Valerian presents a fascinating paradox. It is both one of the most established remedies in modern medicine (it was the first drug ever to get an official monograph across the member states of Europe, ahead even of aspirin) yet its mechanism of action is still unknown. Today it is generally viewed primarily as a mild sedative, but in antiquity, it had a much more rounded application, including a reputation as a general tonic. (The name valerian comes from the Latin word valere, meaning “to be strong, powerful, healthy.”) Modern human studies of variable quality suggest that valerian may help with insomnia and improve overall sleep quality (particularly in poor sleepers), relieve tension, and support relaxation. Sedative, anxiety-relieving, antispasmodic, stimulant, and vasodilator effects have been shown in animal studies. However, there is no consensus about the mechanism of action, the active principles of the herb, or the extent to which these are affected by drying and storage.