Valerian (Phu)
From Angelika’s Diary:
I’ve read a bit about a plant the famous physician Galen called “Phu” for he was a man who definitely did not like the smell. I’m afraid at times, humans can adopt very strange behaviors and superstitions, based on watching animals reacting to certain plants. Phu is known today as Valerian, and it is most well-beloved of rats and cats. I must carefully wrap, four times over, and then store in a tight container, any valerian root I may have, for otherwise, I would be inundated with the creatures. However, because of this, or some other legends I’ve heard tell of, people will make an extract of the roots, or use the leaves to put the scent on their body to attract a mate. I personally think they’re only going to attract the vermin, but who listens to me?
Some believe that valerian is the plant called spikenard in the Bible. I’ve a hard time believing that Mary would wash the feet of her dying son with a scent that would attract rats to his body. Now, I did hear a tale by a bard of late, telling the story of a man from India, having just gotten married, and being called off to fight in a war. Before he left, he planted valerian outside the door, and told his new bride that as long as the plant grew well and strong, he would be safe. Being a man, of course, he had to test the theory when he returned finally several years later. He disguised himself and looked upon his house, seeing the fully grown, well loved plant being tended by his wife. He threw off his disguise, and the couple were able to begin their lives.
What those stories have to do with how valerian works, I have no idea, but perhaps you can find a connection that will help you remember what valerian does.
Most scientific study has concentrated on the nervine and sedative effects of Valerian. Valerian root enhances the natural body process of slipping into sleep and making the stresses of the day recede. Unlike other sleep aids, valerian does not prevent REM sleep, needed for the active processing done by the brain at that time. It improves sleep quality, particularly for those who sleep poorly or irregularly and for smokers. Appropriate doses for a short period -- no more than 2-3 weeks -- will assist in reminding your body how to relax, without the assistance of the valerian.
Valerian also acts as an antispasmodic, particularly effective for muscle cramping, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. As a pain reliever, it is most effective where the pain is produced by a tensing or tension in the body. For archers, this is important when we haven't been shooting in a while, and our arms or fingers cramp, or for those who battle, to use all of the muscles you use in the battlefield. It is interesting to note that in animal studies, valerian exhibits an anticonvulsant effect, lending credence to historical use for epilepsy.
Valerian has been combined with hops as an alternative to benzodiazepine (Valium and its relations) to treat nonchronic and nonpsychiatric sleep disorders and as a sedative to treat disturbed sleep. It has been used in combination with St. John's wort to treat anxiety; in combination with camphor, nightblooming cereus and hawthorn to treat functional cardiovascular disorders and low blood pressure.
Methods of Valerian Use:
For sedative use: Steep 2 tsp. of the powdered root in a cup of boiling water for 1015 minutes. Drain and drink. However, valerian does not taste particularly good. My recommendation is to add it to your favorite herbal tea (I'd recommend Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime it will smell like dirt, but won't taste bad). For pain relief/muscle cramps: Obtain capsules and take 300 to 500 mg (depending on your size) no more than every 6 hours.
Tincture: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon before bed. (See recipe for tincture below)
To quiet coughs: (This one is new to me comes from Dian Dincin Buchman and I shall be trying it) Add valerian root to raisins, aniseeds and licorice root.
For pain relief on rheumatic joints: Make a poultice from the roots or tincture, or add tincture to bathwater.
Tincture of Valerian: 4 oz. valerian powder 2 pints 90 proof alcohol Additional alcohol for dilution. Moisten the powder, diluting slightly with additional alcohol. Pack the powder into a coffee filter and pour the 2 pints of alcohol over it. Let it drip down. Strain out any powder that has seeped through, and pass the alcohol through the powder again. Pour the liquid into a dark (and labeled) jar.
For Migraine Headaches: 1 teabag of Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea 1/4 tsp. Valerian root powder 1 tsp. Dandelion root 1 tsp. yarrow flowers 1/2 tsp. licorice root powder 1 tsp. black cohosh root Boil the solid roots in 1 1/2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add rest of ingredients and let steep 10 minutes. Strain out all the herbs and drink.
Warning may make you drowsy. Do not take if you have high blood pressure or are subject to urine tests for drugs (Valerian will show up as something you shouldn't be taking).
Warnings: Large amounts of Valerian may cause headaches, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea and morning grogginess. If you experience any of these symptoms when taking a normal dosage, stop taking it immediately. Do not confuse Valerian with Lady's Slipper, which is often called American valerian, although both herbs are said to produce similar therapeutic action.
