Valerian Root Supplements Aren’t Just For Sleep
Avoiding stress is difficult in today’s high-pressure society. The pace and pressures of modern life can make anyone feel like it’s all too much sometimes. Needing a little help coping is normal, and healthy. In fact, over 40 million Americans, 18% of the population, experience anxiety every year. Sometimes a remedy is crucial yet only 36% of anxiety is treated. That means a lot of use are suffering in silence. Lack of treatment can be attributed to fear of social stigma, access to resources or an inability to find a solution that aligns with your personal beliefs. If you’ve found yourself wondering if there are natural remedies that can help lessen the burden of anxiety, you may want to consider the benefits of valerian supplements.
Herbal medicine has been around for centuries in every culture around the globe, from the Greeks and Romans to the Chinese herbalists or Ayurvedic practitioners of India. Herbal supplements are free from chemicals and additives that may trigger allergies, are accessible for more people than prescription medicine and can be a great option for your body and mind.
Curious? We’re here to spill all on one of the most effective natural stress relievers –valerian.
Using Valerian To Relieve Stress
Valerian has been used globally to help treat stress-related issues such as anxiety and insomnia for centuries. In fact, valerian is one of the most popular natural anxiety remedies in multiple cultures including Indian Ayurvedic practices. Valerian’s nickname is ‘nature’s Valium’ due to it’s ability to encourage feelings of tranquility and peace as well as promote peaceful sleep.
The valerian plant is native to Asia and Europe, but today it’s also grown in the US, China, and other countries around the world. All parts of the valerian plant, valerian leaves, roots and flowers are used to make supplements or aromatics. Flowers extracted from the valerian plant were once used to create perfumes while the root has been used in traditional medicine for a whopping 2,000 years. While the flowers smell beautiful and fragrant, the root offers a strong, earthy smell.
Valerian root extract is available in many forms, such as natural stress pills in capsule or liquid form. It can also be drunk as a tea or infused with other natural stress-relieving ingredients.
How Does Valerian Work?
You may be wondering ‘how exactly does Valerian work? Well, the valerian root is packed full of several compounds that help encourage sleep and lessen anxiety. These compounds include valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, and many antioxidants.
Valerian root has gained attention for its interaction with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is a chemical messenger that works to maintain nerve impulses in the brain and nervous system. Researchers have discovered that low GABA levels linked to acute and chronic stress connect to anxiety and low-quality sleep.
Valerenic acid reduces the breakdown of GABA in the brain, leading to relaxed feelings of calmness and tranquility.
How Do Valerian Herbs Help You Relax?
We all know that staying calm while stressed can be difficult. But valerian root is a great herb for stress, as research suggests that it can help reduce anxious feelings that result in response to stressful circumstances. In one study, rats that were given valerian root before a maze experiment offered significantly less anxious traits than other rats that were left untreated or were given alcohol.
How Do Valerian Roots Help You Sleep?
Sleep disorders are very common, and many people struggle to get enough shuteye at night. Thankfully, natural stress relievers like valerian root can help in such situations.
Research reveals that taking valerian root can help lessen the amount of time it takes to fall into a slumber. Plus, it can help improve sleep quality and quantity too.
In a study of 27 adults that suffered from sleep issues, 24 noted improved sleep, while 12 reported they had experienced perfect sleep after consuming 400mg of valerian root.
What Are Other Natural Stress Remedies?
Aside from consuming valerian herbs, there are some other natural ways to reduce stress. Here are some more effective options.
Talking To Relieve Stress
One of the easiest – and cheapest – ways to reduce stress is to reach out and speak to someone such as a closer friend or relative. That way, you can get your worries and woes off your chest and can articulate what’s bothering you in life. Your loved ones can help you brainstorm solutions, and you’ll find that talking to someone you trust will make you feel a whole lot better. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak to someone close to you, whether that’s a family member, best friend, or co-worker.
Exercising To Relieve Stress
While you may not feel like exercising when you’re feeling stressed, even just 30 minutes of exercise a day can improve your mental health.
Most forms of exercise can help lessen feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Next time you’re feeling anxious or worried, jump on a cardio machine for 30 minutes or even talk a relaxing walk outdoors. When your workout is complete, you’ll feel a lot better.
While all types of exercise are beneficial for stress, yoga offers meditative properties to ease the mind, body, and soul. Movements completed in yoga can help build core strength and enhance breathing, which can, in turn, reduce stress.
Ready To Try Natural Stress Relievers?
Natural stress relievers like valerian can help improve sleep, encourage relaxation, and lessen anxiety. While valerian appears to be safe when consumed at the suggested dosage, like with any medication, you should speak to your doctor before considering it. That’s especially if you’re taking any other medications or suffer from a health condition. Given the benefits of valerian herbs and other natural stress relievers, you may want to give it a try if you have issues with stress and a lack of sleep before reaching for the prescription pills.
Here at HempLyfe, we offer several products that infuse CBD with valerian to deliver super-speedy bioavailability to get your mood back on track. Shop here to find the stress-relieving product to suit you.