valerian

April 3, 2018

Analgesic / Pain

Analgesic substances reduce pain in a variety of ways: as a local anesthetic or anti-nociceptive, and also via the nervous system.  The menthol constituent in peppermint has shown topical anti-nociceptive activity, lavender aromatherapy has shown to calm nerves after surgery to help reduce pain, and comfrey has been used for […]
April 5, 2018

Alteratives

Alteratives are blood cleansing, and help the body to improve metabolic processes and thus work more efficiently absorbing nutrients, and removing wastes.   Examples of herbs include garlic, burdock, echinacea, dandelion, turmeric, holy basil, and yellow dock, plantain, and red clover.  Alterative herbs are best to be taken in small doses over […]
April 6, 2018

Common Cold / Cough & Congestion / Respiratory

The common cold is associated with a nasal congestion, cough, and a sore throat.  There may also be a mild fever.  It can be caused by one of more than 200 different viruses.  It runs its coarse in about one to two weeks. Various herbs can help reduce cough and […]
April 9, 2018

Anxiety / Mood / Anti-depressive

Anxiety can be caused by many things.  Over time, these stressors can have a negative physical effect on the body.  Herbs and essential oils have demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic activities in many human studies. Recipes to Help with Anxiety Blog Articles Here’s a fun article about the how stimulating the […]
April 9, 2018

Insomnia / Sleep

Insomnia is the inability to sleep, often due to stress, caffeine, and alcohol.  Relaxation techniques can help and lavender, valerian, and hops have shown promise in human studies. Anxiety can be caused by many things. Herbs and essential oils have demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic activities in many human studies.  A […]
April 18, 2018

Bornyl Acetate

Bornyl acetate is an ester.  Bornyl acetate can be found in spruce, pine, valerian, fir, rosemary, tansy, and sage. Esters are formed from the combination of acids and alcohols. Links to Plants Containing Bornyl Acetate RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the […]
April 19, 2018

Camphene

Camphene is a monoterpene as found in spruce, fir, pine, cypress, camphor, citronella, neroli, ginger, sage, cistus, rosemary, and valerian. Monoterpenes are odorless, highly volatile, prone to oxidation, and insoluble in water. Links to Plants Containing Camphene   RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles […]
April 20, 2018

Elemene / Beta Elemene

Elemene is a sesquiterpene found in white turmeric, myrrh, citronella, and valerian. Sesquiterpenes are less volatile than monoterpenes, but still prone to oxidation.  They have a strong odor.  If oxidized (exposed to air) they could cause skin irritation and/or mucous membrane irritation. Links to Plants Containing Elemene   RESEARCH The […]
April 20, 2018

Eudesmol, Beta-Eudesmol

Eudesmol is a sesquiterpenoid alcohol as found in cypress, valerian, tansy, vetiver, and Eucalyptus smithii. Alcohols are the most therapeutically beneficial type of component in an essential oil, and have a low toxicity for safer use with fragile populations (like the elderly).  Alcohols can be sensitizing when oxidized, so proper storage is […]
April 25, 2018

Valerenic Acid

Valerenic acid is a sesquiterpenoid found in valerian. Links to Plants Containing Valerenic Acid   RESEARCH The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that […]
January 3, 2019

Sedative / Calming

Certain herbs and essential oils can have a calming effect, lowering blood pressure, and promoting a sense of relaxation and peace. Calming Recipes Blog Articles RESEARCH The listings of research below represent a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  […]
December 1, 2019

Sleepy Valerian & Hops Hot Chocolate Recipe

Valerian & hops couple well together.  This recipe might just be better then a beer, to slowly sip on a cold Winter’s eve.  There is nothing like a special hot chocolate treat to help you fall asleep at night.  Valerian & hops have shown in human studies to aid in […]