Overview Valerian is a traditional herb used to ease pain, improve sleep, digestion, anxiety, and headaches. Valerian may increase the body’s available supply of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that eases physical tension and stress. Natural Factors Valerian Root 4:1 extract contains the equivalent of 1200 mg dried root per capsule. Medicinal Ingredients Each Capsule Contains: Valerian 4:1 Extract (Valeriana officinalis) (root) 300 mg (Standardized to 0.8% Valerenic acids) (Equivalent to 1200 mg dried root) Non-Medicinal Ingredients Rice starch, gelatin capsule (gelatin, purified water), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant), silica. Suggested Use Valerian root is used to help promote sleep. Advanced Info Before over-the-counter medications were available, valerian was used by herbalists to ease pain. The valpotriates in valerian act as muscle relaxants, making it useful for painful spasms and menstrual cramps. But researchers have discovered a number of other factors responsible for valerian's relaxing, sedative and analgesic effect: valeric acid, volatile oils, choline, flavonoids, sterols, and alkaloids. "Valerian root has been used for centuries to calm upset nerves, treat mood problems, pain and headache. In medieval times, valerian was so popular it became known as "all-heal." It is currently one of the most popular orthodox antispasmodic medications in Russia and Germany."