Valerian

Used for its sedative and painkilling properties, and as a muscle relaxant and nervine. Valerian can be helpful for conditions such as insomnia, muscle spasms or stiffness, menstrual pain, headaches or other pain, and has been used by some to calm the brain activity associated with epilepsy.

Large or prolonged doses of Valerian can result in depression, nausea, dizziness, and loss of mental clarity.

Some people find that Valerian is too stimulating at first to use as a sleep tonic, or that it leaves a “hangover” feeling in the morning; both of these problems are often resolved by taking Black Cohosh with Valerian.

Also see Northwestern Valerian, available as a Spiritualized Essence for Energetic Balance, a much more balanced type of Valerian, acting to calm with clarity.