My girlfriend needed an alternative to anxiolitic medications such as Ativan. I suggested she try Valerian. She has taken quite a liking to it.
As a responsible boyfriend and shaman, I’ve started enjoying it as well, though less frequently than she. I don’t need it always in me, just when dealing with stress, when it gets me the most loaded. Some call it “Natural Valium” and I can see why, as it feels very similar in many ways. I’d say that Valerian lets one function more than Valium however, in other words you can remain more yourself instead of just getting out of it and acting dumb. It can induce sleep, but not necessarily. The first night I took it, I felt so good that it made me feel wired. I felt like doing all these cool things, but not like actually doing them. I could not move! That seems to lessen after a few uses however as the body acclimates. Valerian potentiates GABA which does not seem surprising. It will also give a false positive for benzodiazepam on most drug tests. Amazing!
As with all herbs, you have to get the good stuff. People will try something from Wal-mart, and assume that it doesn’t work and that herbs suck. I guarantee, that if you get some good Valerian, that you will feel it! Just remember to go to the bathroom.
