Valeriana – Valeriana officinalis
In folk medicine, the medicinal plant has been used for centuries to relieve muscle spasms. However, it was only later that doctors discovered its calming and sleep-inducing properties. Today, valerian is the epitome of herbal sedatives.
Sleep tight
Fields of application
The effect of valerian cannot be attributed to a single active ingredient. Rather, it is the combination of various substances such as essential oils, small amounts of valepotriates, as well as three cyclopentane sesquiterpenes and alkaloids. Valerian root improves the time it takes to fall asleep and the quality of sleep without a ‘hangover’ the following day. Since valerian does not make you sleepy per se, but has a calming and anxiety-relieving effect, it is used for nervous sleep disorders, irritability and states of tension such as exam nerves. To promote sleep, valerian is taken before going to bed and over a longer period of time.
Botanical characteristics
Medicinal valerian belongs to the valerian family and is a perennial plant. Originally from Europe and Asia, the shrub grows up to two metres high and small white-pink flowers grow at the tips. However, the ingredients that give the plant its healing powers are found underground. September is the best time to dig for valerian roots. After harvesting, they are washed and the root hairs are removed. The roots are then dried.
