Valeriana Officinalis: A Historical Monograph, Research Paper Example

Names: Valeriana officinalis, valerian. The ancient names are “phu” (exclamation of disgust caused by the dried root of the plant) and “nard” (from Sanskrit, “strong smell”). There are many varieties of the herb; for example, Greek Valerian, Valeriana Indica, Belgian Valerian all-heal, English valerian, American valerian, etc. The following names are also used: cat’s love, garden heliotrope, great wild valerian, vandal root, Lady Slipper, Umbil, female nervine, etc. (Clymer, 1905)

Definition of Drug: The origin of the word “valerian” may reveal its effects. The Latin word “valere” means to be healthy or strong in English. Valerian belongs to the genus valeriana – Valerianaceae. Clymer (1905) mentioned that this herbal remedy is one of the valuable medicines of Mother Nature. It is highly demanded in all those medical cases, where the herb of this kind is necessary. Since the ancient times, Valeriana officinalis has been acknowledged as one of the best stimulants, a powerful sedative and anxiolytic. It has been known as the remover of numerous diseases and disorders: nervous disorders, gastrointesitinal diseases (including worms), insomnia, etc. (Clymer, 1905). Thus, Valerian is of great use in many medical cases, because it possesses sensible qualities that make Valeriana officinalis a valuable plant.

The Drug in Commerce: Since the time Valeriana officinalis was found, it has become a commercial item of homeopathic pharmacies and a significant plant of material medica. It is believed to be a native for Europe; it was introduced into North America. Both in Europe and North America, the herb is grown for commercial use in specific climate and zones. The medical practice shows that this herb is popular in medicine and trade at once. The dried drug (valerian) has always been of great value owing to significant medical properties. Valerian is a herb prepared from the plant roots which after certain processes (for example, dehydration) are packaged, and can be sold in the form of capsules. Oil of yellow, brownish, and green color is the most valuable constituent presented in the roots. Usually, volatile oils form active ingredients for the drug production. For the reason that valerian is a fragrant plant and possesses a strong aroma, women have used it in small dosage as perfume that has also been an item of commerce. Although it was quite expensive item of commerce in the medieval Europe, it spread all over the world. Valeriana officinalis has been widely used in commerce of Europe, America, etc. (Ellingwood, 1919).

Physiological Actions: The influence of valerian on human high nervous was known in ancient times. The physiological actions of this herb are notable. It excites the human cerebrospinal system. When it is taken into the stomach, it produces warmth. The rhizome and root of the plant possess medical properties that beneficially influence human health. According to some researchers, the primary effect is stimulation; it follows by depression of the nerve centers. It causes the soothing effect in cases of nervous excitement, epilepsy, headaches, and hysterical conditions (Ellingwood, 1919). It interacts with human nervous system. It is believed that “oil of valerian reduces the reflex excitability, motility, and sensibility” (Bartholow, 1878, ¶ 10). The medical experience shows that valerian reduces the feelings of stress and anxiety. It improves sleep quality, because it causes slow pulse and the feeling of drowsiness. Moreover, it relaxes intestinal muscles. The drug has a salutary effect on the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, and urinary tracts. Its oil causes the increase of urine (Bartholow, 1878).

Historical Usage: The historical usage of this herb may reveal the multifaceted nature of Valeriana offcinalis. It was widely used in medicine of the ancient times. The essential qualities of valerian are mentioned in early texts. Spiritual, home, and professional usage of the plant should be revealed to understand the multi-faceted application of the plant in numerous aspects of a human life.

Spiritual Use: The volatile essential oils of Valeriana officinalis are highly appreciated. The calmative effect is one of the valuable advantages of the herb. The drops of tinctures made of the valerian root relax mental-nervous system (Clymer, 1905). However, large dosage may negatively affect the human organism: such undesirable consequences as visual illusions and central paralysis may appear (Ellingwood, 1919).

Folklore/ Home Use: Homeopathy experience [roves that valerian can be applied to help people to cure their diseases in home conditions without professional medical aid. Although some varieties of valerian grow in the eastern North America, it is a European plant. People, who inhabit moisture, dump sandy woodlands, or wet places may plant valerian, and apply it in home use. In the XX cen., Valeriana officinalis is widely used as a nonprescription hypnotic and daytime relaxant in the European countries. Common people in case of restless states use the valerian root; it affects the central nervous system, and copes with tenseness, irritability, nervousness, and insomnia (Clymer, 1905). In domestic conditions, it is quite easy to get dried roots and tinctures to cure some diseases. The tea made of its root may heal people even at home: it is helpful in fever. The valerian leaves are serviceable in consumption. Contrary to some opinions, valerian is not a narcotic, although it produces deep sleep. For this reason, middle-aged and elderly people may use it if they can not sleep well (Ellingwood, 1919).

