Native to Europe and the United States, Valerian Root is specifically cultivated in Holland, Germany and England. Valerian is first mentioned in writing from the 9th century in Anglo-Saxon works. Valerian was formerly used as a drug, a spice and a perfume - although it is well known for it's distinct odor of rotten cheese. Though chemically unrelated to Valium, Valerian exerts similar relaxing effects on the body. For centuries, herbalists have been prescribing Valerian for nervous tension and to treat anxiety and stress disorders. Unlike many of the prescriptive drugs used to treat these disorders, Valerian has few side effects and is non-addictive.
