Valerian is a relaxant that is not addictive, traditionally it is considered a good remedy for nervousness, insomnia, and body tension. Use the dried, powdered root. It promotes relaxation while counteracting the effects of insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, headaches, pre menstrual syndrome and menstrual cramping.

It is a Powerful Sedative and its synthetic version is called Valium.

Experimental studies have shown that it depresses the central nervous system and relieves muscle spasms. Its sedative action is attributed to a number of chemical fractions, with no single compound emerging as the active principle.

German health authorities allow use of valerian in sedative and sleep-inducing preparations for states of excitation and for difficulty in falling asleep due to nervousness.

It is important to note that the Valerian Root does not work immediately. The noted and esteemed pharmacognosist, Barrow Tyler, reports that the recent German Commission E studies showed that sleep improved over 28 days, not immediately. The authoritative American source on natural products, The Lawrence Review of Natural Products, also states that in a study with 121 persons with serious insomnia, that it took 2-4 weeks to see an improvement. Yet another publication on pharmacist continuing education said that the onset of sleep improvement was approximately 7-10 days from the initial dose before the users reported an improvement in their sleep patterns. Therefore Valerian Root is a long-term solution for insomnia, not a short-term or situational cure.

The German Commission E lists no contraindications or known side effects for this drug.

Valerian should not be used during pregnancy. Excessive doses cause headaches, giddiness, and agitation, proving the maxim that what soothes in small doses stimulates in large ones.