Valerian is a plant native to Europe (including Britain) and parts of Northern Asia, which is used medicinally and magically (if you are so inclined). There are two species of this plant native to the UK but the genus comprises over 150 species. It is used primarily in the UK as a natural sleep aid and muscle relaxant. When utilised for medical purposes, the valerian used is usually the root stock of "Valerian Officinalis", an inconspicuous little plant with delicate frond-like leaves and a pink/purple flower. The root of the plant also honks... badly. There is no mistaking the smell of valerian root. More about that later... HOW DOES IT ...  Read the complete review

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant which grows up to 1.5 m high. It has pinnate shiny oval leaves and small white or pink flowers in branching clusters during the summer. It grows best in damp very fertile ground with a little shade. I bought a packet Valerian seed with the plan to grow it for planting partly under the trees near my pond, but the seed proved very difficult to germinate. I haven't found it as a young plant for sale in my area, but it's on my list of plants that I look out for and I'm hoping for the pale pink flowered variety. Valerian has a long history of use in treating tension, nervous anxiety, emotional distress, ...  Read the complete review

Valerian was the very first herb I ever tried. I indirectly owe the FDA for this. The US. FDA. (Food and Drug Administration). This fed. govt. agency banned Tryptophan because a contaminated batch caused several dozen people to pass away from a severe muscle disorder. Okay I don't remember the exact number. The important point to be was that the amino acid was banned. I think this was terribly unfair. While I do feel sorry for the families of those affected, even the US Center for Disease Control said it was the contaminant in that one batch and not the substance itself. Call me paranoid but Tryptophan which raises serotonin levels naturally just ...  Read the complete review