Valerian Effects, Dosage, and Side Effects Baldarian; Garden Heliotrope; Valeriana officinalis; Valeriana sambucifolia; Valeriana wallichi; Valeriane

... Known for its calming effect, valerian is used orally for insomnia and associated conditions such as anxiety-induced headache, nervousness or "nervous" stomach. It is believed that valerian works in ways similar to the prescription drugs in the benzodiazepine class by increasing the body''s supply of a neurotransmitter known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA). Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry messages from nerve cells to other cells. One of GABA''s effects is to regulate nerve cells so they do not activate too often. Both valerian and benzodiazepine drugs may increase GABA production, decrease its re-absorption, and/or interfere with its break down. Unlike benzodiazepines, though, valerian may not have as much residual "hangover" effect on physical or mental functioning. ...

?Valerian (plant) Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae ...