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SKU: G31160

• Ultimate Support for Refreshing & Revitalizing Sleep*
• Promotes Restfulness and Support the Body During Occasional Times of Stress*
• Encourages Trophorestoration of the Nerve System*

Valerian 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. It was also referenced as being a sedative, antispasmodic, nervine, and antiseptic. The Native American Cree Tribe was reported to use the indigenous species of Valerian as a chewed poultice applied topically for earaches.*

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 Russia and is included in the World Health Organization's monographs on herbs as well as the German Comission E Monographs.*

The plant contains constituents called valepotriates, isovaltrates, and isovaleric acids known collectively as Valerenic Acids. Most of the clinical data suggests various interactions with benzodiazepam or GABA receptors such as valtrate and dihydrovaltrate. There have been numerous human clinical trials conducted on Valerian and many have shown positive results, and it is sold as an "over the counter" medicine in many European countries.*

More research is needed to determine the exact mechanism of Valerian's therapeutic effects. It should be noted that Valerian in large doses (over 1 gram of Extract) acts differently in different people, and occasionally has the opposite desired effect when used as a "simple" or single remedy. When used in a formula, however, particularly with Hops, rarely do herbalists see its desired actions fail.*

Gaia Herbs grows its own Valerian on its 250 acre certified organic farm in Brevard, NC which is pictured above. Each harvest is conducted at the peak of the plants therapeutic activity as verified by HPLC. The Gaia Lab checks concentration levels 4-6 weeks prior to traditional harvest and has a team of Ph.D’s in Botany, Agronomy, Pharmacy and Natural Products Chemistry committed to maintaining the high standards of quality, purity and concentration Gaia has come to represent to the industry.