What is the truth about herbs that increase happiness hormones?
Have you ever heard of the happiness hormone? Are there herbs that increase the happiness hormone? Are there other methods that can be used to increase its levels? Let's find out the details in this article.
We will learn about Valerian (Valeriana officianalis), otherwise known as valerian, and the most important information about this exotic and useful plant in the following:
What is Valerian?
Valerian is a flowering plant that is often found in the continents of Europe and Asia, and most of the benefits of this plant are concentrated in its roots, which are dried and used in medical treatments because they contain a wide range of important substances and nutrients, especially antioxidants.The most common use of valerian is as a natural sleep aid, due to its natural anesthetic effect
benefits of valerian
There are many amazing health benefits of valerian, and these are the most important one
1. Improving sleep quality
As mentioned above, valerian is often used as a sleep aid, especially by people who have trouble falling asleep and getting rid of interrupted sleep,Valerian helps to induce relaxation, drowsiness, and the desire to sleep.It is worth noting here that you should pay attention to the dose of valerian taken for sleep, as the hypnotic effect of this herb is very strong.
2. Relieve Hyperactivity
Hyperactivity or hyperactivity is on the rise, and a study has proven that valerian root tea can calm the symptoms associated with hyperactivity and increase the ability to concentrate by reducing stress hormones within the body.
3. Improving Nervous System Health
The nervous system has many difficult tasks, especially metabolic processes, which makes it need a little rest every now and then, and this is where valerian root comes in Valerian helps to relax the body and improve the health of the nervous system, especially for those suffering from diseases related to the nervous system such as: Neuropathy and facial paralysis.
4. Relieve insomnia and stress
Regular use of valerian helps to rebalance the neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing the levels of stress hormones in the body and allowing the body to rest and relax,Valerian root tea also helps to get rid of headaches and migraines because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that calm inflammation in the capillaries and lower blood pressure.
5. Improves heartbeat
Valerian is considered one of the beneficial plants for the heart in particular and the circulatory system in general, as valerian contains substances that help improve the elasticity of blood vessels and improve blood flow in them.Valerian also strengthens the heart muscle and improves the heartbeat due to its anesthetic and sedative properties.
6. Other benefits
Valerian has many other benefits, including:
Relieving the symptoms of PMS.
Fighting Parkinson's disease.
Relieving symptoms of menopause in women.
Improving the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.
Helping to treat substance abuse.
Preventing cancer.
Pain relief.
How to take valerian
To get the benefits of valerian, here is the correct way to prepare valerian root tea:
1. Necessary ingredients
You need the following ingredients:
2 teaspoons of dried valerian root.
Two cups of water.
A teaspoon of honey or sugar for sweetening.
2. Method of preparation
Follow the steps below:
Heat the water until it is warm but do not let it reach boiling point as excessive heat makes the nutrients in valerian lose their effectiveness.
Add the dried valerian roots to the warm water.
Allow the roots to steep for 10 minutes.
Strain the mixture and then add honey or sugar to sweeten it, and your valerian root tea is ready to drink.
Valerian Risks and Cautions
Before taking valerian, you should consult your doctor to be able to know the correct and necessary dosage in accordance with your health status.
After knowing the benefits of valerian, you should be aware of some of the risks and cautions associated with it, which are listed below:
Taking valerian may cause some side effects, including:
Headaches and headaches.
Problems with digestion and stomach upset.
Counterproductive results, i.e. more insomnia and stress.
Problems with the nervous system, so it is preferable to avoid it completely before surgery.
Valerian interacts with some medications such as: Antidepressants, anxiety medications, asthma medications, high blood pressure medications, and seizure medications.
Avoid taking valerian completely by pregnant women because it poses a risk to the health of the pregnant woman and her fetus, especially in the first trimester and during breastfeeding as well.
Avoid taking valerian extract if you intend to drive a car afterward, as it may make you dizzy and increase your chances of getting into a car accident.
Avoid taking valerian with alcoholic beverages.
In some rare cases, abrupt withdrawal from valerian causes a drug-like withdrawal effect, so if you have been taking valerian regularly and decide to stop, do so gradually.