Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- hotpungent
- Dosha Effect
- Vata & Kapha decreased · Pitta increased
- Tissues
- Plasma, muscle, marrow/nerve
- Systems
- Nervous, digestive, respiratory Action:Stimulant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, analeptic, carminative, nervine
Overview
Valerian (Valeriana spp.) is considered one of the best herbs for Vata-related nervous disorders. It has a complex taste profile of bitter, pungent, sweet, and astringent rasa, heating virya, and pungent vipaka. It pacifies Vata and Kapha (VK-) but may aggravate Pitta in excess (P+). It works primarily on plasma, muscle, marrow, and nerve tissues, acting on the nervous, digestive, and respiratory systems.
Valerian's primary actions are as a nervine, antispasmodic, sedative, and carminative. It cleanses Ama from the colon, blood, joints, and nerves, and clears the nerve channels of accumulated Vata. Owing to the large amounts of the earth element it contains, it provides grounding and calming effects on the nervous system.
It is indicated for insomnia, hysteria, delirium, neuralgia, convulsions, epilepsy, vertigo, nervous cough, dysmenorrhea, palpitations, migraine, chronic skin diseases, flatulence, and colic. Large dosages should be avoided as they may produce paralysis by overly constricting Vata. It is prepared as a low-simmer decoction or powder (250 mg to 1 g).
Source: The Yoga of Herbs, Section A: Commonly Available Herbs
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
Ayurvedic Properties (Energetics)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | hotpungent |
| Dosha Effect | VK- P+ |
| Tissues (Dhatu) | Plasma, muscle, marrow/nerve |
| Body Systems | Nervous, digestive, respiratory Action:Stimulant, antispasmodic, stomachic, sedative, analeptic, carminative, nervine |
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Preparation & Usage
Forms: Infusion, decoction, powder, pills
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
Precautions & Contraindications
- Excessive use may dull the mind
- Excessive doses may cause central paralysis and othersevere conditions
- Use only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner Section 3: Therapeutics Chapter 4: Herbology 105
Source: The Ayurveda Encyclopedia, Chapter 4: Herbology
How to Use Indian Valerian by Condition
Explore how Indian Valerian is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
Classical Therapeutic Uses
- Anidra (insomnia)
- Apasmara (epilepsy)
- Unmada (psychosis)
- Shirahshool (headache)
- Netra Roga (eye diseases)
- Visha (poisoning)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Tikta Gana – group of bitters :त तः पदोल ाय ती वालकोशीर च दनम ् भू न ब न ब कटुका तगरा गु व सकम ् न तमाला वरजनी मु त मूवाट पकम पाठापामागकां यायोगुडू चध वयासकम ् प चमल ू ं महा या यौ वशाल अ त वषावचा Patoli, Trayanti – Gentiana kurroa, Valaka, Usira – Vetiveria zizanioides, Chandana – Sandalwood, Bhunimba – The creat (whole plant) – Andrographis paniculata, Nimba – Neem – Azadirachta indica, Katuka – Picrorhiza kurroa, Tagara – Indian Valerian (root) – Valeriana wallichi, Aguru, Vatsaka – Hol
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.