History
The sedative effects of valerian have been recognised for thousands of years, its use dating back to ancient Greece. It is a widely used herb across the globe, being popular in European herbal medicine for the past 500 years. Valerian was used centuries ago by the Ancient Romans and Greeks as a sleeping aid. It has been used to encourage relaxation and a restful sleep.
General Science
Valerian is used in traditional western herbal medicine for its calming and sedative properties, assisting with sleeplessness, mild nerve tension and restlessness. Scientific evidence supports the use of valerian to aid mind relaxation, reduce the time to fall asleep and promote healthy sleeping patterns.