Valerian Herbal Supplement

Formula Rationale Schizandra Dreams incorporates valerian root extract into the Chinese pharmacopoeia. Valerian, a plant native to North America and Europe, is traditionally used for the relief of insomnia, anxiety, migraines and intestinal cramping. Clinical studies have demonstrated effectiveness in improving sleep quality and relieving insomnia in tests with normal subjects and those suffering from sleep disorders. In comparison with barbiturates or benzodiazepines, valerian had reduced morning sleepiness. In a study of 11,168 patients in Germany, symptoms were eliminated in 70 percent of the subjects, improved in 24 percent and unchanged in 6 percent of the patients (Upton, Roy ed. Valerian Root, Santa Cruz, p. 15, ANP). California poppy (Eschacholzia californica) has been traditionally used for its spasmolytic, anxiolytic and sedative properties. One clinical trial was conducted to assess efficacy and safety of Eschacholzia californica in combination with Crataegus oxyacantha (hawthorn) and magnesium. It was an approved, multicentre (22 non-psychiatric investigating physicians) double-blind, randomized trial with two matched groups of patients (study drug versus placebo) treated on an out-patient basis for a period of three months; 264 participants were enrolled. The dosage of Eschacholzia Californica was 20 mg of dry aqueous extract per tablet. It was administered at the regimen of two capsules at a time twice a day, which equals a final dose of 80 mg per day. Efficacy was assessed by change in Hamilton anxiety scale total, somatic scores and change in patient self-assessment (visual analogic scale). The percentage of patients responding positively to the treatment was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p < 0.05). The percentage of patients experiencing adverse event was not significantly different between treatment and placebo group and 90% of the patients judge benefit to be greater than the risk (M. Hanus, J. Lafon, and M. Mathieu. 2004. double-blind, randomized, placebocontrolled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschacholzia californica) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders. Curr. Med. Res. Opin. 20:63-71.) Schizandra fruit (wu wei zi) has been shown to normalize cerebral discharges and regulate the breathing center. The formula is helpful in cases of insomnia when patients waken frequently at night with difficulty breathing.

Valerian root extract / Valeriana officinalis ~ California Poppy seed extract / Eschacholzia californica ~ Schizandra fruit / wu wei zi