Dr. Carla Goddard

Health Benefits of Valerian Root



Posted: Thursday, August 12, 2010

by Dr. Carla Goddard

The Pied Piper of Hamelin suggested in his music that Valerian would lure rats out of town. The legend has it that Valerian would intoxicate cats and lure rats. Legend has it that how ever he did it, the Pied Piper rid the city of Hamelin of rats and calmed its citizens. Today it is known as a natural tranquilizer. It has a long history of being a safe and effective tranquilizer. They are used in a number Valerian derived pharmaceuticals in other countries. The Valerian when dried has a distinct unpleasant smell and is native only to Europe and Asia.

The reference to Valerian is thought to be, by some botanists, that the spikenard referred to in the Bible is actually a perfume brought in from the East made of a variety species of the root Valerian. The Valerian family contains well over 200 different species. All parts of the herb with the exception of the flower has a putrid smell.

It is only the root of the herb that is used medicinally is the root. The flowers have been used in perfume and the oil of the root is also been used as a flavor for tobacco. The root used in a hot bath can also provide a calming relaxation effect. It has been used throughout history as a stomachic, antispasmodic, carminative and antidote to the plague. In some area's it was used as a treatment of epilepsy. The main use, however, throughout ancient times to modern day is that of a mild natural tranquilizer. A number of scientific studies have been done in Europe showing that the active element in Valerian does in fact act as a tranquilizer. There are far fewer side effects seen in these studies as compared to other tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium). It is thought that Valerian root works by affecting the central nervous system thus it is more of a psychological drug than a physiological one.

To prepare a tea only fresh rootstock should be used. The recommend infusion by many herbalist is 1 teaspoon of the root in 1 pint of water, with one cup drank at bedtime. It is recommended to drink cold since the infusion will have a serious bitter flavor. Large doses may cause vomiting, stupor, and dizziness.

There are a number of homeopathic physicians that recommend Valerian as an alternative remedy for insomnia. Most health food stores sell a capsule formula of Valerian which is an alternative to the bitterness of the infusion.
Dr. Carla Goddard is a contemporary Shaman Medicine Woman. Father was of a small Nation in Maine, trained with a Mohawk Shaman, studied with a Waiest Monk, and academia background in Metaphysical Sciences specializing in Parapsychology.

She draws upon the energetic flow of life to share with people a path to heal their own souls, to find the flow of energy in their own life, and to have profound shifts in awareness. Connecting individuals with their own soul and with other soul’s to create a “tribe"; her own desire to change the world one soul at a time across the globe by envisioning what the world needs next. Believing that the change in the world will happen through active presence, active communication, and active connections to blaze a new path.

Learn More About Carla visit her website at http://www.shamanmedicinewoman.net/about-dr-carla-goddard.html

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