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I haven’t pinged the list for quite some time. I have a lot of info especially about individual herbs I want to share, started a couple of days ago. Currently I’m posting about herbs for the brain, nervous system and mind; of course they have other uses as well. I use a lot of these herbs in blends to help with sleeping issues, pain, anxiety or depression, and heart problems. If anyone has questions, I’ll answer if I know and look up if I don’t. Freepmail me to get on/off this ping list. Click the link to see AZLiberty’s great contribution - an index with links.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/3735908/posts?page=722#722

Valerian - Two varieties – Valeriana officinalis and Valeriana wallichii (Tagar in Ayurveda)

Tissues: nerve, plasma, muscle, marrow,
Systems: nervous, digestive, respiratory, circulatory
Properties: nervine, sedative, antispasmodic, analgesic, carminative, hypotensive, anticonvulsant

Dose: Depends on if taking for insomnia or other uses; 1/2- 1 or more teaspoons powder.

Uses: Insomnia, exhaustion, restlessness, pain, neuralgia, ADHD, heart arrhythma, palpitations, anxiety, hysteria, epilepsy, vertigo, migraines and headaches, colic, shingles, tinnitus, nervous tension and stress, muscle relaxant, flatulence.

Valerian is famous as a sedative and antispasmodic herb, which has a direct effect on the muscles and nervous system, used in Eastern and Western herbal medicine. The Asian variety, Valeriana wallichii, is considered to be superior and it is the kind I use; it is said to be less dulling to the mind, with the same calming and sedative uses. I use Valerian combined with other herbs which is a good way to use it; although it is effective for various conditions by itself, especially for insomnia, muscle tension and anxiety. It has powerful antispasmodic properties, and relaxes tight muscles, nervous tension, and calms the mind.

Valerian can help relieve cramping of all kinds both muscles and intestinal, headaches, nerve pain. Its antispasmodic properties can help relieve muscle spasms, tics, tremors, spasms, and can help with epilepsy. It is famous for insomnia, and works well for most people,although not everyone is affected in the same way (that is why I use it with other herbs as well). It aids in removing undigested toxins (called ama in Ayurveda) from blood, joints, nerves as well as colon, and helps relieve gas, bloating and fermentation in the GI tract. It is calming to the mind and helps with feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and emotional excess. It can be taken with other herbs in the category of brain/nervous system/mind.