Aromatherapy and the proper scents seem to be a common recourse these days, particularly if you are bordering between the lines of comfort and sleep. But while there have been a lot of natural remedies through organic herbs to assist sleep deprived individuals, it seems that there is another one you can add to that mix, the Valerian Roots.

What are Valerian Roots?

Valerian root, known scientifically as valeriana officinalis, is a perennial plant with flowering blooms of pink or white flowers with a pleasant sweet scent. Simply called valerian—native to regions of Europe and Asia—it was used as a perfume in the sixteenth century. The pharmaceutical-grade type of valerian is not found in the stalk, leaves, or flowers but only culled from the roots of the plant. It is often found as a dietary supplement in capsules, tablets, and liquid extract form in order to help in natural calming and sedation techniques.

Valerian has been used for treating sleeping disorders and anxiety, restlessness and even taken as an organic muscle relaxer. Some studies have shown valerian has a better effect over a long period of time if used regularly but some users have claimed success as an immediate relief substance, although there is no scientific evidence to support such effects.

(Source) Health News

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While the search for natural means of getting sleep is a need, it seems that there is one that is causing nightmares rather than restful slumber. Valerian, a herbal sleep aid commonly used by those who want an alternative to prescription sedatives, has been linked to serious side effects.

Health Canada said it has received more than 30 reports of adverse reactions, including hallucinations and nightmares, linked to valerian from 2003 to 2008. The department also warned in a quarterly adverse-reaction newsletter that some medical studies have found an association between valerian and hallucinations, delirium and cardiac complications.

Such an occurrence has indeed been bad for the natural aids of getting sleep. But if there is some retraction on this claim it is that there is lack of proper statistics to be used for reference to which these claims can be backed up.

(Source) Globe and Mail

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For people who have battled insomnia before, these natural sleep aids may be familiar to you by now. But looking at other means of trying to deal with insomnia may be proper, especially if past trials have not really become effective for you. Insomnia is not an easy problem to defect and if you are in need of alternative measures to fight it off, you can consider the following recommended remedies for it.

1. Melatonin
2. Valerian Root
3. Chamomile
4. Calcium and Magnesium

For broader discussion on these anti-Insomnia alternatives, you can read more of them in detail here.

(Source) Best Syndication

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