Professional Use: Since ancient times, people have recommended to use valerian root in many disorders (for example, in stomach problems, increased heart palpitations, problems with urinary tract, epilepsy, etc.). Some physicians thought that Valeriana officinalis is an effective primary medicine for insomnia (Brown, 1993). As it was mentioned, the drug with this herb is used in treatment and therapy. Exactly the valerian compounds make it the essential herb in medicine: ammonium, velerianic, malic, and other acids, tannin, resin and other constituents are employed in drug preparation (Ellingwood, 1919). Clymer (1905) says that valerian is one of the best nervines and stimulants in the nature. The powder made of the root

“will produce the most beneficial effects in all cases of nervous affections, as also in hysterical symptoms…This powder has a tendency to promote sleep and is highly soothing, but this is due to its potency to quiet the nerves and to create a state of ease, permitting sleep during which Nature may tone up the system and heal the affictions” (Clymer, 1905, p. 76).

By the 18^th century, the properties of Valeriana officinalis are used to treat nervous disorders and restless states of the human organism. In addition, it was commonly used in cases of headaches, palpitations, anxiety, nervous problems. In the XIX cen., Scudder (1870) claimed that “valerian is a cerebral stimulant…It allays nervous irritability, modifies or arrests pain, promotes rest, and favors sleep, where these conditions result from an enfeebled cerebral circulation” (Scudder, 1870, p. 234). Thus, this remedy has been used as a stimulant in many cases.

Valerian is a medicine that found its primary practical application in treatment of nervous disorders:  particularly, it is serviceable in epilepsies, in hysterical affections; moreover, it is effective even in consumptions. The influence of valerian is best obtained if a face is pale, and skin is cool; it is especially effective when the nervous centers are feeble and inactive. In pruritus, stomach disorders, and diabetes, valerian can also be used (Ellingwood, 1919). In the beginning of the XX cen. the powder made of its root is a widespread remedy (Clymer, 1905).

The medical experience proves that valerian can be recommended in case of local headache (for example, in temporals): it effectively relieves the pain in the head. Besides, it acts against the diseases of stomach, thorax, and uterus. Moreover, it can be used as an excellent vermifuge. The researchers examined healing properties of Valeriana officinalis, and concluded that it is useful not only in the cases of nervous affections. It is beneficial in warm complaints, as it makes them to leave the human organism. Hence, valerian can be indispensable in verminous diseases. However, the traditional usage of valerian may vary. As medicine develops, it shows that valerian is not a universal remedy. In the XIX cen., the researcher notes:

“The chief therapeutic use of valerian is in the treatment of nervousness, hysteria, and hysterical disorders generally. There can be no difference of opinion as to its great value in these cases; but as respects epilepsy, chorea, paralysis agitans, etc., in which it was formerly used, it must suffice to say that it is now never prescribed” (Bartholow, 1878, ¶ 14).

Hence, valerian is the most effective, when it is employed in nervous disorders. However, many practitioners who use valerian in either treatment or everyday life appreciate its qualities. Brown (1993) mentions: “the odor is not considerable; it is fetid, characteristic, and highly attractive to cats, and, it is said, to rats also” (Brown, 1993, ¶ 4). Hence, it can be used as a catmint. It is said that the valerian smell is attractive to rats, as well. For this reason, valerian finds its practical application, when the presence of a cat is necessary (for example, if there are rats in the house).

Although there have appeared more potent pharmacological medicines, valerian assumed great importance in the traditional medicine. Many drugs are produced on its basis: infusion of valerian give a sedative effect, and acts as a nervous stimulant. Usually, it is combined with another sedative herbal remedies (Brown, 1993). The professional practitioners have found several optimum dosage of valerian. For example, in the beginning of the XX cen., it is professionally used in the following dosage:

“Extractum valerianae fluidum, fluid extract of valerian. Dose – ten minims to two drams.

Specific valerian. Dose – five to sixty minims.

Tinctura valerianae ammoniata, ammoniated tincture of valerian. Dose – one to two drams.

Oleum valerianae, oil of valerian. Dose – one to five minims” (Ellingwood, 1919, ¶ 3).

