Condition
Treatment Support
nervine
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Valerian
(Valeriana officinalis)
Also know as Garden Valerian
Botanical Information
A perennial garden herb that forms spreading clumps with strongly-scented underground rhizomes and tall flowering stalks with small pink or white flowers.
Working with Valerian
Part(s) Used
Rhizome
Herb Forms
Tincture, capsule, tablet, bulk herb, powder
Known as “the sleep herb,” valerian has been considered an essential herb to calm the nervous system and promote healthy sleep for centuries in European herbalism. In one interesting clinical study, two groups of volunteers were outfitted with motion sensors and recorders attached to their wrists. One group was given a valerian preparation and the other a placebo pill. The next morning, researchers found that the people in the valerian group fell asleep faster and tossed and turned significantly less than those in the placebo group.
Valerian preparations are recommended by herbalists for insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, and emotional upset, as well as for related conditions like nervous digestion and headaches. Other uses include relieving menstrual cramps, reducing heart palpitations (mixed with hawthorn or hops), and treating pain (when combined with chamomile).
Valerian has a taste of SWEET, SPICY and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Some people have reported experiencing an unexpected stimulant effect after taking valerian root extracts. This is much more likely to happen when the product is prepared from old, dry roots and is unlikely with fresh preparations. Some people have reported headaches after taking large doses, but this seems to be a rare, idiosyncratic effect. Depending on the strength of the tincture and sensitivity of the individual, an effective dose for one person might be excessive for another. Do not exceed the recommended dose without professional advice.
Conditions treated with Valerian
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
nervine, calmative
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
nervine, calmative
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
relaxing nervine
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
calmative, mild sedative
Application
tincture (from fresh roots), tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antispasmodic, calmative
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
antispasmodic
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
nervine
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
calmative
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
calmative
Application
tincture of fresh roots, rhizome
Condition
Treatment Support
nervine, calmative
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
