Above ground, the plant is attractive physically and aromatically, but below the surface, where the medicine lies, the roots have an earthy, disagreeable smell and taste. It's known that valerian sedates, quiets the central nervous system, and minimizes muscle spasms-just like pharmaceutical tranquilizers.

Valerian can also help with, Acne, depression, nervous tension, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, gum disease, hypochondria, intestinal disease, hysteria, migraine, and inflammation.