Valerian root powder (Valeriana officinalis) is a primary sedative and is used when sleep disorders are the result of anxiety, nervousness, exhaustion, headache or hysteria. Dubbed “nature’s tranquilizer,” valerian calms the nerves without the side effects of comparable synthethic drugs and also relieves pain and spasms. Valerian is suggested for cases of heart palpitation, because it slows down the heart rate while increasing the strength of the beats. Besides acting upon the circulatory system, it stimulates secretion and peristalsis of the stomach and intestines.