as follows. I use it after long bicycle rides or intense weight lifting. I find it aids in muscle recovery. It helps with muscle spasms and twitching etc. I have never used it for a sleep aid. A good book usually works for me so I guess I am lucky. Valerian has been used over the years for many things but it is a very popular ingredient in over the counter sleep aids. It is also approved by the US Food and Drug admin. I have never heard of Alluna. Good luck. Regards, BC ----- Original Message ----- From: <liliwigg@...> < > Sent: Saturday, March 10, 2001 10:38 AM Subject: [] Valerian/Alluna > Is anyone with CMT using either Alluna for sleep OR Valerian > the herb for sleep? I need some background on valerian. Is it > a weed, a flower, a root, bark, or what? Also if you do use or > have used Valerian, can you tell me which brands, is it in > capsule form, how long did it take to work and how you felt the > next day. Also, is anyone using Valerian or any valerian mixes > or compounds on a regular basis? If so how does it help you? If > you take prescription medications, what is the interraction? > Does Valerian just make you sleepy or relaxed or both? Can you > drive when taking Valerian? Has Valerian altered your lifestyle > by making you more relaxed? Has it improved your mood, balance, or > walking if you are so relaxed? ~ G > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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