Valerian Officinalis

Valerian, also known as All-Heal, Capon’s Tail and Garden Heliotrope, is one of the most widely used natural sedatives used today.  It’s effects are gentle, yet quite pronounced, making it an ideal herbal remedy for disorders involving over stimulation of the nervous system such as anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian contains several pharmacologically active compounds, however the exact mechanism of its sedative properties is unknown.  In ayurvedic medicine, the sedative qualities of valerian are explained by its cleansing effect on the vata where there is an unhealthy accumulation of vata in the nerve channels resulting in over stimulation.

Fortunately, however, its safety is well documented.  Unlike many artificial sedatives, it is not habit forming and has very low toxicity.

Valerian is widely available in pill form as a dietary supplement and as a tea, both loose and in prepackaged tea bags.  Many who use valerian find that a tea brewed with one to two teaspoons of loose, dry valerian per cup of hot (but not boiling, as some of the effective volatile oils may be driven off) water achieves optimum benefits. When taken in pill form as a dietary supplement, follow the instructions on the package, as formulas may vary.

For insomnia, consume the tea an hour before the bedtime to allow its peak effects to coincide with the time at which sleep is desired.  Be careful not to be in a position in which driving may be necessary during that time as the pleasant sensation of sleepiness can be quite pronounced.  A similar dose is effective against anxiety, but again driving or the operation of machinery should be avoided.

It should be noted that valerian is known for having a somewhat bitter aroma.  This is normal, but if the smell is too strong for some users, it may be combined with the sweet smelling ginger, cinnamon or lavender to offset the aroma.

Saw Palmetto, An Herbal Remedy For Enlarged Prostate

Saw palmetto is a dwarf palm native to coastal southern United States. For hundreds of years, American Indian men have used an extract of the dried, ripe, brownish-black berries of the saw palmetto to address urinary issues arising from an enlarged prostate.

Many human trials report that saw palmetto improves symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy such as nighttime urination, and decreased urinary flow.

To treat urinary symptons due to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy), several studies have used a dose of 320 milligrams daily in a single dose or divided into two doses (from 80% to 90% content Liposterol).  Reports indicate that 160 milligrams once daily, can be as effective when administered twice daily. Compared with placebo saw palmetto improved peak urinary flow half of 1.9 ml / second with a mean urinary flow rate of 2.2 ml / second (Figure 1).

Traditional preparations include the following: 1 to 2 grams of dry whole or ground berries daily, from 2 to 4 milliliters of tincture (1:4) three times a day ; of 1st 2 milliliters of fluid extract of berry pulp (1:1) 3 times a day, or tea (2 teaspoons dried berry with 24 ounces of water, simmering until the liquid is reduced by half ) taken in doses of 4 ounces three times a day.  The tea prepared from the berries of saw palmetto is potentially not effective, however, as active ingredients can not dissolve in water. Some experts believe that a preparation called lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESR) may cause fewer side effects.

St. John's Wort, An Herbal Remedy For Depression

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbaceous perennial grows 1 to 3 feet tall in uncultivated ground, woods, along hedges and roads and in meadows.
The herb has been used medicinally for centuries.  In ancient Greece, the early physicians Galen and Dioscorides recommended Hypericum perforatum as a diuretic, wound healing herb and treatment for menstrual disorders.  Interestingly, the name Hypericum perforatum is derived from Greek meaning “over an apparition” and refers to its supposed power to ward off evil spirits.

Contemporary herbalists most often suggest St. John’s Wort for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, and it is widely and safely used for that purpose.  The herbal remedy had fewer side effects than prescription antidepressants, and research has shown it safe and effective for the long-term treatment of moderate depression. St. John’s wort contains hypericin, which inhibits monoamine oxidase, a bodily chemical that is associated with depression.  It also appears to have a positive impact on the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin, which results in mood elevation.

There are many over the counter St. John’s supplements available.  Preparation strength varies widely, so it is important to read the labels.  For minor depression, 300 milligrams of active ingredient should be sufficient to moderate depression at least 900 milligrams a day are needed to achieve an effect.  Preparations from supermarkets and drug stores usually contain a significantly smaller amount of active ingredient. The same applies to tea preparations. The effect is felt only after about three weeks. One lasting impact is even only after four to six months.

As with any therapeutic agent, caution is needed. The active agents of the St. John’s Wort is metabolized by the liver, and there may be interactions with other drugs (for example, blood-thinning medications, some antibiotics, beta blockers, fat-lowering agents, cortisone, epilepsy drugs, and cytostatics and sedatives).  Another side effect, light sensitivity of the skin, has been observed. This side effect is reinforced by the simultaneous intake of birth control pills.

(Also known as St. John’s Wart)