Valerian Herbal Remedies
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.
Valerian Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Valerian Decoction | 1 cup 2-3 x daily |
| Valerian Powder | 1-2 capsules 2-3 x daily |
| Valerian Tincture | 2-5 droppersful 2-3 x daily or before bed |
Valerian Reference Information
| Latin Name | Valeriana officinalis |
| Other Names | Garden Valerian |
| Part Used | Rhizome |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, capsule, tablet, bulk herb, powder. |
| Affects | Digestive system, Nervous system |
| 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 |
| Botanical Info | A perennial garden herb that forms spreading clumps with strongly-scented underground rhizomes and tall flowering stalks with small pink or white flowers. |
Supporting Research
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Reynolds, J., ed. 1993. Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
Bradley, P.R., ed. 1992. British Herbal Compendium. Dorset: British Herbal Medicine Association.
Kuts-Cheraux, A.W., ed. 1953. Naturae Medicina. Des Moines: American Naturopathic Physicians & Surgeons Association.
Remington, J.P. et al. 1918. The Dispensatory of the U.S. of America. 20th. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott.
Sherman, J. 1979. The Complete Botanical Prescriber. Corvallis: Corvallis Naturopathic Clinic.