This plant is native to Europe but was readily cultivated in North America in the early 19th century. Every eclectic medical text consulted listed this plant as a “cerebral stimulant” when used as a "simple" or single herb administration. It was also referenced as being a sedative, antispasmodic, nervine, and antiseptic. The Native American Cree Tribe was reported to use the indigenous species of Valerian as a chewed poultice applied topically for earaches. The preparation of the fluid extract from the rhizome was official in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1820-1936 and in the National Formulary from 1888-1946. It is still used to promote healthy sleep in many European Countries, North America, and The Soviet Union and is included in the World Health Organizations monographs on herbs as well as the German Comission E Monographs.

Specific Medication and Specific Medicines
John M. Scudder, MD 1870

King’s American Dispensatory by, Harvey Wickes Felter, MD and John Uri Lloyd, Phr.M. Ph.D. 1898

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy by Finley Ellingwood MD; 1922.

Native American Ethnobotany, Moerman DE, Portalnd, OR 1998. Timber Press.

Structure Function Claims

Promotes Calmness and Support During Occasional Times of Stress.

Promotes Restfulness and Supports the Body During Occasional Times of Stress.

Promotes Restfulness and Supports the Body During Occasional Times of Sleeplessness.
Mechanism of Theraputic Action

The plant contains constituents called valepotriates, isovaltrates, and isovaleric acids known collectively as Valerenic Acids. Most of the clinical data suggests various interactions with benzodiazepam or GABA receptors such as valtrate and dihydrovaltrate. There have been numerous human clinical trials conducted on Valerian and many have shown positive results. It is sold as an "over the counter" medicine in many European countries. More research is needed to determine the exact mechanism of Valerians therapeutic effects. It should be noted that in some people Valerian in large doses (over 1 gram of Extract) acts differently, in fact occasionally has the opposite desired effect which was eluded to in the above discussion as it was referenced in the eclectic useage as a "simple" or single remedy. When used in a formula particularly with Hops, rarely do herbalists see its desired actions fail.

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Sincerely & Best in Health to You & Yours..
Dr.Scott

www.drspines.com