How to Reduce Stress with Valerian

Valerian is a natural sedative. Tension, stress and anxiety take their toll on the human body but prescription medications are expensive and they may produce unwanted side effects. Natural methods of reducing stress and anxiety include diet and lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques and the use of natural and herbal substances. Valerian, an herb with ancient historical roots, may reduce anxiety. In addition, it may be helpful for insomnia sufferers.

Instructions

• 1

  Use only valerian products derived from the root of the plant. While many herbal companies distribute tea and supplements made from the leaves of the Valeriana officinalis plant, the active ingredient (valepotriates) is only present in substantial quantities in the roots. This is the component that fights stress and anxiety.

• 2

  Take valerian at bedtime to help you fall asleep. While this herb affects different people differently, the general dose of 300mg is sufficient to ease insomnia, stress and anxiety in most people. For others, a dosage of up 900mg may be required in order to feel relief.

• 3

  Work up to the maximum dosage you need by starting with 300mg, taken within one hour of bedtime, for at least three weeks before increasing the dosage by 100mg. Continue on this routine and do not increase the dosage once you see a decrease in anxiety and sleeplessness.

• 4

  Allow up to three weeks to see maximum benefits from taking Valerian. This delayed effect is common and it Valerian frequently must build up in your system before you find consistent relief. Ask your doctor about a temporary medication that does not conflict with Valerian during this time if you need immediate relief.

• 5

  Divide your Valerian dosage if you need frequent daily relief from anxiety. After experiencing satisfactory results from one nighttime dosage, split your daily intake of Valerian into three dosages, one-third in the morning, one-third at mid-afternoon and the last dosage at night. This is especially helpful if you suffer anxiety from long traffic commutes in bumper-to-bumper traffic or high levels of job stress.