Origin. - The dried rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis L., an herbaceous perennial 2 to 4 feet (0.6-1.2 M.) high, a native of Europe, and cultivated to some extent in New England and New York.

Description and Properties. - The rhizome varies in length between 1/2 and 1 1/4 inches (1-3 Cm.), and has nearly an equal diameter, thick, upright, subglobu-lar or obconical, truncate at both ends, brown or yellowish-brown, internally whitish or pale-brownish, with a narrow circle of white wood under the thin bark. Roots numerous, slender, brittle, brown, with a thick bark and slender, ligneous cord. Odor peculiar, becoming stronger and unpleasant on keeping; taste camphoraceous and somewhat bitter.

Valerian contains valerianic and other acids and a volatile oil.

Dose. - 15-60 grains (1.0-4.0 Gm.) [30 grains (2 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Fluidextractum Valerianae - Fluidextracti Valerianae - Fluidextract of Valerian. - Dose, 15-60 minims (1.0-4.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Tinctura Valerianae - Tincturae Valerianae - Tincture of Valerian (20 per cent.). - Dose, 1-2 fluidrams (4.0-8.0 Cc.) [1 fluidram (4 Cc), U. S. P.].

Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata - Tincturae Valerianae Ammoniatae - Am-moniated Tincture of Valerian (20 per cent.). - Dose, 30-60 minims (2.0-4.0 Cc.) [30 minims (2 Cc), U. S. P.].