Complaints of anxiety and sleep disorders are extremely prevalent. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects 3.1% of the U.S. population, that’s roughly 6.8 million people. Meanwhile, as many as 35% of American adults report having experienced insomnia – inability to sleep – at least once in the last 90 days.
What many people don’t know is that options are available without resorting to sedative-hypnotic drugs that bring the risk of dependency, like Ambien or Lunesta.
In This Article:
- What is Valerian Root?
- Valerian Root Benefits
1 What is Valerian Root?
Valeriana Officinalis – or valerian – is a plant that has been imported to the Americas from where it originally grew natively in Asia and Eastern Europe.
Valerian root is an herb and is rich in valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, and abundant antioxidants – each of which is known to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Studies have demonstrated these results over and over.
2 Valerian Root Benefits
The body’s chemical “messenger”, GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) has been observed to respond to valerian in its activity related to nerve impulses in the brain and central nervous system. Researchers have established that low GABA levels are related to anxiety and low-quality sleep, making balanced GABA levels crucial for relaxation.
Valerenic acid has been found to slow the breakdown of GABA, leading to higher levels in your system. Reinforcing GABA levels in the brain is the same way in which Valium and Xanax work, leading to feelings of calmness, tranquility, and healthier sleep.
Valerian root also contained the antioxidants linarin and hesperidin, both of which have been studied for their sedative and sleep-inducing capability. In particular, the amygdala – the brain’s emotional center – has been shown to respond to valerian root with a balancing of excessive activity.
If you have experienced trying to relax while your brain reminds you of various worries and grudges, these worries stem from activity in the amygdala, something you can now treat.
Additional studies are needed, but studies in animals have shown that valerian improves the response to stresses, both physical and mental. In these cases, the animals were observed to have higher levels of serotonin, an ingredient in the brain chemistry that regulates mood.
A 2006 study found that valerian in combination with lemon extract possesses anxiolytic properties that warrant larger studies. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, anxiolytic effects were measured simultaneously with the application of stress factors.
The study found that a 600mg dose of the combination improved the effects of the simulated stresses, producing calm, focus, and tranquility.
Compared to synthetic drugs such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or even melatonin, valerian root, such as that included in Regen Labs InstaZen®, is considered gentler and safe to use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In addition, melatonin tells your body that it is time to sleep, but does not affect stress in the same way valerian root does. If you are stressed or experiencing anxiety, valerian may deliver more benefits.
If you have questions about valerian root or anxiety, Regen Labs has options for you. All Regen Labs products support the body’s natural systems for healthy brain, skin, muscle, and sexual health.
Without toxins or synthetics, Regen Labs products contain research-proven ingredients to boost the body's natural ability for optimal health.
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