People that suffer from insomnia often find themselves seeking a natural remedy to overcome their sleeplessness. One of the more common insomnia herbs used are extracts from valerian roots. The Valerian plant is naturally growing plant common to the continents of both Europe and Asia. The only part of the 4 foot high plant used for natural remedy purposes is the root. The root is dried and used to treat various aliments and conditions including stomach distress, headaches, anxiety and more commonly, insomnia.

Naturalist and herbal remedy specialist believe Valerian roots have been used as far back in antiquity as the time of Alexander the Great and is Greek empire. Although used for thousands of years as a sleep aid, only recently since the introduction of synthesized prescription medications has it’s use dwindled. However, with the availability of information over the Internet, more people are re-educating themselves about the forgotten uses of natural sources to treat everyday conditions. Valerian roots and valerian extract can be found in the local health food store in various forms including capsules, tablets, tea bags and liquid form.

Valerian Roots Used To Treat Insomnia

Insomnia is a condition which effects untold thousands and is when an individual has difficulty falling asleep or once falling asleep, the ability to stay asleep. Some people only suffer from mild symptoms of insomnia while other suffer from severe bouts, commonly known as either as chronic or acute. Most people whom have acute insomnia may not consider using Valerian roots as a sleep aid. However, those that suffer from chronic insomnia may consider as an option for alleviating their insomnia. Whatever the case may be for an individual, poor sleep quality can have adverse effects on overall wellness.

Valerian used an insomnia treatment probably will not work as well as prescription sleep aid, some herbal remedy enthusiast suggest it is am excellent source in comparison to prescription medications which can have adverse side-effects. Many people that have used prescribed medications to treat their insomnia have reported feeling un-rested and lethargic, common side-effects of sleep-aid prescription medication. Valerian extracts appear to not have these side-effects which is another reason herbalist utilize Valerian roots in sleep management routines.

Valerian Side Effects

When using any medication, supplement or natural remedy extract, side effects are always possible. Valerian side effects can happen, but mostly form taking the extract at the wrong time of the day, which should be taken at night. Possible Valerian side effects are usually mild and are not serious. Headaches are one the more commonly reported side effects. Digestive distress, dry mouth and some users have reported more intense dreams than normal. Being a bit drowsy when waking in the morning have also been reported.

Serious, but uncommon side-effects have been reported and should be discussed with your doctor immediately. Liver damage has been reported, hives, rash, itching and other allergic reactions. These side effects are infrequent and uncommon with most people using Valerian roots extract reporting no adverse Valerian side effects.

Valerian roots and it’s various forms have been used for thousands of years to treat everyday problems and conditions. If you suffer from disrupted sleep or struggle to fall asleep, a valerian insomnia cure may be just what you need to obtain a restful sleep.