Valerian Root - Powder

Contrary to popular myth, the modern drug Valium is not derived from valerian, and there is no relationship at all between them. Valerian root does, however, have a long history of use as a sedative in Western Europe, dating back to the time of Hippocrates, (ca. 460-377 B.C). Originally native to Europe and parts of Asia but now common throughout North America, in the U.S. valerian root is widely used in sleep aids and sedatives in various forms including teas, tablets, and capsules. Often, valerian is combined with other herbs traditionally known to promote sleep including hops, passionflower, lemon balm, chamomile, and lavender. The root must be dried at temperatures below 105 degrees F (40 degrees C) for its medicinally active compounds to form. Anyone who has experienced the unpleasant “dirty socks” odor of the roots would be surprised to learn that the pink or white flowers of this long-stemmed perennial are actually quite fragrant, and were used as a perfume in the 16th century. Ancient medical texts acknowledge the odor of the root by calling the plant phu. In teas, valerian tastes sweet and spicy if somewhat bitter.