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.
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
Conditions treated with Valerian
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
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Condition
Treatment Support
nervine, calmative
Application
tincture, capsule, tablet
Condition
Treatment Support
nervine, calmative
Application
tincture, tablet, capsule
Condition
Treatment Support
calmative, mild sedative
Application
tincture (from fresh roots), tea
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.