Valerian, or cat’s-root, is an easily available and very useful herb that cats love to smell. But it’s not just for them, it’s also very useful for humans.
Valerian helps to combat anxiety
The sedative properties of valerian (valeriana officinalis) have been well documented and it is no coincidence that it has been used for centuries.
Valerian is also recommended for fibromyalgia sufferers
Fibromyalgia sufferers and chronic fatigue sufferers often report difficulty falling asleep, trouble sleeping and the inability to wake up to almost anything and get a restful night’s sleep. Valerian can help them too. It is very important for people with these conditions to improve the quality and quantity of their sleep, as restful sleep is one of the keys to tissue and cell regeneration and healing.
Valerian can also be used to treat insomnia
Anyone who has trouble sleeping or suffers from chronic insomnia is well advised to give valerian a try, as it works relatively quickly and with great effectiveness for most people.
It can also help people with bipolar disorder
For people who want to tackle the mood swings, anxiety and insomnia associated with bipolar disorder, valerian has been shown in several studies to have good results.
Valerian is also good for muscle spasms
Because valerian is a great tension reliever , it can also be effective for gynaecological problems and muscle spasms. Boil two to three tablespoons of dried valerian in a large cup, cover and leave to steep for at least 45 minutes. Strain and drink. You can also boil a larger quantity, as it will keep for three days in the fridge. Drink two to three times a day.
