Valeriana officinalis, also known as Common Valerian or Garden Valerian, is a hardy perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. It bears sweetly scented pink or white flowers in the summer months, attracting many fly species. Valerian has been used as a medicinal herb since ancient times, with documented use by Hippocrates and Galen for insomnia and as an antiseptic, anticonvulsant, migraine treatment and pain reliever. Today, it is commonly sold in dietary supplement capsules to promote sleep due to its sedative and anxiolytic effects. Valerian extracts are available in both standardized and unstandardized forms, with standardized products being preferred for their consistent levels of valerenic acid or valeric acid. Due to its potential to produce central nervous system depression, valerian should not be used with other depressants such as ethanol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates or opiates. Valerian root has a similar effect on cats as catnip. Valeriana officinalis is also sometimes considered a weed and can be invasive. Overall, Valeriana officinalis is a versatile and popular choice for those seeking an herbal sleep aid.
