Valériane

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia, used since antiquity for its calming properties. It is primarily the root that is used in herbal medicine, in the form of standardised extracts, powder, or tincture. Its active compounds — valerenic acid, iridoids, and flavonoids — are associated with an action on the central nervous system. Valerian contributes to reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and to improving sleep quality, particularly in cases of temporary stress or mild restlessness. It is also recognised for its role in supporting mental and physical relaxation. Valerian supplementation may be of interest for people prone to difficulty falling asleep or occasional nervous tension. Extracts standardised for valerenic acid offer better consistency of effects compared to non-standardised forms. It is generally well tolerated when used over short to moderate periods.