valerian

i've got valerian (Valeriana officinalis) growing in the yard so i am starting a valerian tincture today. it is best to use the roots - they have stronger medicine in them - but since i only have one plant - i didn't want to take the chance of killing it by pulling it up, separating the roots and then replanting the rest. so i read that leaves and flowers will also work - just not as strong.

valerian is a central nervous system relaxer. it can induce restful sleep without grogginess the next morning. it is an effective stress reducer, helps with nervous tension, depression, irritability, hysteria, panic and anxiety. it also has real benefits for sciatica, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and peripheral neuropathy, including numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the extremities.