Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

The Baldrian is a strongly aromatic plant from the valerian family with umbel-like white to pink inflorescences. The herbaceous plant can reach up to 1.80 m in height. It grows in the temperate zones of the earth.

The Latin name (“valere” = strong, healthy) already indicates the healing power of valerian. Pharmaceutically, the rhizome of the plant is used, which contains essential oil (including valerenic acids), lignans and flavonoids as value-determining ingredients.

Valerian has a calming, sleep-, concentration- and performance-enhancing, decramping and muscle-relaxing effect. Its effectiveness on sleep quality, shortening the time it takes to fall asleep and improving daytime well-being has been proven. However, the medicinal herb is not a sleeping pill, but a “sleep inducer” that can help with restlessness, nervous sleep disorders, mental stress and exam nerves, as well as supportive treatment for irritable bladder. Valerian is also often regarded by the population as an “anxiety reliever”.

Preparations from valerian root are also used in practice for menopausal complaints, hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure.

There is an abundance of different ready-to-use preparations on the market.