aka - Capon’s Tail, All-heal, Garden Heliotrope, English Valerian.


Valerian root has been used for many centuries to calm all kinds of nervous disorders. It slows the action of the heart, while increasing its power. Valerian root is primarily a sedative and nervine and is used when sleep disorders are the result of anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion, headache or hysteria. It has been used for these purposes since pre-Christian times and is cited in every pharmacopoeia in the world.
“Nature’s tranquilizer,” Valerian, calms the nerves without the side effects of comparable pharmaceutical drugs. Besides acting upon the circulatory system, it also stimulates secretions and peristalsis in the stomach and intestines. Valerian is recommended in cases of heart palpitations, because it slows down the heart rate while increasing the strength of the beats. It works to calm the nerves and also relieves pain and muscle spasms. Valerian is beneficial for the heart, lungs, liver, and stomach, as well as the nerves and the brain. It may also help with epilepsy, hysteria, migraines, and eliminating worms. Studies have found that Valerian can produce a deep, satisfying sleep similar to some prescription sleep aids. But Valerian has an advantage over these medications in that it does not cause morning grogginess. Valerian is reputed to be safe, and there appear to be no contraindications to its use, even during pregnancy and lactation.