Valerian Root / Chamomile

Valerian Root was traditionally used for epilepsy, sleeplessness, nervousness, hysteria, and as a diuretic and emmenagogue. It has been used for nervousness and insomnia in Ayurvedic medicine in India, and in traditional Chinese medicine. By the eighteenth century, this herb was an accepted sedative, and was also used for nervous disorders associated with a restless digestive tract. During World War I, Valerian was given to shell-shocked soldiers and stressed civilians. In Europe, Valerian is still the most common non-prescription sedative, where over one hundred Valerian preparations are sold in pharmacies. Valerian Root was a very popular sleep sedative in the United States until it was displaced by synthetic drugs after World War II. Clinical studies have shown that people taking Valerian Root had shown significantly improved sleep quality without morning grogginess. Some researchers have compared Valerian Root to benzodiazepines such as ValiumT. However, Valerian is a much milder and safer sedative. Unlike ValiumT, Valerian is not addictive or does not promote dependency. And Valerian's sedative effect is not significantly exaggerated by alcohol and barbiturates (unlike ValiumT), and also has not been linked to any birth defects (again, unlike ValiumT). Valerian is a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant, as well as a premier sedative that aids in anxiety, stress and insomnia. The primary chemical constituents of Valerian Root include valepotriates, alkaloids, valerenic acid, essential oils, caffeic acid, beta-sitosterol, tannin, manganese, calcium, choline, and B vitamins. Valerian Root contains many different constituents, including essential oils that appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors. Valerian may weakly bind to these receptors to exert a sedating effect. Recent studies indicate that valepotriates and valerenic acid can bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as benzodiazepine drugs.

Chamomile is one of the oldest favorites amongst garden herbs, and its reputation as a medicinal plant shows little signs of abatement. The Ancient Egyptians reverenced it for its virtues, and from their belief in its power to cure aging, dedicated it to their gods. No plant was better known to the country folk of old, it having been grown for centuries in English gardens for its use as a common domestic medicine. Chamomile has been described by the Germans as "Alles zutraut", meaning "capable of anything" because of the belief that Chamomile can cure almost anything. Teas, ointments, lotions, extracts, and inhalations have been made and used for both medicinal and cosmetic purposes. The active principles are a volatile oil of pale blue color, a little Anthemic acid (a bitter principle), tannic acid and a glucoside. Chamomile's high content of the amino acid tryptophan has been used for sleeplessness and insomnia since the 1610's. Chamomile is an excellent herb for people that complain about every little thing as well as for those who have the urge to urinate constantly. It helps to restore an exhausted nervous system. It is served in some European hospitals to calm patients. Use Chamomile tea to treat the headaches due to caffeine withdrawal. It is also wonderful for soothing an upset stomach. Chamomile is frequently used as a mild sedative, to calm the nerves reduce anxiety, and induce a state of pleasant relaxation without disrupting normal function or interfering with motor coordination. Chamomile is a carminative, calming upset stomachs and easing digestion. Chamomile's effectiveness is also due to its anti-inflammatory properties, soothing ulcers and reducing gastritis and other mucous membrane inflammations. One of the most popular uses for chamomile has been in creams and lotions for the skin. Treatment with chamomile helps burns, wounds, infections, acne, etc. to heal more rapidly. Chamomile has good anti-bacterial action, particularly against staph and strep toxins, as well as anti-fungal action against Candida albicans.