Valarian Root
Valeriana officinalis
$3.94 per Ounce
History: Valerian Root has been used medicinally for over 2000 years in both Europe and Asia as a sedative and cure for insomnia. Pedanius Dioscorides, a Greek physician, described the healing abilities of the root as early as 40 AD; while Hippocrates, the Greek physician who is known as the father of modern medicine, prescribed Valerian Root to Alexander the Great. Valerian Root eventually came to North American as a transplant and has since been used by many Native American Indian tribes. The Blackfoot Indians used Valerian to treat stomach problems, and the Hompson Indians of western Canada used it to treat cuts and wounds.
Modern Use: The Commission E approved the internal use of valerian for restlessness and sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions. Valerian has been reported to relieve pain, reduce spasms, and stimulate appetite.
The World Health Organization notes the following uses for valerian that are supported by clinical data: mild sedative and sleep-promoting agent, often used as a milder alternative or a possible substitute for stronger synthetic sedatives, e.g., benzodiazepines, in the treatment of states of nervous excitation and anxiety-induced sleep disturbances.
Uses: relief of tension, insomnia, cramps, depression
Active Ingredients: valerianic acid, isovlerianic acid borneol, pinene, camphene, volatile alkaloids
Actions: sedative, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, hypotensive, carminative, aromatic, nervine
Complementary Herbs: Skullcap, Passion Flower, Hops, Cramp Bark