The dried rhizome and roots of Valeriana officinalis. The active principles are a volatile oil and valerianic acid. The latter is found in many other plants, in cod-liver oil, and may be derived from amylic alcohol.

Valerian is a carminative, circulatory stimulant, and antispasmodic. In nervous cases it sometimes acts successfully as an hypnotic. Large doses (ʒ ii.-iv.) may cause nausea, vomiting, and colic, a quickened pulse, and a feeling of formication in hands and feet.

Preparations

Tinctura Valerianae. Tincture Of Valerian

Strength 20%. Average dose, ʒ 1.-4 mils.

Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata. Ammoniated Tincture Of Valerian

Strength 20%. Average dose,  xxx.-2 mils.

Fluidextractum Valerianae. Not Official. Fluidextract Of Valerian

Dose, ʒ i. (4 mils.)