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Valerian [Valeriana officinalis]

Valerian is one of the three sisters of sleep (amongst hops and passionflower).

For centuries, the roots have been used for anxiety, depression, sleep aid, and menstrual and stomach cramps.

Valerian contains a substance known as valerenic acid that is believed to affect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. One of the purposes of GABA is to control fear or anxiety experienced when nerve cells are overexcited.

By doing so, Valerian can act as a mild sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing drug).

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