Tagara

Tagara also known as Valerian wallichi is a medicinal plant, which is used in ayurvedic treatments. It is a tall plant with pink flowers. It is a perennial plant, which grows to a height of 4-5 feet. The part of the plant, which is used for medicinal purposes, is the dried root or rhizome. This plant is usually found in woody marshes, roadsides and riversides and is found commonly in many parts of Europe. The plant requires moist soil for growth. The root of this plant is mainly used for its antispasmodic properties. It is also used as a carminative and diuretic. This medicinal plant is well known for its tranquilizing effect and it is particularly used for treating patients suffering from nervousness.

Tagara has been use to improve sleep quality in-patients suffering from insomnia due to stress and overstrain. It is widely used as a sedative and hypnotic. It helps to induce sleep and reduces blood pressure. The active ingredient in the root of this plant is valepotriates, which is known to produce a calming effect in patients. This medicinal plant is also used for treating menstrual cramps and pains in women. It is also useful in treating patients suffering from hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome.

Sometimes this drug also acts as a stimulant in cases of Fatigue. This drug is not advisable for patients suffering from liver problems. This plant is also used as an external application for treating eczema , ulcers and other skin diseases.

The roots of this plant are harvested in the autumn season after the leaves fall down and the roots are dried. Care should be taken while drying because excess heat destroys the active ingredients of the root. The root is dried effectively at temperatures around 40 degrees.

Valerian or tagara is the leading tranquilizer product in Europe. It is mainly used for treating nervous headaches, irritability, epilepsy, hysteria, vertigo, and convulsions. Delirium and various other symptoms associated with nervous system. It is also used in treating muscle spasms, stomach cramps, colic spasms, panic attacks, and palpitations. It is very effective in treatment of symptoms associated with emotional stress. The drug is also helpful in treating migraine headaches. This drug acts as a depressant of central nervous system. It acts as a nerve tonic and acts as a nerve relaxant.

Valerian or tagara is also used in treating common colds and fever. It gives a quick overnight remedy for clearing colds and cough. It provides quick relief from fevers associated with cold and helps in expelling phlegm from the chest and throat. It can provide excellent remedy for breathlessness and wheezing. The concoction or tea prepared from this drug is used in treatment of pinworms and tapeworms.

However if this drug is taken in excessive dosage, it may cause side effects like headaches, hallucinations and spasms. This drug should not be taken for more than 2-3 weeks at a time. Prolonged use of this drug may be harmful as it may lead to addiction. Large doses may produce poisoning and extreme high doses may even cause paralysis and weakens the heart

The extracts of this drug is commonly used.2 tsp. of this root powder is mixed in a cup of cold water and allowed to stand for 24 hrs and this mixture is strained and taken before bed time.