Go From Anxious and Awake to Relaxed and Rested with Valerian and Lemon Balm

By Immunesupport.com Staff

If you've got CFS/FM, you probably battle one or more of these each day:
· Insomnia.
· Nervous anxiety.
· Restlessness.
· Pain.

While these conditions are common, you don't have to suffer.

Valerian and Lemon Balm form a safe, odorless, non-addicting choice for insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and pain. When taken before bed, this herbal combination induces a restful night's sleep without the fear of over-sedation and the "grogginess" or "hangover" often associated with prescription sleep aids. But that's only half the story. Safe enough to take during the day, Valerian & Lemon Balm offer an effective answer to muscle tension, pain, restorative rest, nervousness and mild anxiety.

Proven Effective with CFS/FM Patients
The Valerian/Lemon Balm combination is part of the treatment protocol used by Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum to treat CFS/FM. He confirms Lemon Balm's ability to relieve insomnia; his own studies showed that the Valerian/Lemon Balm formula helped induce deep sleep. He recommends it with prescription sleep medications and finds it decreases the amount of these drugs that a patient needs. Even when, and if, prescription sleep aids are no longer necessary, he reports that some of his patients rely only on Valerian/Lemon Balm to ensure a good night's sleep.

In addition to its sleep-enhancing benefits, Dr. Teitelbaum recommends Valerian for its adaptogenic properties, meaning it adapts to what the body needs. He writes, "Valerian is a mild sleep aid that has the interesting effect of calming people when they are anxious while at the same time acting as a stimulant when people are fatigued." One study using Valerian for anxiety found that 100mg three times per day was more effective than placebo. Dr. Teitelbaum confirms: "Because Valerian decreases fatigue, it's a helpful calming agent in CFIDS/FMS."

Proven Results in Sleep Studies
Dr. Teitelbaum is not the only one who has found the benefits of herbal remedies for sleep. Countless studies, in this country and in Europe confirm the effectiveness of Valerian for enhancing sleep quality. Equally important, there have been no major side-effects associated with the use of Valerian, unlike the use of barbiturates or even over-the-counter sleep aids after long-term use.
In one study, the effectiveness of valerian and lemon balm was tested against halcion, a prescription insomnia drug. Study participants were monitored for nine nights and study results found that the Valerian/Lemon Balm combo matched the prescription counterpart in ability to induce sleep and in quality of sleep. The big difference was felt the next day: those taking the prescription reported feeling "hungover" and had trouble concentrating, while those taking the herbal remedy reported no next-day side effects.

In another study, sleep scores improved dramatically for those taking Valerian, the biggest improvements seen in those who considered themselves poor or irregular sleepers. When that same study also looked at young, healthy sleepers who took valerian, the results showed they experienced an easier and quicker descent into sleep.

Why Lemon Balm?
You've probably heard of, or even taken Valerian, but what makes Lemon Balm such an important addition? Lemon Balm not only helps induce sleep and ease anxiety, it has other properties of specific interest to those with CFS/FM, including: strengthening the nervous system, enhancing digestion, relieving muscle spasms and calming the nervous system.

The addition of Lemon Balm to a base of Valerian makes a versatile product; one that can be taken at night for sleep and in lighter doses during the day for calming nerves and anxiety, eases muscle spasms, and tonifying the central nervous system. A few of Valerian and Lemon Balm's daytime uses are discussed below.

Restorative Rest
Just as important as restful sleep is restful rest - the time spent during the day that allows your body to rejuvenate and recuperate. For many, rest time is spent feeling nervous, anxious, or restless - anything but restorative. Valerian and Lemon Balm is safe enough to take during the day, without feeling drowsy or unable to function. It simply ensures that the time spent in rest, a vital component of healing, allows the body to do just that - rest.

Ease Anxiety
Another common daytime use for Valerian and Lemon Balm is to soften feelings of anxiety. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends lower doses of Valerian for "daytime calming."

In a study published in the Quarterly Review of Natural Medicine, the combination of Valerian and Lemon Balm was found to be a "safe and effective way to reduce general anxiety or to withdraw from anti-anxiety medications."

Pain Relief
Valerian has been extensively studied for its effect on smooth muscle, indicating its muscle relaxant qualities. One of the characteristics of Valerian and Lemon Balm is that they are anti-spasmodics, meaning they can relieve bodily tension and muscle cramping. Additionally, it has safe indications for uterine cramps and intestinal colic.

Is it safe?
The safety of Valerian and Lemon Balm is its hallmark. In study after study it has found to exert powerful relief for a variety of ailments, without negative effects.
One study published in a German medical journal fond that no participants suffered from "residual hangover" after taking Valerian. In fact, most participants felt more active and alert the next day. It's powerful, not overpowering.

Better Sleep - Better Health - Today!
The symptoms of CFS/FM can be eased gentle, safely and effectively with Valerian and Lemon Balm. Tested around the world, including here in the U.S. by renowned CFS/FM physician Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, Valerian and Lemon Balm are the 'round-the-clock solution to CFS/FM symptoms, including insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and muscle pain. Start sleeping better and feeling better - naturally!

Sources:
1. Teitelbaum, Jacob, M.D. "Natural Remedies." From Fatigued to Fantastic, December 1997.
2. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F. Aqueous extract of valerian reduces latency to fall asleep in man. Planta Medica 1985;51:144-8.
3. Leathwood PD, Chauffard F, et al. Aqueous extract of valerian root (Valeriana officinalis L.) improves sleep quality in man. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1982;17:65-71.
4. Dressing H, Riemann D, et al. Insomnia: Are valerian/balm combination of equal value to benzodiazepine? Therapiewoche 1992; 42:726-36.
5. Balch, James F., Ph.D., Balch, Phyllis A. C.N.C. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York, Avery Publishing Group, 1993.
6. Goldberg, Burton. "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide." California, Future Medicine Publishing, Inc. 1997.
7. Hoffman, David L. M.N.I.M.H. "Valerian." www.healthy.net.
8. Quarterly Review of Natural Medicine, Fall 1994, pp.221-224.
9. Dr. Andrew Weil, from his website.
10. www.rain-tree.com
11. Easterling, John. Traditional Uses of Rainforest Botanicals

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