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.
Affects
Valerian has been used since antiquity as a healing herb to help relieve digestive problems, and from the middle ages to help relieve emotional stress, sleeplessness, nervousness, menstrual and intestinal cramps, and muscle pain. A wealth of clinical studies support the sleep-promoting and central nervous-system relaxing qualities of this popular herb. In earlier times, valerian was touted for its diuretic and expectorant properties.
Valerian has a taste of SWEET, SPICY and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Long-term use may cause minor side effects such as headaches, excitability, and insomnia. Valerian is not as effective for people with deficiency and internal heat, with such symptoms as mild anxiety, sleeplessness, depression, fatigue, or general weakne
