Valerian real

The true valerian is a permanent, frost-resistant plant species from the genus Valerianaceae within the honeysuckle family (Caprifoliaceae). It grows in large parts of Europe and Western Asia, but also in Siberia, China and Japan. True valerian is a perennial herbaceous plant that reaches a height of 1 to 2 m. Pinnate leaves of about 20 cm length are typical.
The plant blooms from May to July. The strongly sweet-smelling, barely 0.5 cm large flowers are light pink.

The dried valerian root (Valerianae radix) serves as a pharmaceutical drug. Valerianae radix is one of the most widely used herbal sedatives, most often Valerianae radix is used as dry extract. Ingredients are: Valepotriates with the main substance valtrate, the monoterpene alkaloids (see below terpenes) actinidine, chatinidine, valerianine.

The daily dose is 400-600 mg. Valerian also has a calming effect as a bath additive.

1. Behboodi Moghadam Z et al (2016) The effect of Valerian root extract on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. J Tradit Complement Med 6:309-315.
2. Thomas K et al (2016) Effects of valerian on subjective sedation, field sobriety testing and driving simulator performance. Accid Anal Prev 92:240-244.
3. Ross SM (2015) Valerian Root and Lemon Balm Extracts: A Phytomedicine Compound Improves Symptoms of Hyperactivity, Attention Deficits, and Impulsivity in Children. Holist Only Pract 29:391-395.