Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Valerian

This plant is native to Europe but was readily cultivated in North America in the early 19th century. Every eclectic medical text consulted listed this plant as a “cerebral stimulant” when used as a simple or single herb administration. The preparation of the fluid extract from the rhizome was official in the United States Pharmacopeia from 1820-1936 and in the National Formulary from 1888-1946. It is still used to promote healthy sleep in many European Countries, North America, and The Soviet Union and is included in the World Health Organizations monographs on herbs as well as the German Comission E Monographs.