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What's valerian root used for? The ancient Greeks and Romans used valerian root to treat: Nausea Gas Heart pulsings Urinary tract infections Insomnia The German tribes believed it could tame the wildest of animals. They also hung it outside their homes to frighten witches and devils. Hertha, a Teutonic witch-goddess, rode a deer crowned with hops and used a stem of valerian as a lash. During the Middle Ages, astrological botanist Nicholas Culpeper simmered valerian root with raisins, licorice, and aniseed. He used the tonic to cure bubonic plague and chest congestion. In 1620, valerian root was carried to North America on the Mayflower. During World War I and II, it was used to reduce stress caused by air attacks. It was also mixed with hops and kava-kava to treat shell-shocked frontline troops. HOW DOES IT WORK? It is a powerful herb used since ancient times to help people relax and fall asleep. Valerian works by acting on the GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid) receptors in your brain to induce relaxation, making it an ideal supplement for those with anxiety or insomnia who want to sleep better at night. The active compounds in valerian plants are called valepotriates, which act as sedatives at low doses and stimulants at higher doses. Valerian Uses & Effectiveness Consuming valerian root extract 300-600 mg by mouth daily appears to improve sleep quality. It is possibly effective for treating Insomnia symptoms. For notice effects, continue its usage for up to 4 weeks. There is welfare in consuming valerian for several other purposes, but it requires more reliable data to say whether it could help. It's generally used in various products containing other soothing herbs, such as hops, passion flowers, and lemon balms.