Valeriana, or valerian root as it is called in Swedish, is one perennial herb that grows widely in Europe and Asia. In Sweden, it is mainly found in southern part of the country, in damp places. Valerian is the best documented and most widely used herb for sleep disorders. It also has a long folk tradition and was already used in ancient Greece and Roman Empire. The herb has long been used in Swedish folk and school medicine as well sedatives and sleeping pills. Valerian's calming effect will help you if you suffer from mild anxiety and sleep problems.
Studies on both humans and animals have shown that valerian has a mild sedative effect. Several studies show that valerian can make us fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. In a multicenter study of 11,000 people experienced roughly 70 percent effect. But there are also studies that don't demonstrated effect. Unlike common sleep medications, valerian is not habit-forming and usually does not produce a day-after effect, as it has a short half-life in the body. Some studies also show anxiety- and stress-relieving effects, something you can also benefit from during the day. Valerian is sold both pure and together with other calming herbs, to for example hops or lemon balm. Due to the sedative effect, it is not recommended who took valerian to drive afterwards. According to studies, valerian affects i normal doses don't knock you out the next day like traditional sleep medications can.