Valerian: Nature’s Valium

For panic attacks in progress, or to help prevent attacks when you feel vulnerable, take a few capsules of the herb valerian root (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian root is nourishing and soothing to the nervous system and can ease hysteria. It contains calcium and magnesium and calms without the sedative side effects of prescription drugs. The energetics of valerian seem to work best on folks who are in a “cold” condition, which means that they might look pale, have cold extremities, or feel clammy to the touch. This herb also has been used in folk medicine to promote sleep. As a sleep aid try two to three capsules before bed. In northern England, the dried root is added to meats as a preservative. To obtain the best medicinal effects from valerian, it should be dried because it gets stronger with age.