I’ve read a bit about a plant the famous physician Galen called “Phu” for he was a man who definitely did not like the smell. I’m afraid at times, humans can adopt very strange behaviors and superstitions, based on watching animals reacting to certain plants. Phu is known today as Valerian, and it is most well-beloved of rats and cats. I must carefully wrap, four times over, and then store in a tight container, any valerian root I may have, for otherwise, I would be inundated with the creatures. However, because of this, or some other legends I’ve heard tell of, people will make an extract of the roots, or use the leaves to put the scent on their body to attract a mate. I personally think they’re only going to attract the vermin, but who listens to me?
Some believe that valerian is the plant called spikenard in the Bible. I’ve a hard time believing that Mary would wash the feet of her dying son with a scent that would attract rats to his body. Now, I did hear a tale by a bard of late, telling the story of a man from India, having just gotten married, and being called off to fight in a war. Before he left, he planted valerian outside the door, and told his new bride that as long as the plant grew well and strong, he would be safe. Being a man, of course, he had to test the theory when he returned finally several years later. He disguised himself and looked upon his house, seeing the fully grown, well loved plant being tended by his wife. He threw off his disguise, and the couple were able to begin their lives.
What those stories have to do with how valerian works, I have no idea, but perhaps you can find a connection that will help you remember what valerian does.
Most scientific study has concentrated on the nervine and sedative effects of Valerian. Valerian root enhances the natural body process of slipping into sleep and making the stresses of the day recede. Unlike other sleep aids, valerian does not prevent REM sleep, needed for the active processing done by the brain at that time. It improves sleep quality, particularly for those who sleep poorly or irregularly and for smokers. Appropriate doses for a short period -- no more than 2-3 weeks -- will assist in reminding your body how to relax, without the assistance of the valerian.
Valerian also acts as an antispasmodic, particularly effective for muscle cramping, uterine cramps and intestinal colic. As a pain reliever, it is most effective where the pain is produced by a tensing or tension in the body. For archers, this is important when we haven't been shooting in a while, and our arms or fingers cramp, or for those who battle, to use all of the muscles you use in the battlefield. It is interesting to note that in animal studies, valerian exhibits an anticonvulsant effect, lending credence to historical use for epilepsy.
Valerian has been combined with hops as an alternative to benzodiazepine (Valium and its relations) to treat nonchronic and nonpsychiatric sleep disorders and as a sedative to treat disturbed sleep. It has been used in combination with St. John's wort to treat anxiety; in combination with camphor, nightblooming cereus and hawthorn to treat functional cardiovascular disorders and low blood pressure.
Methods of Valerian Use:
For sedative use: Steep 2 tsp. of the powdered root in a cup of boiling water for 1015 minutes. Drain and drink. However, valerian does not taste particularly good. My recommendation is to add it to your favorite herbal tea (I'd recommend Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime it will smell like dirt, but won't taste bad). For pain relief/muscle cramps: Obtain capsules and take 300 to 500 mg (depending on your size) no more than every 6 hours.
Tincture: Take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon before bed. (See recipe for tincture below)
To quiet coughs: (This one is new to me comes from Dian Dincin Buchman and I shall be trying it) Add valerian root to raisins, aniseeds and licorice root.
For pain relief on rheumatic joints: Make a poultice from the roots or tincture, or add tincture to bathwater.
Tincture of Valerian: 4 oz. valerian powder 2 pints 90 proof alcohol Additional alcohol for dilution. Moisten the powder, diluting slightly with additional alcohol. Pack the powder into a coffee filter and pour the 2 pints of alcohol over it. Let it drip down. Strain out any powder that has seeped through, and pass the alcohol through the powder again. Pour the liquid into a dark (and labeled) jar.
For Migraine Headaches: 1 teabag of Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Tea 1/4 tsp. Valerian root powder 1 tsp. Dandelion root 1 tsp. yarrow flowers 1/2 tsp. licorice root powder 1 tsp. black cohosh root Boil the solid roots in 1 1/2 cups of water for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add rest of ingredients and let steep 10 minutes. Strain out all the herbs and drink.
Warning may make you drowsy. Do not take if you have high blood pressure or are subject to urine tests for drugs (Valerian will show up as something you shouldn't be taking).
Warnings: Large amounts of Valerian may cause headaches, giddiness, blurred vision, restlessness, nausea and morning grogginess. If you experience any of these symptoms when taking a normal dosage, stop taking it immediately. Do not confuse Valerian with Lady's Slipper, which is often called American valerian, although both herbs are said to produce similar therapeutic action.
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