Valerian

Although valerian grows wild all over Europe, most valerian used for medicinal extracts are cultivated. The root is used.

In what conditions might valerian be supportive?

• anxiety
• dysmenorrhea
• insomnia

Historical or traditional use: The Greek physician Dioscorides recommended valerian for a host of medical problems, including digestive problems, nausea, liver problems, and even urinary tract disorders.

Use of valerian for insomnia and nervous conditions has been common for many centuries. By the eighteenth century, it was an accepted sedative and was also used for nervous disorders associated with a restless digestive tract. Active constituents: Valerian root contains many different constituents including essential oils that appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors. Valerian may weakly bind to these receptors to exert a sedating effect.