Valerian
(Valeriana Officinalis)
What is it?
Valerian, which has a long tradition of use as a sedative, is native to Europe and North America. It acts as a sedative and tranquilliser, relieves anxiety, lowers blood pressure, enhances the flow of bile and relaxes intestinal and other smooth muscles.
What it does in the body
Valerian is mainly used to treat insomnia. It decreases the time taken to go to sleep and improves sleep quality and length.
Cautions
Valerian may cause morning sleepiness in some people. Rarely, some people may be stimulated by valerian.