By Ann Lakner, M.D., Ph.D., HFL Solutions.
Valerian is a perennial plant native to North
America and Europe. The extracted root is the portion of the plant used
for medicinal effects.
Historically, valerian’s primary use was as a sedative for the relief
of insomnia, anxiety, mental stress, depression and conditions
associated with pain.
Several recent clinical studies have substantiated this historical use.