Valeriana officinalis (Valerianaceae)

VALERIAN, ALL-HEAL

Valerian root is one of the most well-known herbal treatments for all kinds of nervous conditions, such as anxiety. Chinese physicians also give it for traumatic injury, flu, and rheumatism.

Cats are driven into a euphoric frenzy by the smell of valerian root, while the human response is one of sedation and relaxation. In traditional medicine, it was so revered that it was called all-heal and, during the Second World War, both shell-shock and "bombing neurosis" were treated with valerian. The distinctive smell of the herb, which is absent from the fresh plant, arises when the roots are dried. Native to Europe and west Asia but now naturalized in North America, it grows on low-lying sandy meadows and near streams. It is a perennial with a conical rhizome, thick roots, and compound leaves made up of spear-like segments. Small pink to white flowers appear in midsummer, which produce tiny downy seeds that are carried on the wind.

PARTS USED

Root.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

Volatile oil containing valerenic, isovalerenic, and isovaleric acids as a result of the hydrolysis of the valepotriates; iridoid esters known as valepotriates; alkaloids, including actinidine, valerine, valerianine, and chatinine; flavonoids; tannins.

ACTIONS

Sedative; promotes sleep; reduces muscle tension and spasm; lowers blood pressure; mildly increases urine production; expectorant.

MEDICINAL USE

Used internally for anxiety, insomnia, nervous tension and irritable bowel syndrome, and applied locally for muscle spasms and cramping. Chinese physicians prescribe it for flu, rheumatism, insomnia, apprehension, and traumatic injuries.

PREPARATIONS

Tablets, tincture.