Valerian Root is a native plant of Europe and Asia. Valerian Root is also found in North America. In Ancient times Valerian was used for liver problems, nausea and insomnia. Valerian was also used for it's calming effect on the nervous system or stress related anxiety.

During World War II, Valerian was used in England to relieve the stress of air raids. Although Valerian has been used for distress, ADHD and sleep disorders, scientific evidence is not sufficient to support the use of Valerian for these conditions. Valerian has been on the US Food and Drug Administrations list of "Generally regarded as safe."

Valerian is not as potent as pharmaceutical sedatives. However, it has worked for me. When I have those sleepless nights where my mind won't shut down enough to rest. I take 500 mg, one hour before bedtime. I wake up refreshed. On stressful day's or if I am agitated, I will take a smaller dose to produce a calming effect. Valerian can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules or an herbal tea.