Valerian Root Extract Cert Organic (Valeriana officinalis; Jie Cao) 1 fl oz: C

Starwest Herbal Fluid Extracts are made to exacting standards, such as those of the German Pharmacopoeia, with a Certified Organic grain alcohol base. Starwest Herbal Extracts are convenient to use, an excellent alternative to herb tea or capsules. Made by a cold process method that extracts the maximum amount of vitamins, minerals, and active constituents of the herb. Our extracts have a herb strength of 1 to 1 and a 30% alcohol content; the fresh extracts are a 1 to 2 ratio with a 50% alcohol content. Our extensive line of herbal extracts are mostly Certified Kosher, including some Fresh, Responsibly Wildcrafted (WC) and many Certified Organic - all grown in compliance with the National Organic Program. The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends Valerian root for 'Restlessness, sleeping disorders based on nervous conditions.' 'Dosage: Unless otherwise prescribed: Infusions: 2 - 3 g of drug per cup, once to several times per day. Tincture: ½ - 1 teaspoon (1 - 3 ml), once to several times per day. Extracts: Amount equivalent to 2 - 3 g of drug, once to several times per day. External Use: 100 g for one full bath; equivalent preparations. Mode of Administration: Internal: As expressed juice from fresh plants, tincture, extracts, and other galenical preparations. External: As a bath additive. Actions: Sedative: Sleep-promoting' The World Health Organization also recommends Valerian as a mild sedative, pain-reliever and sleep-promoting agent. Valerian root contains many constituents, including essential oils that appear to contribute to the herb's sedating qualities. Contemporary clinical studies have demonstrated that Valerian significantly improves sleep quality without morning grogginess. Regular, moderate use produces neither dependency nor health risks. Valerian was included in many editions of the United States Dispensatory (Merck) since 1849, which reported the herb's effect on the nervous system and its ability to produce drowsiness and sleep. Various valerian species are still included in the pharmacopoeiae of many nations including Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The United States Pharmacopeial Convention has accepted a valerian monograph for inclusion in the National Formulary (Pharmacopeial Forum, 1998). It is widely used as a sedative and antispasmodic in the United States. Valerian preparations appear to be candidates for safe and effective nonaddictive alternatives to conventional sleep medications. Valerian roots contain several compounds with demonstrable pharmacological activity. Valerian analyses have primarily focused on the essential oil, valerenic acid and valepotriates. In the United States, the essential oil and valerenic acid are commonly used as marker compounds for qualitative and quantitative analysis of valerian root and valerian products. Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal':