What is Valerian

green valerian

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae (unranked) Angiosperms (unranked): Eudicots (unranked): Asterids Order: Dipsacales Family: Valerianaceae Genus: Valeriana Species: V. officinalis

Other names: All-heal, Amantilla, Setwall, Setewale, Capon's Tail, Valeriana officinalis

    Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia. It grows to up to four feet high and has trumpet-shaped flowers. The roots are used medicinally. Although the fresh root is relatively odorless, the dried root has a strong odor that many find unpleasant.

red valerian    Valerian is believed to have been used since at least the time of ancient Greece and Rome. It was used as a folk remedy for a variety of conditions such as sleeping problems, digestive complaints, nervousness, trembling, tension headaches and heart palpitations. Valerian's popularity waned with the introduction of prescription sleep medication.

    There is no consensus on what the active constituents of valerian are. It's possible that valerian's activity may result from a combination of compounds rather than any one. Valerian appears to increase the body's available supply of the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), possibly by increasing its production, decreasing its absorption or slowing its breakdown.