The power of the roots - healing effect of valerian angelwurz & Co.
The power of the roots - healing effect of valerian angelwurz & Co.
roots are full of energy - and not only in a figurative sense. They are the secret heroes of the flora, the deeply anchored power of which has been celebrated in healing for centuries. Baldrian and angel's root in particular have it all: These roots not only promise relief in the event of stress and unrest, but could also increase well -being in a variety of ways. In our article we dive deep into the fascinating world of root extracts. First we take a look at the botanical basics and chemical properties of these plants, which they make so unique. After that, we research how our ancestors used these treasures and what modern scientific knowledge confirmed this. Finally, we take a look at how root extracts find practical use in phytotherapy and what positive effects you can have on our health. Became curious? Then it stays on, because the world of roots has a lot more to offer than you could think at first glance!
The botanical basics of the roots and their chemical properties
roots are essential parts of plants that are not only responsible for anchoring in the soil, but also crucial for nutrient absorption. From a botanical point of view, they consist of different tissues, including root hair, which enlarge the surface to absorb water and minerals. These tissues are rich in specialized cells that are actively involved in the recording and transport of nutrients.
The chemical properties of roots vary greatly, depending on the type of plant and the specific environmental conditions. An important chemical component is the presence of secondary metabolites that occur in many roots. These include alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenes, which act as protective mechanisms against pests and diseases. Some of these connections also have medical properties, which makes it important for phytotherapy.
An essential aspect of the chemical properties is the content of water and soluble sugar that serve as energy reserves. Roots such as those of selenium ram (crithmum maritimum) have a high osmoregulation capacity. These plants can thrive in salty surroundings by accumulating osmotically active substances that bind water.
In addition, roots are important places 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. Some frequent chemical properties of roots are summarized here:| root type
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Angelika | essential oils, flavonoids | digestive |
| valerian | VALEPOTRIATION, Valerenic acid | sedative |
| turmeric | Curcumin | anti -inflammatory |
The ability of roots to produce signal molecules such as auxins and cytokinins also influences the growth and development of plants. Among other things, these hormones control cell extension and division, which is essential for adaptation to different environmental conditions.
In the context of modern research, these chemical properties are intensively examined. High -performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry are often used to analyze the structure and amount of bioactive connections in roots. These techniques help to better understand and validate the potential health benefits of root extracts.
traditional use and modern research on valerian and angelica
valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and angelica (Angelica Archangelica) have played a prominent role in traditional herbal medicine. Baldrian has been used for centuries against sleep disorders, anxiety and calming down. The root is often used in teas or as an extract. Angel root, on the other hand, has made a name for itself in tradition as a medicinal plant to support digestion and as an antispasmodic agent. Both plants were an integral part of European medicine, which is based on traditional knowledge and experience.
Modern research has started to deal more intensively with the active ingredients of these plants. Balrian contains connections such as Valepotriates and essential oils that develop calming properties. Studies have shown that valerian extracts can shorten the time until they fall asleep and improve the quality of sleep. A meta-analysis has shown that valerian can be more effective when combating insomnia than placebo-controlled agents. For detailed information see pubmed .
angel root also shows promising properties. It contains bioactive compounds that have an anti -inflammatory and antioxidant effect. Research has examined its potential effects in stomach complaints and cramps. In some studies, taking angelica as an extract has shown that it can alleviate the symptoms of gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, the plant is used in aromatherapy, with some studies supporting the effectiveness of the fragrance in stress management.
Both plants may not only be regarded as a traditional remedy, but also as the subject of scientific examination. In clinical studies on valerian, it was found that the combination of valerian and other herbal ingredients often achieves better results than isolated the application. In the event of angelica, there is indications that the synergistic effect with other herbs can also increase the health -promoting effects.
| valerian | sleep disorders, anxiety | Improvement of sleep quality, shorter sleep time |
| angelwurz | indigestion, antispasmodic | anti-inflammatory property, support for gastrointestinal complaints |
The areas of application of valerian and angel root are always the subject of current research. Various studies show how antioxidants and other connections in these plants can help to promote general health. There are also new approaches in the processing and combination with other medicinal plants, which expands the therapeutic possibilities. The integration of traditional use with modern scientific knowledge could pave the way for innovative applications in phytotherapy.
Practical application of root extracts in phytotherapy and their effect on health
root extracts have established themselves as an effective remedy in phytotherapy. They are considered key components to support various physiological processes. The extraction of bioactive connections from plant roots such as valerian and angelica are high -concentrated substances that offer various health benefits. The best known applications 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 of valetic acid and Valepotriates. These components have a synergist effect to modulate nervous system activity, which leads to an improvement in sleep quality. In clinical studies, valerian shows a significant reduction in sleep time and an improvement in sleep quality.
Engelwurz (Angelica Archangelica), on the other hand, is often used to alleviate digestive complaints and promote general well -being. The root extract can have antispasmodic properties that are helpful in relieving stomach cramps. Ingredients such as mountain daptors and Angelicin are responsible for promoting blood circulation and thus increasing well -being. In applications, angel root 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 in accordance with the specific needs of the patients. However, the correct dosage is crucial to achieve the desired effects. Here is an overview of common applications:
| root
| forms | |
|---|---|---|
| valerian | sleep disorders, fear | tea, tincture, capsules |
| angelwurz | digestive problems | tea, tincture, extract |
The security and effectiveness of root extracts in phytotherapy has gained in importance in recent years through numerous scientific studies. In addition to the immediate health advantages, possible interactions with other medication or health conditions must also be observed. Interested parties should therefore always consult a specialist before taking root extracts.
In addition, research shows that the combination of different parts of the plant, including roots, can cause synergistic effects in phytotherapeutic preparations. That sounds promising, because it opens up new perspectives for the development of alternative therapy approaches and offers opportunities for patients looking for natural healing methods.
In summary, it can be seen that the roots of plants such as valerian and angel root not only have deep botanical and chemical basics, but also have a long history of traditional use, which is further underpinned by modern research. The bioactive connections contained in these roots have proven to be valuable in phytotherapy in order to relieve various health complaints. The scientific analysis and practical applications illustrate the importance of these vegetable remedies in the present day, when there is a growing interest in natural therapy approaches. Further research will be essential in order to further decipher the full potential of the roots and their mechanisms of action and thus to further optimize the therapeutic benefit for the health of people.sources and further literature
references
- Heinrich, M., et al. (2019). Phytotherapy: Basics and therapeutic applications. Stuttgart: Georg Thieme Verlag.
- Grüschow, M., & Greger, H. (2018). Medicinal plants and their active ingredients. Munich: Elsevier GmbH.
- Schulz, V., et al. (2015). Pharmaceutical plants: a manual for practice. Stuttgart: Scientific publishing company.
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 literature
- Hüther, S. (2017). "The power of plants: naturopathy in everyday life". Berlin: Knaur Verlag.
- Wagner, H., & d’Arcangelo, M. (2020). "Traditional medicinal herbs and modern science: an overview". Phytomedicine.