# Valerian

## Remedy Classification
- **Type:** Herbal Remedy
- **Alternative Names:** Valeriana officinalis, Valerian
- **Miasm:** Psoric Miasm
- **Temperament:** Neutral
- **Aggravation Time:** Neutral/Anytime

## Keynote Indications
Key Actions: Antispasmodic, Mild.
Parts Used: Root.

## Modalities (Aggravations / Ameliorations)
Cautions: Can cause drowsiness, for.

## Symptoms by System

### Stomach & Abdomen
- Primarily used as a stress-reliever, valerian (Valeriana officinalis) soothes nervous tension and anxiety.
- Its antispasmodic action works well in muscle pains and digestive cramps.
- Part used Root Key actions Antispasmodic • Mild analgesic • Mild bitter • Tranquillizer Anxiety, nervous tension Safe and non- addictive, valerian helps in easing anxiety symptoms such as tension headache, palpitations, and tensed muscles.
- Take valerian on its own or in combination with herbs such as oat straw (Avena sativa) or skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora).
- For nervous palpitations, combine it with limeflower (Tilia spp.).
- People vary in their response to valerian – some feel sedated even with a low dose, but for a few it produces a stimulant effect.
- Start with a low dose and build up.
- Valerian is usually best taken in small frequent doses through the day .
- medicinAl uses Valerian Valeriana officinalis Used wherever nervous tension, overactivity , or an inability to relax are present, valerian’s gently sedative action helps to soothe and slow a nervous system that is beginning to spin out of control.
- It is one of the first herbs to consider when a remedy is needed to ease anxiety and panic attacks.
- key information sAfety ★ ★ ★ ★ trAditionAl use ★ ★ ★ ★ reseArch ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩ best tAKen As Tablet ✓✓✓ Capsule ✓✓✓ Tincture ✓✓ dosAge B (see pp.44–45) often used with Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).
- cAutions Can cause drowsiness, for example, when driving or using machinery.
- Rarely, can cause headache or gastrointestinal upset, or worsen anxiety/insomnia.
- See also pp.42–51.
- Poor sleep A key remedy in many herbal sleep preparations, valerian can prove valuable when sleep is disturbed due to worry or overwork.
- Combined with St.
- John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), it improves sleep quality and eases anxiety and depression.
- other uses A good antispasmodic, valerian can relieve muscle pain and tension in menstrual cramps, rheumatic aches, and irritable bowel syndrome.
- Native to Europe and northern Asia, valerian grows in the wild in damp conditions.
- Its name is thought to be derived from the Latin valere, which means “to be well.” frEsh root A–z o F heRbAl ReMedIeS driEd root root calms anxiety 240