I’ve suffered from anxiety since my early 20’s. I’ve never taken medication for this. But I do use natural remedies.
Anxiety is something I’ve learned to live with. I worry about my husband. I worry about my children. I hope my other loved ones are doing okay. I worry about the world.
I don’t think my anxiety will ever totally go away. But I’ve learned to manage it naturally, with herbs, homeopathy and essential oils.
For me, plant-based remedies work amazingly well at taking the edge off. Valerian is one herb that’s long been recommended for its calming effects. For hundreds of years, dating back to at least the 2nd Century AD, people have taken natural valerian root to ease their stress, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center website.
This herb then became the “go to” remedy for nervousness in Europe during the 1600’s. It’s now making a huge comeback. We live in very stressful times. So it’s good to know about safe options for stress. Also, a growing number of people are interested in plant-based medicine instead of drugs.
Does Valerian Root Help Anxiety?
Valerian has a long track record as an anti-anxiety treatment. I’m not one that clings to scientific studies, before taking an herb, as long as it has a history of helping a particular condition.
But I realize some of my readers like to know about modern research, so I often include it. Many people are more comfortable when they know something is sanctioned by mainstream medicine.
Anyway, Valerian is beginning to get more respect as a natural anti-anxiety option.
Currently, according to the UMMC, it’s being used in Germany as a “mild sedative.” Some studies show it helps insomnia.
But there’s one problem. Some of these studies look at Valerian in isolation. Herbalists, on the other hand, typically suggest taking a blend of multiple herbs.
That’s because it’s believed the different ingredients work together to create a more effective synergy. So, if you went to a holistic healer, you’d probably be told to take several herbs together.
Study design is also a factor. In medical circles, it’s well known that results can be slanted in either direction, depending on how a particular study is set up.
One large paper looked at the available research on Valerian. This meta-analysis was published in the December 2006 edition of the American Journal of Medicine. It noted some of the literature had design flaws. However, it concluded that, ” The available evidence suggests that valerian might improve sleep quality without producing side effects.”
Luna Herbal Supplement With Valerian Root
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Luna Natural Sleep Aid, shown above, contains Valerian, Chamomile, Passionflower, Lemon Balm and Hops. All of these herbs are often used for anxiety as well. This is where the synergy comes in.
This sleep formula also contains magnesium, a mineral many of us don’t get enough of. Deficiencies are associated with insomnia and anxiety. It also includes the amino acid L-taurine, associated with protecting the body from the effects of aging. Luna sleep formula also has melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep.
Please understand that I’m not making any claims or promises about any particular product. But I do like to share information, so my readers can do their own research and then make the best decisions for their health.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. People with health concerns should discuss them with a doctor. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies, unless under the direction of a health care professional.
I’m not a healthcare professional, so all of the above statements are my personal opinion, and are not intended as medical advice.
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