Upon awakening, the patients showed no signs of confusion or stupor or melancholy. In 1979, about 50 preparations on the market in Germany contained Passion Flower - 42 were sedatives, and 6 were cardiotonics. These preparations were recommended for nervous or easily aroused children, cardiovascular neurosis, bronchial asthma, coronary diseases, weak circulation, sleep disorders, problems of concentration in school children, and geriatrics. 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 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.