[EXPECT TYPOS! Note: medical claims are referenced, but I have deleted the refs.]
From _The New Age Herbalist_, consultant editor Richard Mabey (5 others listed), A Gaia Original, Collier Books, Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1988.
Family: Valerianaceae
Valeriana Officinalis
Valerian (All-heal, setwall)
Height 8 ins-5 ft (20 cm--1.5 m)
Part used: Root.
Constituents: Valepotriates (including valtrate and didovaltrate), glycoside (valerosidatum); volatile oil (up to 2%) containing esters of acetic, butyric and isovalerianic acid, giving valerian's characteristic smell; the oil also contains limonene, a sesquiterpene, calerian camphor, alkaloids, chatinine, valerianine, actinidine, and valerine, choline, tannins, resins.
Main uses: Medical: Nervous tension, insomnia, headaches.
The valepotriates in this plant are thought mainly responsible for its sedative effect on the central nervous system. One study shows valerian to be sedative for agitated patients, while it stimulates someone who is suffering from fatigue. Valerian is an excellent remedy for anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia. It is good for treating headaches too. Valerian also has a strengthening action on the heart) good for palpitations) and experiments indicate that it lowers blood pressure. The valepotriates are antispasmodic and valerian is a useful remedy for nervous dyspepsia, stomach cramps, and for a spastic or irritable bowel. It is also an effective treatment for menstrual cramps. Tincture of valerian is reported to clear dandruff.
CAUTION: Use only as prescribed by a qualified practitioner as valerian may cause headaches, muscular spasm, and palpitations. Avoid large doses and prolonged use.
My comments:
I have no experience with this herb.
This book is open-minded and "pro" herb use. So if it says "caution" PLEASE take it seriously. There are professionals that are experienced with herbal remedies, please seek one out and ask her/him *if* valerian is indicated and what dosages may be.
In my opinion, the wrong way to use herbs is (like in Western Medicine) to treat symptoms (with large amounts of strong "medicine"). Valerian *might* be good for occasional insomnia but if you have chronic insomnia, you must treat the cause (whatever that may be).
(posted to rec.food.veg 9/24/91)
