The power of the roots – healing effects of valerian angelica & Co.

The power of the roots – healing effects of valerian angelica & Co.

Roots are full of energy – and not just in a figurative sense. They are the secret heroes of the plant world, whose deeply anchored power has been celebrated in the healing arts for centuries. Valerian and angelica in particular have something special: these roots not only promise relief from stress and restlessness, but could also increase well-being in a variety of ways. In our article we delve deep into the fascinating world of root extracts. First, let's take a look at the botanical basics and chemical properties of these plants that make them so unique. We then explore how our ancestors used these treasures and what modern scientific findings have confirmed this. Finally, we will look at how root extracts are used in phytotherapy and what positive effects they can have on our health. Curious? Then stay tuned, because the world of roots has much more to offer than you might think at first glance!

The botanical basics of roots and their chemical properties

Roots are essential parts of plants that are not only responsible for anchoring them in the soil, but are also crucial for nutrient absorption. Botanically, they are made up of various tissues, including root hairs, which increase the surface area for absorbing water and minerals. These tissues are rich in specialized cells that are actively involved in the absorption and transport of nutrients.

The chemical properties of roots vary greatly depending on the plant species and specific environmental conditions. An important chemical component is the presence of secondary metabolites found in many roots. These include alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes, which act as protective mechanisms against pests and diseases. Some of these compounds also have medicinal properties, making them important in phytotherapy.

A key aspect of the chemical properties is the content of water and soluble sugars, which serve as energy reserves. Roots like those of selenium crab (Crithmum maritimum) have a high osmoregulation capacity. These plants can thrive in saline environments by accumulating osmotically active substances that bind water.

In addition, roots are important sites for the synthesis of vitamins and other bioactive compounds. The folate in these parts of the plant plays a key role in many biological processes, such as DNA synthesis. Here are some common chemical properties of roots summarized:

The ability of roots to produce signaling molecules such as auxins and cytokinins also influences plant growth and development. These hormones control, among other things, cell elongation and division, which is essential for adapting to different environmental conditions.

In the context of modern research, these chemical properties are intensively studied. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry are widely used to analyze the structure and quantity of bioactive compounds in roots. These techniques help to better understand and validate the potential health benefits of root extracts.

Traditional Uses and Modern Research on Valerian and Angelica

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and angelica (Angelica archangelica) have played a prominent role in traditional herbal medicine. Valerian has been used for centuries to combat sleep disorders, anxiety and to calm down. The root is often used in teas or as an extract. Angelica, on the other hand, has traditionally made a name for itself as a medicinal plant to support digestion and as an antispasmodic. Both plants were an integral part of European medicine, which draws on traditional knowledge and experience.

Modern research has begun to look more intensively into the active ingredients of these plants. Valerian contains compounds such as valepotriates and essential oils that have calming properties. Studies have shown that valerian extracts can shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and improve sleep quality. A meta-analysis has shown that valerian may be more effective than placebo-controlled agents in combating insomnia. For detailed information see PubMed.

Angelica also shows promising properties. It contains bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Research has examined their potential effect on stomach discomfort and cramps. Taking angelica extract as an extract has been shown in some studies to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, the plant is used in aromatherapy, with some studies supporting the scent's effectiveness in managing stress.

Both plants should be considered not only as traditional remedies, but also as objects of scientific study. Clinical studies of valerian have found that combining valerian and other herbal ingredients often produces better results than using them in isolation. With angelica, there is evidence that the synergistic effect with other herbs can also increase the health-promoting effects.

The areas of application of valerian and angelica are always the subject of current research. Various studies show how antioxidants and other compounds in these plants can help promote overall health. New approaches are also emerging in the processing and combination with other medicinal plants, which expands the therapeutic possibilities. Integrating traditional uses with modern scientific knowledge could pave the way for innovative applications in phytotherapy.

Practical use of root extracts in phytotherapy and their effect on health

Root extracts have established themselves as effective remedies in phytotherapy. They are considered key components to support various physiological processes. By extracting bioactive compounds from plant roots such as valerian and angelica, highly concentrated substances are obtained that offer various health benefits. The most well-known uses include the treatment of sleep disorders, anxiety and gastrointestinal complaints.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is often used to promote sleep. Its calming effect is mainly attributed to the ingredients valerenic acid and valepotriate. These components work synergistically to modulate nervous system activity, resulting in improved sleep quality. In clinical studies, valerian shows a significant reduction in the time it takes to fall asleep and an improvement in sleep quality.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica), on the other hand, is often used to relieve digestive problems and promote general well-being. The root extract may have antispasmodic properties that are helpful in relieving stomach cramps. Ingredients such as bergapten and angelicin are responsible for promoting blood circulation and thus increasing well-being. In applications, angelica also shows anti-inflammatory properties.

In practical use, root extracts are often offered in various forms such as teas, tinctures or capsules. These dosage forms enable flexible use according to the specific needs of patients. However, the correct dosage is crucial to achieve the desired effects. Here is an overview of common possible applications:

The safety and effectiveness of root extracts in phytotherapy has become increasingly important in recent years thanks to numerous scientific studies. In addition to the immediate health benefits, possible interactions with other medications or health conditions must also be considered. Anyone interested should therefore always consult a professional before starting to take root extracts.

In addition, research shows that the combination of different plant parts, including roots, in phytotherapeutic preparations can produce synergistic effects. This sounds promising because it opens up new perspectives for the development of alternative therapeutic approaches and offers opportunities for patients who are looking for natural healing methods.

In conclusion, the roots of plants such as valerian and angelica not only have deep botanical and chemical foundations, but also have a long history of traditional use, further supported by modern research. The bioactive compounds contained in these roots have proven valuable in phytotherapy to alleviate various health problems. The scientific analysis and practical applications demonstrate the importance of these herbal remedies in today's world, where there is growing interest in natural therapeutic approaches. Further research will be essential to unravel the full potential of the roots and their mechanisms of action in order to further optimize the therapeutic benefits for people's health.

Sources and further literature

References

• Heinrich, M., et al. (2019). Phytotherapie: Grundlagen und therapeutische Anwendungen. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.
• Grüschow, M., & Greger, H. (2018). Heilpflanzen und ihre Wirkstoffe. München: Elsevier GmbH.
• Schulz, V., et al. (2015). Arzneipflanzen: Ein Handbuch für die Praxis. Stuttgart: Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft.

Studies

• Gaby, A. R. (2016). „Valerian and its Extracts: A Review of Its Effectiveness in the Treatment of Insomnia“. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
• Dimpfel, W., et al. (2016). „The Effect of Valerian Root Extract on Sleep Quality: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial“. Sleep Medicine.

Further reading

• Hüther, S. (2017). „Die Kraft der Pflanzen: Naturheilkunde im Alltag“. Berlin: Knaur Verlag.
• Wagner, H., & D’Arcangelo, M. (2020). „Traditionelle Heilkräuter und moderne Wissenschaft: Ein Überblick“. Phytomedicine.