Valerian, a perennial plant, grows in the United States, Northern Asia, and Europe and has been around since the Ancient Greeks. Even then, it was used medicinally, and in the case of the Greeks, they used it to treat digestive problems, nervous system disorders, and as a sleep aid. The root of the valerian is where all the benefits are held. It produces two substances that are considered to be the active ingredients. They are the isovaleric acid and valerenic acid and can be found inside of the volatile oils found inside of the root. Studied extensively in past years, these are what are responsible for the ability to relax the central nervous system and aid in the induction of a good night’s sleep.

For insomnia it has long been used because it can decrease the amount of time it takes a person to fall asleep. Because it has this relaxing property it is also used to combat stress and treat anxiety disorders. It is the sedative effect that provides that feeling of calm and is regularly used as a tranquilizer. Because of this reason as well, it can be used for many things like tension headaches and muscular pain as well because it relaxes the body and can alleviate some of the pain involved with both ailments. What is so great about valerian is that unlike prescription tranquilizers it has very few side effects. It also does not produce the groggy feeling that is often associated with prescription tranquilizers, and it is not addictive so there is no worry that you will get hooked.

The average person should only take up to 15 grams as it is very powerful. By taking it an hour before bedtime it can induce sleep without knocking you out right away. The one thing to consider is that valerian can act as a diuretic which means that you may need to wake up during the night to urinate if you are already prone to doing this.