Latin Name: Valeriana officinalis

Parts Used: Root, rhizome.

Properties: Anodyne, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Carminative, Muscle Relaxant, Nervine, Sedative.

Internal Uses: Relaxes Muscles and Spasms, Anxiety, Convulsions, Delirium, Dysmenorrhoea, Epilepsy, Headache, Hyperactivity, Hypertension from stress, Hysteria, Insomnia, Irritable Bowel, Migraine, Muscle Soreness, Nervous Breakdown, Nervousness, Neuralgia, Pain, PMS, Restlessness, Shingles, Shock, Stress, Tranquilizer Addiction, Trauma, Vertigo

Topical Uses: Rheumatism, Muscle Soreness and Shingles.

Topical Applications: Use as a poultice on painful areas in the body, and as a bath herb for rheumatic pain.

Energetics: Pungent, Bitter, Warm, Dry.

Organ: Liver, Heart.

Contraindications: Large doses can cause some people to feel depressed, nauseous, headachy and lethargic. Overdose can result in blurred vision, erratic heart beat, headache, nausea, restlessness, visual illusions and spasmodic movements. Very large doses may cause bradycardia and arrhythmias, and decrease intestinal motility. Some individuals, especially those already overheated, may find Valerian stimulating rather than sedating.

• Do not use for long periods of time.
• Do not take during pregnancy.
• Not for people with very low blood pressure, hypoglycaemia or liver problems.

Interactions: Do not take if taking CNS depressants, alcohol, barbiturates or benzodiazepines.

Growth and Harvest: Moist soil in sun or shade. Roots and rhizomes are lifted in the second year after the leaves have dried off.