Preparation and Dosage: The secrets of preparation of powders, valerian extracts and infusions are derived from the medical practice. For example, Clymer says that powder is an effective nervine for both women and men. In the book, he recommends, “half a teaspoonful may be given in hot water and the dose repeated as often as necessary” (Clymer, 1905, p. 76). The powder is prepared of the roots. The author gives his advice concerning the preparation of this healing powder:

“When the roots are dug, they must be washed clean, carefully dried, and then ground into a powder, sifted through a fine sieve and preserved from the air for future use” (Clymer, 1993, p. 76)

Naturally, there are numerous ways of preparation. Scudder underlines that tinctures are made on the basis of alcohol; the drops of tincture should be taken daily if it is necessary (Scudder, 1870). The healing properties of dried roots, infusions, and extracts of Valeriana officinalis are highly appreciated in home and professional medicine. Infusions are also helpful. According to Brown, “of the infusion, one or two fluid ounces, as often as may be prescribed by a physician” (Brown, 1993, ¶ 6). As one may see, the dosage of valerian is moderate.

Tinctures made of valerian stem and roots are useful in preparation of a nerve remedy. For example, Clymer recommends, “the dosage is from 15 to 30 drops, depending altogether on the seriousness of the condition” (Clymer, 1905, p. 81). The tea is made of valerian leaves that are added to the hot water. The valerian tea is a perfect relaxant that removes depression. It positively influences human mental-nervous system.

Besides infusions, powders, tinctures and teas, it is possible to drink the plant juice, as well. It is recommended to take a tablespoon of the squeezed juice three times every day. All the virtues of the plant are in its fluidextracts. Brown writes: “the officinal part is the root. The taste of the root is warm, camphoraceous, slightly bitter, somewhat acrid, and nauseous” (Brown, 1993, ¶ 4). For this reason, everyone who uses valerian for treatment should be aware of its specific taste and odor.

Besides, valerian contains essential oil that has been used in pharmacy for a long time. There are different ways to obtain this oil. For example, it can be distilled from the plant. Bartholow (1878) underlines that “in the process of drying of the root, or on exposure to the air of the oil distilled from fresh roots, valerianic acid is formed” (Bartholow, 1878, ¶ 7). This way, the dried root gives an opportunity to obtain healing acid and oil.

Moderate dosage of valerian heals and strengthens human health. However, in too small dosage, it is not possible to observe positive changes. At the same time, people should know dosage to avoid undesirable consequences. Each medicine may turn into poison, and Valeriana officinalis is not an exception (Ellingwood, 1919).

Cautions: Practitioners of Valeriana officinalis should use caution when take the herb. Treatment is a controlled process that supposes correct dosage of the remedy. Medical experience shows the possible danger of large doses. Heaviness in the head and dull pain are only some of the negative effects. Some researchers mention that prepared valerian root (in form of fluidextract, oleo, tincture, etc.) may produce negative effect in large doses. The physiological action is the following:

“valerian in large doses stimulates the brain, causing headache, giddiness, perverted vision, restlessness, agitation, nausea. Large doses of the oil cause increase of urine with slow pulse and drowsiness, ending in deep sleep. It lessens sensibility, motility and reflex excitability, and, if the dose be large enough, causes central paralysis” (Ellingwood, 1919, ¶ 4).

Although valerian is not a narcotic, it may be harmful for human health. For example, Brown mentions: “in large doses it causes headaches, mental excitement, visual illusions, giddiness, restlessness, agitation, and even spasmodic movements” (Brown, 1993, ¶ 5). Taking into consideration the possible dangerous effects of valerian, one should follow the recommendations concerning its usage. Bartholow notes: “in large doses, nausea, hiccough, eructations of the drug, vomiting, and diarrhoea, may be produced” (Bartholow, 1878, ¶ 11). Other researchers show the results of the medical trials with this herb. According to the data, long-term use may induce a condition of melancholy and even hysterical depression. Besides, valerian has a special effect: it may influence upon “disordered motility” (Ellingwood, 1919, 8). Moreover, if valerian is used in wrong dosage, it may become a toxic agent (produced by large doses of valerian acids) that adversely affects one’s health.

References

Bartholow, R. (1878). Valeriana; valerian. In Bartholow, A Practical Treatise on Materia Medica and Therapeutics. Retrieved from http://chestofbooks.com/health/materia-medica-drugs/Roberts-Bartholow/Practical-Treatise/Valeriana-Valerian.html

Brown, P. (1993). Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis). In Brown, The Complete Herbalist. Retrieved from http://chestofbooks.com/health/herbs/O-Phelps-Brown/The-Complete-Herbalist/Valerian-Valeriana-Officinalis.html

Clymer, R. (2003). Medicines of Nature: the Thomsonian System, 1905. Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing.

Ellingwood, F. (1919). The American Materia Medica. Retrieved from http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/ellingwood/valeriana.html

Scudder, J. (1870). Specific Medication and Specific Medicines. Stanford, CA: Wilstach, Baldwin & Co.