Valerian

Action and Therapy. Valerian is a good cerebral and spinal stimulant. It also stimulates the gastro-intestinal secretions and favors digestion, unless given in too large doses or too long continued. It is one of the best of calmatives for that collective condition termed “nervousness”.

Therapy. This agent has long been known as a nervine. It is gentle and soothing in its influence upon the nervous system, especially upon the spinal centers. It is applicable in the nervousness of depression because of its gentle stimulating influence, and in these cases its influence is heightened by combining it with stimulants.

Properties and Uses. This root is largely relaxant and moderately stimulant; somewhat diffusive in action, but impregnating the juices and eructations of the stomach for many hours; and apparently is absorbed, inasmuch as its repeated use will impart the valerianic odor to the breath.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. Alterative, diaphoretic, and astringent. A warm infusion of the root will, it is said, produce copious perspiration, and has been found serviceable in pleurisy, febrile and inflammatory diseases. The tincture, made of whiskey, in doses of from 1 to 2 fluid ounces, 2 or 3 times a day, has been found valuable in scrofulous diseases, and other chronic diseases where an alterative is indicated. The infusion is recommended in the bites of venomous snakes and insects, and in bowel complaints requiring the use of astringents. Reported to have cured consumption, but these cases were probably of severe bronchorrhoea. Useful in bronchial and laryngeal affections. The plant deserves investigation.