common names:

planting:      perennial

traditional uses:  tension, anxiety, insomnia, high blood pressure, muscle cramps and spasms.

parts used:  root

preparations:  capsules, tincture, tablets, tea

taste:  unpleasant; needs to be sweetened or adulterated with flavorful herbs.

precautions:  Do not use if you are pregnant, breast feeding, allergic to valerian, have liver disease or are performing tasks that require alertness (i.e. driving).

side effects:  Allergic reactions, blurred vision, excitability, headache, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, nausea, hallucinations, and possible liver damage.

drug interactions:  Do not take valerian when taking Antabuse (disulfuram), alcohol or other Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants such as Valium.

scientific studies:  The FDA regards valerian as generally safe to use; German E Commission recommends valerian for restlessness & sleep disorders.

dosage:

• Tincture: 1\2 to 1 teaspoonful up to 3 times daily
• Tea:  up to 3 cups per day
• Capsules & tablets:  up to 900 mg at bedtime
• The medicinal constituents of valerian are sensitive to heat.  Cold infuse by placing one teaspoonful of chopped valerian root in 8 oz. of water at room temperature.  Steep overnight and warm lightly - DO NOT BOIL