What is Valeriana Wallichii? Benefits, Uses of Tagar, Side Effects of Indian Valerian.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Valeriana wallichii, commonly known as Tagar or Indian Valerian, is a medicinal herb native to the Indian subcontinent. It has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments, including insomnia, anxiety, and digestive disorders. Valeriana officinalis is another species of Valerian that is widely used in Western herbal medicine for similar purposes.

Tagar is known for its ability to calm the mind and promote relaxation, making it a popular remedy for insomnia and other S

Sleep disorders. It is also used to relieve anxiety, nervous tension, and stress-related symptoms. In addition, Tagar is believed to have digestive properties and can be used to treat indigestion, gas, and bloating.

The active compounds in Tagar are believed to be valerenic acid and valerenal, which have sedative and anxiolytic effects. These compounds work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate brain activity and promote relaxation.

While Tagar is generally considered safe, some potential side effects should be noted. These can include dizziness, headaches, upset stomach, and skin rashes.

However, Indian Valerian has unique properties and benefits that set it apart. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Tagar and its traditional uses, as well as the potential side effects of using this herb.

2. What is Valeriana Wallichii? 

Indian Valerian botanical name is Valeriana Wallichii, some other common names are valeriana officinalis, tagar, true valerian, valerian and Tagar-Ganthoda. It is native to Eurasia and found in Kashmir Himalayas, Khasia hills in India. It   is   generally   distributed   in   the mountainous region at an altitude of 1500–3000 m

The herb contains valerianic, formic, and acetic acids and essential oil, resin, starch a glucoside, and two alkaloids, chatrine and valerianine. The herb is utilized in the treatment of numerous ailments and diseases.

It is a perennial herb with rootstock thicker than the stem, producing suckers or shoots rising from the ground. The stems are furrowed, hairy below, and smooth above. The lower leaves are long compared to the smaller upper leaves. The rhizomes and roots of the plant constitute the drug.

3. Morphology

Leaves 

The leaves are made up of two or more discrete leaflets and arranged in two leaves per node along the stem. The leaf edges have teeth.

Flowers 

The flowers are pink to white, they are unisexual. Male and female flowers appear on different plants. There are five petals in a flower, and the petals are fused into a tube.

Roots

The roots have antipyretic and diuretic properties and are used as a hepatic and nervine tonic. The rootstock is thick, with 6–10 cm thick, long fibrous roots knotted by uneven circular ridges. The roots are beneficial for relieving stress, anxiety, fatigue, and nervous disorders.

4. Ayurvedic properties of Valeriana Wallichii (Tagar)

Tagar or Indian Valerian, is a herb highly regarded in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. Different parts of the plant, including its roots, are used for their therapeutic benefits.

Ayurvedic properties of Valeriana wallichii (Tagar)

1. Rasa (Taste): Valeriana wallichii is believed to have a combination of bitter (Tikta) and pungent (Katu) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): It is cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Valeriana wallichii primarily balances Pitta dosha and, to a lesser extent, Vata dosha. However, in excess, it may increase Kapha dosha.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Calming and Relaxing: Tagar is well-known for its calming and relaxing effects on the nervous system. It is used to manage anxiety, stress, and insomnia, promoting restful sleep.

2. Mood Balancer: It is believed to balance emotions and uplift the mood, making it beneficial in managing emotional imbalances and mood swings.

3. Brain Tonic: Tagar is considered a brain tonic in Ayurveda, enhancing memory, concentration, and cognitive functions.

4. Anti-spasmodic: Valeriana wallichii has anti-spasmodic properties and can be used to manage muscle spasms and cramps.

5. Pain Relief: It is used to manage certain types of pain, such as headaches and migraines, due to its analgesic effects.

6. Digestive Support: Tagar is used to support healthy digestion and manage digestive disorders like indigestion and bloating.

7. Anti-inflammatory: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties and can be used to manage inflammatory conditions.

8. Menstrual Support: Valeriana wallichii is used to manage menstrual irregularities and discomfort during menstruation

5. What are the benefits of Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii?

The leaves of the plant are collected in autumn and dried in the sun over a period. The antispasmodic and stimulant properties of the plant are well known in indigenous medicine and have been described in Ayurvedic texts.

The plant is used in the treatment of wounds, arthritis, cough, skin diseases, fever, insomnia, epilepsy, antidiuretic, and anti-constipation, it also has anticancer and antioxidant properties. Valeriana Wallichii is astringent, pungent, bitter in taste. It has hot potency and works on Vata and Kapha doshas in the human body.

Here are some health benefits of Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii

For Insomnia

The herb is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia, it reduces excitement, irritation, and pain. The fresh juice of the plant can be used as a narcotic to induce sleep. The roots are one of the best alternative medicines for insomnia treatment.

For Digestion

It helps to improve digestion and appetite, and it is also used as a carminative or a gas-relieving agent. It helps to manage intestinal spasms.

For Sleep Disorders

It has anticonvulsant properties that are beneficial in managing sleep disorders, restlessness, and anxiety. It helps to increase sleeping time and decrease the restlessness of the body.

For Anxiety & Depression

Valeriana Wallichii has anxiolytic, sedative, antidepressant, and myorelaxant properties, that are beneficial in increasing the sleeping time and giving relief from anxiety & depression.

For Nervous Disorders

Valerian is a traditional remedy for functional disturbance of the nervous system. It was perhaps the earliest treatment of neurosis, accompanied by physical diseases and some mental symptoms or social maladjustment, especially in interpersonal relationships.

Buy Valeriana Wallichii Powder

6. What is Valeriana officinalis used for?

The herb is particularly useful in treating cases of hysteria, and restless and irritable conditions. The herb exercises a depressant action on the overall central nervous system. It has gained importance in recent years owing to its beneficial effects on epilepsy. It is also considered useful in chorea, a condition marked by incessant involuntary jerks.

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as an Ayurvedic doctor recommends. The general recommended dosage is 3-6 grams of Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii daily once a day.

Here are some dosages and uses of Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii

• Take 5 grams powder of tagar roots with milk twice a day, helps to give relief from the symptoms of menopause.
• Take 1 tsp of Valeriana Wallichii root powder with lukewarm water, helps to treat, and control anxiety.
• Taking fresh juice of tagar rhizomes and roots is beneficial in the treatment of nervous disorders.
• Taking 1 tbsp of fresh juice of tagar rhizomes and roots, is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia. It helps to induce sleep.
• Take 1 tsp of each powder, tagar root, Ashwagandha root, and Jatamansi root with water, helps to treat insomnia.

6. Side Effects of the Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they have no side effects but may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming.
• If you are suffering from kidney disease, consult the doctor first before consuming Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii
• Do not take Tagar / Valeriana Wallichii with liquor, it may interact with it and cause drowsiness.
• Do not take 2000mg of Valeriana Wallichii powder or 600 mg of its rhizome extract in a day, it may side affect the body.

8. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What is valerian used for?