Name: Valerian Latin name: Valeriana officinalis Family: Caprifoliaceae Parts Used: Root Taste: Acrid Energetics: Warming Key actions: Sedative, spasmolytic, nervine, anxiolytic, relaxant Precautions/Contraindications: Use caution if taking sedative medication Valerian is probably best known to support a good night’s sleep. She does this, among other things, by relaxing the nervous system and muscular tissue of both the digestive and musculoskeletal systems.*