Valerian root

Valerianae radix, valerian root.  

Valerian root, consisting of fresh underground plant parts, or parts carefully dried below 40° C, of the species Valeriana officinalis L.  [Fam.  Valerianaceae], and its preparations in effective dosage.  

The roots contain essential oil with monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (valerenic acids).  Preparations of valerian used therapeutically (infusion, extract, fluidextract, tincture) no longer contain the thermolabile and chemically unstable valepotriates.  

Uses

Restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions.  

Contraindications

None known.  

Side Effects

None known.  

None known.  

Unless otherwise prescribed:

Infusions:

• 2 - 3 g of drug per cup, once to several times per day.  

Tincture:

• - 1 teaspoon (1 - 3 ml), once to several times per day.  

Extracts:

• Amount equivalent to 2 - 3 g of drug, once to several times per day.  

External Use:

• 100 g for one full bath;
• equivalent preparations.  

Internal:

• As expressed juice from fresh plants, tincture, extracts, and other galenical preparations.  

External:

• As a bath additive.  

Sedative
Sleep-promoting