Valerian Root

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers. Valerian is a perennial plant that grows to 3 feet and prefers full sun, average to rich well-drained soil and its roots are harvested for medicinal use in the fall of their second year.

Valerian has divided leaves and clusters of small white or pink flowers. It has a massive root system and short rhizomes. The roots are a hairy, spindly mass and are collected in the autumn from two-year-old plants. The name valerian is popularly used for plants of the genus Valeriana and also for other related plants that are cultivated in flower gardens or borders for the numerous small and fragrant blossoms. Other names used for this plant include garden valerian (to distinguish it from other Valeriana species), garden heliotrope (but it is not related to Heliotrope, Heliotropum) and all-heal.

Valerian acts as a pain reliever, antispasmodic, sedative, and carminative. As a mild tranquilizer and sleep aid, valerian may be an 
effective herb for dealing with temporary feelings of anxiety, nervousness or insomnia. Valerian relaxes, treats insomnia, nervous tension and pain, strengthens heart, lower blood pressure, IBS, menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. Taking valerian by mouth may reduce the time it takes for people to fall asleep and may improve sleep quality. Valerian shortens the amount of time it takes to fall asleep as well as improve the quality of sleep that results, by blocking some nerve impulses from reaching the brain.

In the brain, valerian may bind to receptors for a nerve chemical called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Valerian is a popular treatment alternative to benzodiazepines and other commonly prescribed medications for sleep problems because it is considered to be both safe and gentle. Valerian has been found to strengthen the heart and can sometimes reduce high blood pressure, if it is caused by stress and anxiety. Valerian extracts have been widely used to treat epilepsy due to their putative anticonvulsant activity. Valerian preparations have long been used to treat a wide variety of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, colic, stomach cramps, and irritable bowel. Valerian is an emenogogue, it promotes menstruation. It can be used for problems with the female menstrual cycle, particularly scanty periods.