Herbal roots have been used as natural remedies for a wide variety of health issues since time immemorial. Roots of plants contain high amounts of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and stave off infections.
Some popular and trusted herbal roots used in traditional medicines are turmeric, ginseng, licorice and echinacea. They are heavily relied on, as they have fewer side effects than conventional medication.
Another great example is the valerian root, although it is not frequently recommended due to safety concerns regarding its use. But while many people are unfamiliar with it, the root has actually been used for centuries in a diverse range of medicines.
Native to parts of Europe and Asia, the root has remedial properties for treating insomnia and anxiety, among other benefits.
History Behind Valerian Root
The centuries-old herb was predominantly used in sleep-aid medicines in Rome and Greece. It primarily contains valerenic acid, an active ingredient with sedative effects.
Other issues like fatigue, digestive problems and migraines are also treated with the help of this herbal root. Apart from being rich in the sedative compound, valerian root also has essential vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium and B vitamins.
4 Key Benefits of Valerian Root
Research is still being done to have a better understanding of the benefits of valerian root, but some commonly understood benefits are as follows:
It Promotes Good Sleep
Scientists believe that due to the component being rich with lignans, flavonoids and valepotriates — plant compounds that act as sleep aides — it provides good outcomes when used as sleep medication.
The recommended use for the root is limited between 300 and 600 milligrams per day, and one should ideally seek a medical practitioner’s guidance before using it.
It Reduces Anxiety
As mentioned above, the main active ingredient in valerian roots is valerenic acid, which is believed to interact with the…
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