Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Valerian is generally regarded as a warming herb, and is well known as a herbal sedative. Taken over time it is also restorative to the nervous system, so dependency fades away, and this marks it out as being preferable to using pharmaceutical sleeping pills that can be addictive. It is particularly suited to anxious people, and is often used in conjunction with stimulants, such as sage, to treat anxiety with depression. It is also an exceptionally good gastro-intestinal antispasmodic.

Some people have the reverse effect with valerian, and can be unwittingly pushed into a manic state, being unable to sleep. Anecdotally it has been noted that people who are repulsed by the smell are more likely to respond in this way. Although the smell is very distinctive and strong, most people quite like it, or are indifferent. Therefore if you really object to it then it would be best to avoid using it. It has also been observed that people's perception of the smell differs from time to time, so you might find it really helpful one day and so good the next.

Actions

• Anxiolytic
• Antispasmodic
• Sedative
• Nervine
• Hypotensive
• Anodyne

Uses

• Insomnia
• Hypertension
• Anxiety
• Nervousness
• Nervous headache
• Panic attacks with palpitations (especially if combined with hawthorn and motherwort)
• Twitching