Valerian Root
 

Has anyone tried this for insomnia? My husband read something about it and brought some home. I wanted to try to get some feeback before I try it.

Of course I mean Valerian Root not Rood :-)

Kevin tried that for a period of time but it didn't seem to help much. He got much better results from Tylenal PM or Simply Sleep (also made by Tylenal but without the pain killer). He's been using this for some time now with good results.

Melatonin
 

I have done only incidental reading on melatonin for insomnia and PD, but there seems to be a great deal of research published on it. Also, I would avoid acetomenophin (tylenol) because of the danger to your liver. In addition to aiding sleep, melatonin seems to offer additional benefits-

1: Endocrine. 2005 Jul;27(2):169-78.

Melatonin and Parkinson's disease.

Mayo JC, Sainz RM, Tan DX, Antolín I, Rodríguez C, Reiter RJ.

Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, School of Medicine, University of
Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder
after Alzheimer's disease. It is characterized by a progressive loss of dopamine
in the substantia nigra and striatum. However, over 70% of dopaminergic neuronal
death occurs before the first symptoms appear, which makes either early diagnosis
or effective treatments extremely difficult. Only symptomatic therapies have been
used, including levodopa (l-dopa), to restore dopamine content; however, the use
of l-dopa leads to some long-term pro-oxidant damage. In addition to a few
specific mutations, oxidative stress and generation of free radicals from both
mitochondrial impairment and dopamine metabolism are considered to play critical
roles in PD etiology. Thus, the use of antioxidants as an important co-treatment
with traditional therapies for PD has been suggested. Melatonin, or
N-acetyl-5-methoxy-tryptamine, an indole mainly produced in the pineal gland, has
been shown to have potent endogenous antioxidant actions. Because
neurodegenerative disorders are mainly caused by oxidative damage, melatonin has
been tested successfully in both in vivo and in vitro models of PD. The present
review provides an up-to-date account of the findings and mechanisms involved in
neuroprotection of melatonin in PD.


PMID: 16217130 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

melatonin plus valerian root
 

I have been using both for a month and definitely it helps me sleep .. valerian root seems to help as a relaxant (over stiffness)

I use melatonin off and on. My neuro uses it as well when he travels. I believe from what I have read it is by far the healthier choice.

dear browneyedgirl~
 

hello~!
I took the valerian root several years ago - it did make me feel more depressed - i have a tendency to be melancholy...
here are some warnings -
http://www.diagnose-me.com/treat/T14113.html

it would be better if you tried in the evening w/o valerian and only in a tea form -
the NOW brand - makes a good one I have tried - called
"Nightime" -
Other Ingredients: Egyptian Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita), Spearmint leaves (Mentha spicata), Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus), Linden flowers (Tilia cordata-platyphyllos), Blackberry leaves (Rubus fruticosus), Orange blossoms (Citrus sinensis), Hawthorne berries (Crataegus monogyna), Rose buds (rosa gallica-centifolia) and Orange peel (Citrus sinensis).
Free of: caffeine, preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners.
http://www.holistic-online.com/Herba...Herbs/h259.htm

If you have allergies to ragweed do not use chamomile... :)
Camomile has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and is used to treat eczema, rashes, and windburn. The properties of camomile are also great for indigestion, diarrhea, cramps, colic and flatulence, as well as for coughs, colds, muscular pains and gout. It also relieves stress and anxiety.

Thank you
 

For the responses. I haven't tried it yet. My husband tried it and said that it relaxed him almost immediately. It really does smell bad though!

I have been using Clonazepam that my neuro prescribed. I don't use it every night and would like to find something more natural to take when needed.

Thanks again!

dear browneyed girl -one warning
 

klonopin - etal the benzodiazepines are highly addictive!
and you must know you can not stop the use of the generic klonipin -
overnight - can be very dangerous to do so, must consult your doctor to titrate off benzo's etc.

take care