Are there different types of valerian?
Two species of Valerian, Valeriana officinalis and V. dioica, are indigenous in Britain, while a third, V. pyrenaica, is naturalized in some parts. The genus comprises about 150 species, which are widely distributed in the temperate parts of the world.
What do valerian flowers look like?
Valeriana officinalis can grow up to 2m tall, producing deep pink buts that open into fairly loose clusters of pink five-petalled flowers, the petals joined at the base to form a trumpet-like corolla. Common Valerian flowers are 4 to 5mm long.
What are side effects of valerian?
Although valerian is thought to be fairly safe, side effects such as headache, dizziness, stomach problems or sleeplessness may occur. Valerian may not be safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Why is valerian banned?
It was banned in the US before the Jockey Club and FEI started testing for its active component, valerenic acid. Valerian is prohibited in competitions because the FEI takes the view that it has a pharmacological effect and could have a positive modifying influence on performance.
Is valerian an invasive plant?
Garden valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial non-native invasive plant of sunny wetlands and roadsides. Untreated, this plant can form dense infestations that replace native vegetation and harm wildlife habitat.
Where should I plant valerian?
Where to grow valerian. Grow valerian in a cottage garden, an informal border or wild garden, at the edge of a pond or streamside, ideally in moist soil. Site in sun or partial shade. The flower stems of valerian grow to 1-1.5m tall from a basal clump of foliage, so plant towards the middle or back of a border.
Does valerian make you poop?
Valerian root appears to have a laxative effect, which may lead to diarrhea or upset stomach.
Can valerian affect your heart?
While the effects of valerian in people with heart rhythm disorders hasn’t been evaluated, the supplement has been shown to slow the heart rate in some people and may cause certain abnormal rhythms. For this reason, you should be very cautious about taking valerian if you have an abnormal heart rhythm.
Are there any side effects of valerian root?
In all the clinical studies of valerian, there have been few reported serious side effects, according to the National Institutes of Health. What’s more, many of the most commonly reported side effects also occurred in people who took a placebo, or inactive pill.
Is Valerian a perennial?
Valerian (scientific name: Valeriana officinalis ), is a perennial flowering plant, characterized by sweetly scented flowers which are either pink or white in color. The plant native to Europe and northern Asia was introduced in North America by the Europeans. It adapted to the damp areas of the American continents very well.
Who shouldn’t take Valerian?
Certain groups of people shouldn’t take valerian, including: The potential effects of valerian on a developing fetus or newborn baby haven’t been evaluated, so it’s safest to avoid this supplement if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Likewise, the effects of valerian in young children haven’t been evaluated, so it shouldn’t be given to children.
Does Valerian help you sleep?
Studies on valerian as a sleep aid have come to mixed conclusions on the herb’s effectiveness, which may be related to varying amounts of its active components in different products. But almost across the board, studies have concluded that for most people, valerian is safe, with few serious side effects reported. ( 1)