Valerian, a hardy perennial flowering plant with sweetly smelling pink or white flowers, grows in large parts of Europe and Asia and also now grows naturally in parts of the United States. Other common names for valerian include: garden valerian, and garden heliotrope (no relation to Heliotrope - Heliotropum). Valerian is also known by various folk names: Red Valerian, English Valerian, Vandal Root, All-Heal, Caopn's Trailer, St. George's Herb, Bloody Butcher, Sets Wale, Fragrant Valerian, Amantilla, Cat's Valerian, Set Well, and Phu. The main components used for medicinal purposes are the roots, rhizomes (underground stems) and stolons (horizontal stems). Commonly harvested in September, the dried roots may be used to make teas and tinctures, while the dried plant materials commonly find their way into capsules or tablets. There is reference to the use of valerian as a medicinal herb as far back as the time of ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates wrote of its therapeutic uses and, in the 2nd century, Galen prescribed valerian for insomnia. In the 16th century saw it used to treat nervousness, trembling, headaches, and heart palpitations. In the mid-19th century, many people considered valerian a stimulant that caused some of the same complaints it is thought to treat and held it in low esteem as a medicinal herb. During The Second World War the British used it to relieve the stress of air raids. Unlike several other natural herbal sleep aids, to gain the benefits of valerian you should use it on a regular basis, with the full effects heightening over time. Results ought to appear after about a month and regular use helps to promote deep relaxation and sleep. Several different studies suggest valerian as by far the best natural solution for insomnia and general sleeplessness. Though commonly prescribed as a calming sleep aid, valerian can also play a useful part in treating anxiety-related sleep problems. Unlike other commonly prescribed sleep medications, valerian is not toxic, doesn't impair your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery and doesn't heighten the effects of alcohol. | 
