any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.
a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.
Also called: allheal. any of various Eurasian valerianaceous plants of the genus Valeriana, esp V. officinalis, having small white or pinkish flowers and a medicinal root
a sedative drug made from the dried roots of V. officinalis
1350–1400; Middle English valirian < Medieval Latin valeriāna (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); see -an
Valerian is a plant with tiny white or pink flowers that's commonly used in teas and as a dietary supplement. While some people take valerian to help them sleep, there's no real scientific evidence that it works. Although scientists doubt the sedative effects of the dried valerian plant, it's been used in natural medicine since ancient Greece. Over the years, valerian has been cited as a cure for ailments ranging from liver problems, croup, the plague, and even "envy of the elves"! Today people usually take valerian for sleeplessness or tension, although studies haven't confirmed those effects. While the valerian plant grows pretty little flower clusters, it's considered an invasive weed in much of North America.
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