A few years ago, Italian researchers demonstrated moderate analgesic activity in this herb. The oil contributes substantially to the calming and soothing of tense nerves and muscles. In China, Rosemary leaf is used as an analgesic, muscle stimulant, headache remedy and anti-malarial. The vertical rhizome and attached rootlets are harvested in the autumn of the second year's growth. These plant parts possess an unpleasant aroma due to the contained volatile oils.
Valerian root is one of the most studied plants.
These effects result from a selective neurotropic action of the root on higher brain centers. The herb's primary functional effect is to suppress and regulate the autonomic nervous system as a primary sedative. As a result, it has been found effective in treating psychosomatic diseases and childhood behavioral disorders that involve dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. Valerian extracts are currently used in scores of compounds and teas in Europe. Valerian is perhaps best characterized as a minor tranquilizer when administered in the form of a tea, a tincture or an extract.